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    Home » Ingredients » Bread

    March 2, 2012 Bread

    Marbled Chocolate Brioche Loaf

    Well, hello gorgeous bread! Say good morning to one of the fluffiest breads I’ve EVER baked!

    chocolate-marbled-brioche-loaf-9
    This was a big bread baking job. Not big in the sense that it was impossible. It was big in the sense that the recipe has many steps. I had to keep referring to the recipe and make sure I was on the right line and that I didn't skip a step. It takes focus and an immense desire.


    It requires an immense desire to eat some fabulous homebaked bread! I think we all have that desire. The time part is what’s more difficult to get.

    Set aside some good baking time to conquer this recipe.

    I had to make sure I didn’t skip a step or do a step before it was supposed to be done. It had to be done perfectly and not in a rush. I also tried to wash my hands between steps to try to document some of the baking steps. The preparation photos are messy and full of flour, but you can see how it was really like putting this delicious bread together. Sometimes it's a big sticky mess!

    If you like butter and you like bread and you like fluffy, buttery breads...you have to try this recipe! 
    My super fabulous friend Lisa Parsley, Sage, Desserts & Line Drives is hosting this month’s Bread Baking Day, a challenge created by Zorra of 1x Umruhren Bitten, that I participated in at Christmas time with my Pandolce Genovese.  BBD #47 is all about Bread & Chocolate. I was dreaming of chocolate brioche that Zio Antonio makes in Aosta at his pastry shops. My first idea was to bake a sweet cream Italian chocolate loaf. I wasn’t satisfied with the recipe and need to tweak it a little. Next on my list of what to bake was this Marbled Chocolate Brioche Loaf in Nick Malgieri’s The Modern Baker. I’ve been wanting to bake this bread for quite a while. 
    chocolate-marbled-brioche-loaf-2

    The work put into this bread reminds me of the cinnamon pull apart bread I made. Man, that was another amazing bread and now I want to make it again! Nick Malgieri has you put this together using a food processor. I have to admit, this was a first for me. It’s messy and it sort of gets complicated dealing with an extremely sharp blade covered with a sticky dough. But hey, no injuries and my food processor still works like a charm! I prefer to mix dough in my Kitchenaid mixer. Don’t rush while making the dough and just watch your fingers when you’re dealing with the blade.

    chocolate-marbled-brioche-loaf-7
    chocolate-marbled-brioche-loaf-8
    chocolate-marbled-brioche-loaf-3

    I would also like to send these to the lovely Susan of Wild Yeast, for Yeastspotting, to her weekly event highlighting all things yeast. 
    This recipe could not be done with any interruptions or distractions. Set aside some good baking time to conquer this recipe. It’s buttery and wonderful. The texture is fluffy and delicate. The house smells incredible when it’s baking and stays smelling wonderful for the rest of the day.  It's so nice to come home to the scent of cinnamon, chocolate, and lemon in the late afternoon. The only complaint my daughter had was that it does not have a chocolatey enough flavor. For the rest of us, it was the perfect flavor and this is one of my favorite bread recipes. Here's the recipe for Nick Malgieri's Marbled Chocolate Brioche Loaf.
    Marbled Chocolate Brioche Loaf 
     The Modern Baker by Nick Malgieri (C) 2008
    Bread dough

    1/2 cup whole milk
    2 1/2 teaspoon (1 envelope) rapid rise dry yeast
    2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    7 tablespoons unsalted cold butter
    1/4 cup white granulated sugar
    1/2 teaspoon sea salt
    1 large egg
    2 large egg yolks
    2 teaspoons finely grated lemon or orange zest
    1 tablespoon light rum (or dark rum)

    Chocolate Enrichment
    40 g (1 1/2 oz) dark chocolate (I used 4 tbsp of dark chocolate chips)
    1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1 tablespoon water
    3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    Before Baking:
    1 tablespoon room temperature butter to spread on the loaf
    Special equipment: A food processor

    1. Prepare a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan by greasing it generously with butter and lining the bottom of the pan with either parchment paper or wax paper.

    2. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until lukewarm (about 110˚F). In a small bowl, whisk together the yeast and lukewarm milk. With a large spatula (or spoon), stir in 1 cup of the all-purpose flour (you’ll have 1 1/2 cups of flour left) . You will have a very sticky ball. Scrape whatever dough is left off of your spoon or spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rise for about 20 minutes. This mixture will become a little bubbly and rise just a bit.

    3. After the 20 minutes of waiting for the flour mixture to rise, cut the butter into 1/2 inch chunks and place it in the food processor bowl with the sugar, salt, egg, egg yolk, lemon (or orange zest) and rum. Pulse about 5-7 times, or until the butter has been processed into the liquid. The mixture may look a bit separated-not a problem-it will come together when you add the flour).

    4. With a spatula, scrape out the sticky dough to the wet ingredients in the food processor and pulse until the liquid is incorporated into the dough. Dump in  the remaining 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour to the bowl and process until you get a smooth mixture; about 8-10 times. Leave the lid of processor on and let this dough rest for 10 minutes.

