When I first stumbled upon the recipe for Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns, I was instantly captivated. The thought of soft, fluffy brioche filled with luscious lemon curd made my mouth water. It took me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air and every bite was a slice of joy. I remember those sunny afternoons spent with her, learning the art of baking. We would giggle and talk about everything while we kneaded the dough, and the anticipation of tasting our creations was always worth the wait.

The Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns are not just a recipe; they are a celebration of flavors and memories. Each bite is a delightful combination of tenderness and zestiness, making them a perfect treat for special occasions or a simple afternoon snack. The way the sweet and tangy lemon curd oozes out when you take a bite is simply irresistible. It’s a recipe that brings together friends and family, sparking conversations and laughter as everyone enjoys these little pockets of happiness.

I’ve made these buns for brunch gatherings, tea parties, and even as a surprise treat for my kids after school. No matter the occasion, they’ve always been a hit. The joy of seeing those happy faces as they indulge in the soft, buttery texture and the vibrant flavor of lemon fills my heart with warmth. If you’re looking for something to brighten your day or impress your guests, the Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns are the way to go.

So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create some beautiful memories together!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
280 kcal

Protein:
6 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
9 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl

Why This Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns Hits Different

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

The Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns are incredibly soft and fluffy, making them a delight with every bite.

Fresh Ingredients

This recipe uses fresh ingredients, bringing out the natural flavors of the lemon and the richness of the butter, resulting in a heavenly treat.

Versatile Treat

They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon snack or an elegant brunch, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.

Easy to Make

While they may look fancy, the Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns are surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers.

Family Bonding

Baking these buns can be a fun family activity, bringing everyone together to enjoy the process and the delicious results.

Ingredients Required for Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns

Creating the Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns requires a harmony of ingredients that work together beautifully. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. The key players include rich butter, fresh lemon, and quality flour. Together, they create a light, airy bun with a delightful zing from the lemon curd filling.

2 cups (254 grams) white bread flour – This flour provides the structure and elasticity necessary for making fluffy brioche.
1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the buns, balancing the sweetness.
2¼ teaspoons (7 grams) instant yeast – Helps the dough rise, creating that soft texture.
1 tablespoon (12 grams) granulated sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
½ cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature – Adds moisture and richness to the buns.
1 large egg (50 grams), room temperature, plus one for egg wash – Eggs enrich the dough, leading to a soft and tender bun.
3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature – The fat in butter gives the brioche its characteristic richness.
6 tablespoons (120 grams) lemon curd – Provides a tangy, sweet filling that complements the brioche perfectly.
1½ cups (180 grams) confectioners’ sugar – Used in the icing to add sweetness and a beautiful finish.
2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, very soft – Ensures smooth and spreadable icing.
Pinch kosher salt – Boosts the overall flavor of the icing.
2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice – Adds to the tanginess of the icing.
Zest of ½ lemon – Enhances the lemon flavor for the icing.

How to Assemble Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns

Making the Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns is a delightful process. You’ll be rewarded with soft, fluffy buns that are bursting with flavor. Let’s get started!

For small-batch brioche: Add the flour, salt, yeast, and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, and mix together briefly to combine. Add the milk and 1 egg, and mix to form a shaggy dough.
On medium-low speed, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. With the mixer still running, add the butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue kneading until the dough is once again smooth and silky, up to 10 minutes more.
Turn the dough out onto the work surface, and form into a smooth round. Place the ball of dough into a lightly greased bowl, and cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Line a large baking pan with a piece of parchment paper. Lightly punch down the dough. Divide into 6 evenly sized pieces of dough, and roll each into a smooth round. Press each ball of dough into a 3-inch/7.5cm disc, and place on the baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). Brush each bun with beaten egg. Bake the buns for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove and set aside until fully cooled.
Using a chopstick, poke a hole in the top of the buns, wiggling around slightly to make a little room for the filling. Scrape the lemon curd into a piping bag fitted with a small round piping tip, and pipe about 1 tablespoon (20 grams) curd into each bun.
For lemon icing: Add all the ingredients except the lemon zest to a bowl, and beat together until smooth. Spoon a little icing onto each bun, and spread on the top of the buns, finishing with a light sprinkling of lemon zest. Best served the day they’re baked.

Things Worth Knowing

Perfect Temperature: Make sure your ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better mixing.
Rise Time: If your kitchen is a bit cold, allow for extra time for the dough to rise; it should double in size.
Don’t Overmix: Once the flour is incorporated, avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and airy.
Filling Options: While lemon curd is delightful, feel free to experiment with other fillings like fruit jams or chocolate.

Helpful Hints

Making the perfect Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns comes with some handy tips to ensure your baking experience is enjoyable and successful.

Storage: Keep leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked dough balls. Just let them rise and bake fresh buns whenever you want.
Pairing: These buns pair excellently with a cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon treat.
Variations: Consider adding a touch of cardamom or nutmeg to the dough for a unique flavor twist.
Presentation: For a beautiful finish, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Accompaniments for Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns

Serving your Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns can be a delightful affair, and there are many ways to make it special.

Breakfast Treat: Serve these buns warm for breakfast alongside fresh fruit or yogurt.
Brunch Favorite: They make a fabulous addition to brunch tables, paired with light salads and sparkling beverages.
Tea Time: Consider them as a lovely tea-time treat, best enjoyed with a cup of herbal tea or a light white wine.
Holiday Baking: Perfect for spring celebrations like Easter, these buns encapsulate the flavors of the season.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, wrap them well and store in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and rise before baking. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns whenever you want without the hassle of starting from scratch.

If lemon curd isn’t your thing, you can try using fruit jams like raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a simple whipped cream or custard can also work well. Just ensure that whatever filling you choose complements the soft, rich texture of the brioche.

The dough should double in size during the rising process. A good indicator is if you gently press your finger into the dough and it leaves an indentation that doesn’t spring back. This means it’s ready for the next step, ensuring your Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns will be light and fluffy.

Yes, you can freeze the Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns. It’s best to freeze them after they’ve cooled down. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Stuffed Lemon Brioche Buns are a delightful treat that combines the softness of brioche with the bright flavor of lemon. This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of cherished moments spent baking with family. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share these delicious buns with your loved ones. They’re not just food; they’re a way to create memories and share joy.