If you’re dreaming of a showstopping breakfast or a sweet, bakery-worthy treat for your next brunch, the Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf is your answer. Imagine buttery, pillowy-soft brioche layered with ribbons of vibrant raspberry jam and, for extra bursts of flavor, juicy real berries—all twisted into a mesmerizing swirl. Whether you savor it warm from the oven or enjoy it toasted the next day, this loaf promises delight in every slice and is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the elegance of Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf fool you — the ingredient list is totally approachable, and each element is purposeful. From rich dairy to seasonal raspberries, everything here plays its part to create a loaf that’s golden, tender, and packed with fragrant berry flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the loaf, giving your brioche its structure and signature pillowy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the dough without overdoing it, letting the berries shine.
- Active dry yeast: Our secret to all that lovely, lofty rise; look for bubbles to ensure your yeast is still active.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! Salt brings out the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs: These create richness and that luxurious brioche texture you’ll crave in every bite.
- Whole milk, warmed: Coaxes the yeast to life and keeps the crumb soft and tender.
- Unsalted butter, softened and cubed: Butter is what makes brioche so heavenly—add it bit by bit for the perfect dough.
- Raspberry preserves or jam: The star of the show! Use your favorite high-quality preserves or homemade for extra zing.
- Fresh raspberries (optional): For juicy bursts that make every swirl pop with color and flavor, especially when in season.
- Egg (for egg wash): It gives the loaf that irresistible golden, shiny crust.
- Water: Just a splash to help the egg wash do its magic.
How to Make Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and warmed milk, creating a silky blend. With your mixer running on low, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry, allowing everything to combine into a shaggy dough. This early stage sets the foundation for that bouncy yet delicate crumb that makes a Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf so irresistible.
Step 2: Knead and Enrich
Once your dough comes together, nudge up the mixer speed and knead for 2 to 3 minutes. Now, for the real magic: gradually add the softened, cubed butter. Take your time here, adding just a few cubes at a time, so each addition fully blends in. Knead for another 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is glossy, perfectly smooth, and undeniably elastic—exactly what you want for your Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it snugly, and let it rise in a warm, cozy spot. In about 1 to 2 hours, it should double in size. This patient wait is worth it; you’re building that airy, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that will set your loaf apart!
Step 4: Fill and Shape the Swirl
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to a generous 9×15-inch rectangle. Smear the raspberry preserves evenly, leaving a small border along the edges. If you’ve got fresh raspberries, scatter them on for bold, juicy pops. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side into a log, then slice the log lengthwise to reveal those gorgeous layers. Twist the two halves together, with the cut sides facing up, and gently place the braid into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let it rise again, covered, for another 45 to 60 minutes.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
While your Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf is on its final rise, preheat your oven to 350°F. Whisk together the final egg and water for the egg wash and brush it over the top for a shiny finish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes: your kitchen will fill with the kind of buttery, sweet aroma that makes everyone wander in. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling—if you can wait that long before diving in!
How to Serve Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf
Garnishes
For a truly bakery-worthy presentation, dust the cooled loaf with powdered sugar or brush with warm simple syrup for a glossy sheen. A handful of fresh raspberries or a scatter of lemon zest on top can add extra color and a hint of tartness, making each slice look even more irresistible and festive.
Side Dishes
The Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf pairs beautifully with a dollop of crème fraîche, a drizzle of honey, or a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt. To turn breakfast into a mini-feast, serve slices alongside crisp bacon or a fresh fruit salad for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make this loaf the centerpiece of a brunch? Slice it thick and serve on a wooden board with fresh berries and small bowls of softened butter and jam. You can even cut extra-loaf portions into cubes for a stunning bread pudding or make the fanciest French toast you’ve ever had. However you present it, this Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf is sure to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, staying pillow-soft and flavorful. For longer storage, pop it in the refrigerator, where it’ll last up to 5 days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This loaf freezes beautifully! Once fully cooled, slice or leave it whole and wrap snugly in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature while still wrapped to prevent condensation from making the crust soggy.
Reheating
If you love your brioche gently warmed, simply pop a slice in the toaster for a minute or two. You can also reheat several slices at once in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes. The heat revives the buttery crumb and coaxes those raspberry swirls to life again.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of berry or preserve?
Absolutely! While raspberry is classic, feel free to swap in strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot preserves. A mix of berries can offer lovely complexity and a vibrant appearance, making your Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf uniquely yours every time.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this loaf?
A stand mixer makes the job easier, especially when it comes to incorporating butter and kneading, but you can absolutely make this by hand. It may take some extra elbow grease, but the results will still be delicious, with a little extra satisfaction for your effort!
Why is my brioche dough so sticky?
Brioche dough is meant to be a bit sticky at first due to all the butter and eggs, but don’t worry! As you knead, it will become smooth and elastic. If it’s unbearably sticky, lightly oil your hands or add just a tablespoon of extra flour at a time.
How can I tell if my Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf is done baking?
The loaf should be deeply golden on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped. For extra confidence, an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register 190°F. Letting it cool in the pan briefly also helps it finish setting up nicely.
Can I prep Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf the night before?
Absolutely! After shaping and placing the loaf in the pan, cover it and refrigerate overnight. The slow, cold rise develops even more flavor. In the morning, let it come to room temperature and finish rising before baking as directed.
Final Thoughts
Baking your own Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf at home is a joyful experience from start to finish, and the payoff is every bit as enchanting as you’d hope. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a sweet snack, or as a gift for friends, this loaf is sure to bring a touch of bakery magic (and a whole lot of smiles) to your table. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and buttery goodness of a Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf with a beautifully twisted raspberry filling. This homemade brioche bread is a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Brioche Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and cubed
Filling and Topping:
- 3/4 cup raspberry preserves or jam
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Brioche Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and warm milk. With the mixer on low, gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Mix until combined, then increase speed to medium and knead for 2–3 minutes. Add the softened butter a few cubes at a time, allowing each addition to incorporate fully. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Filling and Shaping: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 9×15-inch rectangle. Spread raspberry preserves evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle fresh raspberries if using. Roll the dough into a log, slice lengthwise, twist the halves together, and place in a loaf pan. Let rise again.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with egg wash. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade raspberry preserves.
- Swap raspberries for strawberries or blueberries if preferred.
- For a glossy finish, brush the baked loaf with warm simple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
