Soft, buttery, and layered with a sweet raspberry swirl, this brioche loaf is just as stunning as it is delicious. The rich dough is fluffy and tender with a hint of sweetness, while the raspberry filling brings a burst of fruity flavor and a vibrant pop of color in every slice. To keep the process simple and beginner-friendly, I used an easy brioche dough and a quick homemade raspberry filling. As the loaf bakes, the golden crust forms beautifully, and the kitchen fills with the warm scent of sweet bread and berries.
Slicing into the loaf reveals delicate, airy layers ribboned with glossy raspberry swirls that make it feel bakery-worthy. Each bite is soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced with the tangy raspberry filling. It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and you can enjoy it plain, lightly toasted with butter, or even as decadent French toast. This loaf is beautiful enough to impress guests but simple enough to make at home anytime.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This brioche loaf is soft, light, and loaded with a gorgeous raspberry swirl that turns every slice into something special. The dough is rich yet easy to handle, and the filling takes just minutes to make.
You can also swap the raspberry filling for other flavors like blueberry, strawberry, or even chocolate for a fun twist. Perfect for brunches, holidays, weekend baking, or gifting to someone special.
Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Raspberry Swirl Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Brioche Dough
In a small bowl, mix warm milk and yeast, then let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, milk mixture, and butter. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
2. Make the Raspberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat until thick and glossy, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
3. Shape the Loaf
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle. Spread raspberry filling evenly, then roll it tightly into a log. Slice the log in half lengthwise and twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides up for a pretty swirl effect.
4. Second Rise
Place the twisted loaf into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top with egg wash and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Let the loaf cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, at room temperature, or lightly toasted with butter.
Raspberry Swirl Brioche Loaf
Ingredients
For the Brioche Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk warmed
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
For the Raspberry Swirl Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Make brioche dough and let rise until doubled.
- Cook raspberry filling until thick and glossy, then cool.
- Roll dough, spread filling, and twist into a loaf.
- Let rise again, brush with egg wash, and bake golden.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy warm or toasted.
Tips & Variations
- Extra fruity: Mix in a spoonful of raspberry jam for a sweeter swirl.
- Citrus boost: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for brightness.
- Nutty touch: Sprinkle sliced almonds or pistachios inside the filling.
- Glazed finish: Drizzle a simple sugar glaze over the baked loaf for shine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices warm with butter, alongside tea or coffee, or turn leftovers into next-level French toast. This loaf also makes a gorgeous centerpiece for brunch spreads and holiday tables.
Final Thoughts
This raspberry swirl brioche loaf is soft, buttery, and full of flavor with its vibrant berry ribbon running through every slice. It feels like something you’d buy at a bakery, but the simple steps make it perfect for home bakers of any level. It’s a beautiful way to elevate weekend baking and a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