    5. While it’s resting, place the chocolate in a medium bowl and place on top of a sauce pan with simmer water. Stir until melted. (If you prefer to melt the chocolate in a microwave, go ahead. I don’t own a microwave.) Set the chocolate aside to cool. DSCN0489

    6. After 10 minutes, pulse the dough in the processor 10 times and then dump the dough onto a floured surface. Fold and gently knead the dough 5 or 6 times, adding pinches of flour if needed, to get an elastic dough. Give your chocolate a stir.

    7. Divide the dough in 3 pieces and place one of the pieces of dough in the food processor, while covering the other two with a towel or plastic wrap. DSCN0491

    The Chocolate Part:.

    8. Add baking soda, cinnamon, and water to the melted chocolate and stir to incorporate. Spoon out the chocolate mixture into the food processor bowl and pulse it together with the one piece of dough that was already in it about 3-4 times to incorporated. Add the 3 tablespoons of flour and pulse until it is smooth.
    DSCN0492

    9. Carefully scrape the chocolate mixture out of the processor onto a floured surface and knead, adding pinches of flour if necessary, until it becomes slightly more elastic.
    DSCN0493

    10. On a floured cutting board, press the chocolate dough into a 7” square. Uncover the other two doughs and press those into 7” squares as well. Make a sandwich with the doughs placing the chocolate dough in between the two white doughs.

    DSCN0494

    11. Cut the dough sandwich into three even pieces (the stacking doesn’t have to be precise. some of my chocolate middle was sticking out and that’s ok).

    DSCN0495

    12. Cut 1/3 of the dough into 1/2 inch strips. Repeat with the other strips of dough.

    DSCN0496

    13. Carefully scoop up the dough and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle about a teaspoon of water over the dough strips and  gently toss the dough together like you’re mixing  a salad. Once the dough is moist and slightly sticky, gather the dough up and press and squeeze the dough into a solid ball. This is the part where you have to be careful. It is one big sticky mess. *Here is where I added a few pinches of flour to the dough so I could make it into a nice ball of dough. It doesn’t matter where the chocolate is ending up while you form this ball of dough. You just don’t want it to be sticky and you don’t want to form it for too long.  Then flat the ball into a thick 4 x 8 inch rectangle. Place in the prepared loaf pan and gently press down to fill the pan completely. Cover with buttered plastic wrap.
    DSCN0497
    DSCN0498

    14. Gently form the ball on top of a floured surface into 4 x 8 inch rectangle. Place in the prepared loaf pan and gently press down to fill the pan completely. Gently pat a little softened butter on top of the loaf. Spray plastic wrap with non-stick spray and place on top of the loaf. 
    DSCN0499

    15. Let the dough rise for about 2 hours, or until the loaf has risen about an inch above the loaf pan. About 15 minutes before the loaf is completely risen preheat the oven to 350˚F.
    DSCN0500

    16. Holy DOUGH! Look how this rose! Let the dough rise for about 2 hours, or until the loaf has risen about an inch above the loaf pan. This is what my dough looked like at exactly 2 hours.  About 15 minutes before the loaf is completely risen preheat the oven to 350˚F.

    DSCN0501

    17. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven until the top of the loaf is deep golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, and then unmold while still warm, and put on a cooling rack sideways so it doesn’t become a hard bread.

    Enjoy with a nice cup of tea or coffee. Happy baking!:)

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lizzy says

      March 02, 2012 at 5:43 pm

      SO beautiful, Lora!!! I'd love a nice, thick slice 🙂

      Reply
    2. RavieNomNoms says

      March 02, 2012 at 5:48 pm

      Oh this look so amazing!! I love the marble!

      Reply
    3. Cake says

      March 02, 2012 at 5:58 pm

      I kind of have a love affair with brioche. Now you've gone and added chocolate. My little heart might explode with desire. Gorgeous bread, Lora!

      Reply
    4. Choc Chip Uru says

      March 02, 2012 at 7:07 pm

      This bread looks beautiful - you obviously worked hard to get wonderful results 😀
      Great post!

      Cheers
      Choc Chip Uru
      Latest: Reese's Stuffed Peanut M&Ms Peanut Butter Giant Cookie

      Reply
    5. Kiri W. says

      March 02, 2012 at 7:10 pm

      How interesting! I have never had marbled bread, but since I kill for marbled cake, I am sure I'd love this.

      Reply
    6. Anonymous says

      March 02, 2012 at 7:29 pm

      looks tasteful i would like to try that
      text for free at
      http://textme4free.com/

      Reply
    7. Cassie/Bake Your Day says

      March 02, 2012 at 7:45 pm

      Marbled chocolate brioche? I didn't know brioche could get any better. Amazing!

      Reply
    8. Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says

      March 02, 2012 at 10:58 pm

      Oh my word I want to eat this entire loaf. It looks ammmmazzzing! 🙂

      Reply
    9. Karen says

      March 03, 2012 at 12:54 am

      I was full from dinner but not anymore! Your wonderful pictures actually makes it seem doable, ��

      Reply
    10. Paula says

      March 03, 2012 at 1:38 am

      Oh my goodness this looks so buttery and delicious! Is it at all possible to make this by hand? I don't own a food processor but I really would like to try and make this.

