Introduction
Extra Fluffy Raisins and Cranberries Swirled Brioche is a delightful and indulgent bread that combines the rich.
buttery flavor of classic brioche with the sweetness and tanginess of raisins and cranberries. This fluffy, soft bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
The combination of fruits inside creates a delicious burst of sweetness, making every bite an enjoyable experience.
Ingredients
To make this Extra Fluffy Raisins and Cranberries Swirled Brioche, you will need the following ingredients
Ingredients
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
½ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup raisins
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup warm water (for soaking the raisins and cranberries)
1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
Begin by activating the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Create a well in the center and add the eggs, milk, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir the ingredients together until they form a dough.
Once the dough begins to come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Gradually add the softened butter, a little bit at a time, and continue kneading until fully incorporated.
The dough will be sticky at first but will become more manageable as the butter is worked in.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
While the dough is rising, soak the raisins and dried cranberries in a bit of warm water to plump them up.
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle.
Sprinkle the plumped raisins and cranberries evenly over the surface of the dough. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and roll it up tightly, creating a swirl pattern.
Transfer the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
Once the dough has risen and is puffed up, place it in the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow the brioche to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. Slice it once it has cooled down slightly, and enjoy the fluffy, fruity swirls of goodness.
How to Make
Start by activating the yeast, as this step is crucial to ensure the brioche rises properly. Stir the yeast into warm water along.
with a pinch of sugar to give it something to feed on, and let it sit until it’s bubbly. This will give the brioche that light, airy texture we all love.
Once the yeast is ready, combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the center and add the eggs, milk, and yeast mixture.
Stir everything together until a dough starts to form. At this point, you may need to knead the dough a bit to bring it all together. Use your hands to work the dough into a smooth ball.
Now, the kneading begins. Knead the dough for a good 8-10 minutes to develop its elasticity. It may seem sticky at first but that’s okay.
Add small chunks of softened butter one at a time during the kneading process. This will create a rich, buttery texture that makes brioche so irresistible.
Once the dough is kneaded, cover it and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This may take an hour or more, depending on the temperature of the room.
While the dough is rising, soak your raisins and cranberries in warm water to soften them. This ensures they stay juicy inside the brioche once baked.
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle.
Then, sprinkle your plumped-up raisins and cranberries evenly over the dough. Carefully fold the dough over the fruits, creating a tight roll. The swirl pattern will form as you roll it up.
Let the dough rise in the loaf pan for a second time. This is when the dough will puff up even more, and the sweet smell starts to fill your kitchen.
Preheat your oven and once it’s ready, bake the brioche until it’s golden and cooked through. The smell of baking brioche will make the wait well worth it.
Tips
For a softer and fluffier brioche, make sure your butter is softened, not melted, when adding it to the dough. This helps create the smooth, rich texture typical of brioche bread.
Be patient during the rising process. The dough needs time to develop its structure, so let it rise fully before you proceed to the next step.
If you’re in a hurry, you can place the dough in a slightly warm oven to speed up the rising process.
When rolling the dough, make sure to evenly distribute the raisins and cranberries. You don’t want too many clumped.
together in one spot, as this could lead to uneven swirls. Spread the fruits as evenly as possible for that perfect, consistent swirl.
For a more decadent touch, brush the top of the brioche with a bit of melted butter just before baking. This will give the finished loaf a beautiful golden sheen and enhance the flavor.
If you want to customize this brioche, try adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced twist.
These warm flavors pair wonderfully with the sweet raisins and cranberries.
To prevent the dough from sticking, be sure to flour your rolling surface lightly. Additionally, you can use parchment paper in your loaf pan to make sure the brioche comes out easily once baked.
Finally, if you want your brioche to be extra soft, consider covering it with a kitchen towel while it cools. This helps maintain moisture, preventing the bread from drying out.
Conclusion
Extra Fluffy Raisins and Cranberries Swirled Brioche is the perfect treat for anyone who enjoys fresh, homemade bread.
It combines the comforting flavors of buttery brioche with the fruity sweetness of raisins and cranberries.
Every bite is a delightful experience, offering both a tender crumb and a hint of tangy fruit.
This recipe might take some time to prepare, but the end result is a truly satisfying bread that’s ideal for sharing.
with friends and family or enjoying all on your own. The soft texture, fruity swirls, and rich flavor make it a baking project worth undertaking.