Brioche Swirls with Cinnamon Pastry Cream and Vanilla Glaze
Soft, buttery brioche dough is filled with a rich cinnamon pastry cream, baked into swirls, and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze for a delightful dessert. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 120 minutes layers all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, warm (110°F) whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup, warm (110°F) whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp, softened unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup pastry cream (prepared)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp whole milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp granulated sugar in 1/2 cup warm whole milk (110°F). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and fragrant.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture, 3 large eggs, and 6 tbsp softened unsalted butter. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread 1 cup prepared pastry cream evenly over the dough, then sprinkle 1 tbsp ground cinnamon on top.
- Step 4: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice into 12 equal 1-inch thick swirls. Place swirls cut side up in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leaving space between each.
- Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp whole milk until smooth. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm swirls. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brioche Swirls with Cinnamon Pastry Cream and Vanilla Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 120 minutes (90 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Brioche Swirls with Cinnamon Pastry Cream and Vanilla Glaze?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brioche Swirls with Cinnamon Pastry Cream and Vanilla Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Brioche Swirls with Cinnamon Pastry Cream and Vanilla Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Brioche Swirls with Cinnamon Pastry Cream and Vanilla Glaze?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
