Healthy Chocolate-Filled Brioche Wreaths: A Delicious Whole Wheat Pastry
3 hours 30 minutes
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About Healthy Chocolate-Filled Brioche Wreaths: A Delicious Whole Wheat Pastry
Imagine biting into a warm, chocolate-filled brioche wreath with a delicate crispness and a surprisingly light crumb. These Healthy Chocolate-Filled Brioche Wreaths offer a guilt-free indulgence, a delightful twist on a classic French pastry made with wholesome whole wheat flour.The secret? Cinnamon-spiced applesauce creates a lighter dough, while a rich dark chocolate, sweetened with cane sugar, melts in your mouth with every bite. A sprinkle of seeds adds a satisfying crunch and a boost of nutrition.Perfect for a weekend brunch, an afternoon treat, or an elegant dessert, these beautiful wreaths are as versatile as they are delicious.
Recipe Time & More
Prep3 hours
Cook30 minutes
Total3 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour whole
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Active Yeast dry
- 1/4 cup Applesauce
- 3 tbsp Water plus more as needed
Chocolate Filling
- 1 cup Chocolate Chunks 75% cocoa, dark
- 3 tbsp Chocolate Chips dark
- 1 tsp Sunflower Oil
- 1/4 cup Cane Sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast. This allows the yeast to proof, ensuring a light and airy brioche.
- Whisk the yeast mixture until well combined and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and applesauce to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- If the dough seems too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the brioche its structure.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with cling film and let rise in a warm place for 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the chocolate filling. In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the dark chocolate chunks and chocolate chips with the sunflower oil, stirring occasionally until smooth.
- Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the cane sugar. Set aside to cool.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half.
- On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one portion of dough into a rectangle.
- Spread half of the cooled chocolate filling evenly over the rectangle, leaving a 2 cm border along one long edge.
- Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise into two halves, leaving about 3 cm uncut at the top.
- Twist the two halves together to create a wreath shape, pinching the ends together to seal.
- Carefully transfer the wreath to a greased baking sheet. Repeat steps 11-15 with the remaining dough and filling.
- Cover the wreaths with cling film and let rise for another 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Remove the cling film and brush the wreaths with milk. Sprinkle with mixed seeds.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter. Let cool slightly before serving.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For an extra glossy finish, brush the wreaths with a little plant-based milk mixed with maple syrup right before baking. This enhances browning and adds subtle sweetness without extra fat.
- If you prefer a nutty twist, sprinkle a handful of roasted chopped hazelnuts or almonds over the chocolate filling before shaping the wreaths.
- For a festive presentation, dust the cooled wreaths lightly with cacao powder and a pinch of sea salt flakes.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the filling to ensure a rich and intense flavor.
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make the wreaths tough. Mix until just combined.
- For a cleaner cut when shaping the wreaths, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter dipped in flour.
Storage Instructions
- Store the wreaths in an airtight container with a slice of apple or orange peel to maintain softness for several days.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 6gFat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.8gSodium: 285mgFiber: 2gSugar: 27g
3 Comments
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Looks so delicious! Thanks for the recipe.
What a delicious idea! Thanks for sharing.
Such a tempting dish! Thank you.