      Reply
    11. Chloe@EveryCraving says

      March 03, 2012 at 2:58 am

      I love marble bread! I'm definitely gonna make this soon. Looks delicious 🙂

      Reply
    12. Kim Bee says

      March 03, 2012 at 6:45 am

      This looks divine. I am in love with this recipe. Fluffy bread, heck yah!

      Reply
    13. Food Processor says

      March 03, 2012 at 6:51 am

      yummy!!I getting hungry to see this recipe.Really loving it!!

      Reply
    14. Andrew's Mom says

      March 03, 2012 at 1:29 pm

      Oh this looks so good - bread is on my bucket list this year! Jenny

      Reply
    15. Jamie says

      March 03, 2012 at 3:05 pm

      WOW!!! Stunning! Gorgeous! I want!!! I have to get one of his books, I do. Meanwhile I so want to try this bread...although I would have to do it by hand. Perfect, Lora!

      Reply
    16. Daisy@Nevertoosweet says

      March 03, 2012 at 3:55 pm

      This is amazing!!! I can just imagine how FLUFFY it must be 🙂 YUM ~

      But wow...there are a lot of steps to make this brioche loaf! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    17. Maureen says

      March 03, 2012 at 3:55 pm

      Lora, that's a gorgeous loaf of bread and I'm adding it to my "to bake" list! near the top too! 🙂

      Reply
    18. Angie's Recipes says

      March 03, 2012 at 6:57 pm

      A really cool chocolate marbled bread!

      Reply
    19. Marnely Rodriguez-Murray says

      March 03, 2012 at 8:47 pm

      bread dough makes me just want to make a huge bread dough bed and sleep on it! soooo soft! your dough looks amazing!

      Reply
    20. Susan Lindquist says

      March 03, 2012 at 9:30 pm

      Wow! I am totally impressed by this brioche! I think I MUST try it! You did such a good job on it!

      Reply
    21. Barbara | Creative Culinary says

      March 03, 2012 at 9:54 pm

      Oh this is just downright torture for me it looks so amazing Lora. I'm not sure I have the patience right now but I have to come back to this bread and give it a try one day.

      Reply
    22. Sue says

      March 04, 2012 at 7:50 am

      What I wouldn't give for a slice of that bread right now:) It's a beauty!

      Reply
    23. Heather says

      March 04, 2012 at 12:28 pm

      A lot of work but it looks delicious. I am so pleased to have a food processor recipe for brioche as I don't want to overwork my new Kitchen Aid.

      Reply
    24. Lisa says

      March 04, 2012 at 2:34 pm

      Look at the rise on that baby! It's beautiful, Lora, and I'm SO SO glad you submitted it to my BBD. People are going to go nuts over it. 4 people who saw the round-up in my drafts last night, went gaga for it.

      As for YA love stories, nooo, I could never fictionalize to that extent. Just journaling a memory 🙂

      Reply
    25. Monet says

      March 04, 2012 at 3:27 pm

      Look at that lovely bread! I think brioche breads are one of my favorites...such a lovely rise and such amazing flavor. Thank you for sharing with me, sweet girl. I hope you are doing well.

      Reply
    26. Chef Mireille says

      March 04, 2012 at 5:04 pm

      looks perfect..delicious recipe..I am definitely saving this one

      Mireille
      http://gourmetglobal.blogspot.com

      Reply
    27. Shulie says

      March 05, 2012 at 12:26 am

      Love Yeast marbled bread Lora. This looks delicious and I love the method very different than any chocolate in a bread that I bake! 🙂

      Reply
    28. Amy says

      March 05, 2012 at 3:01 am

      Now this is a special brioche! It is beautiful, and I love the idea of marbling! I wish I could enjoy a slice of this tonight!

      Reply
    29. Kristina says

      March 05, 2012 at 4:15 pm

      I love brioche, and have always wanted to attempt it. I may as well go ahead and make this my first attempt... looks amazing!

      Reply
    30. Gingered Whisk says

      March 05, 2012 at 7:35 pm

      This bread looks amazing!! I have been wanting to try brioche, I will have to give this recipe a try! 🙂

      Reply
    31. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

      March 06, 2012 at 11:08 am

      Oh goodness that looks and sounds heavenly!

      Reply
    32. Chic & Gorgeous Treats says

      March 10, 2012 at 3:27 am

      I love a good brioche, and have not tried a marbled brioche before. It looks so good that I really could just eat it on it's own. You know, I never quite know how bake the marble effect and now I know. I love all the step by step photos and instruction here. Now I can make myself a delicious brioche. oOO, might stash some aside, so I could make Chocolate Vanilla Bread pudding ;p. xoxo

      Reply
    33. Peggy says

      March 16, 2012 at 6:58 pm

      What a gorgeous load of bread! It looks perfect =)

      Reply

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    Welcome to our Italian kitchen! We are Lora and Gabriella, the mother-daughter team behind Savoring Italy. With more than 30+ years of experience in the kitchen, Lora has had a great advantage – receiving guidance from both her husband who is an executive chef/restaurant owner and her mother who is a renowned private chef. 

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