Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons of active dry yeast
- ¼ cup of warm milk
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the activated yeast and eggs. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporating the Butter
Add the softened butter to the dough and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or knead it by hand.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and leave it to rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shaping the Brioche
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and then roll it into a bar shape, approximately 5-6 inches long.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the shaped brioche bars onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a damp cloth and allow them to rise for another 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until they have doubled in size.
Step 7: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once the bars have risen, brush them with a beaten egg for a shiny golden crust. Bake them for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Remove the brioche bars from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. Enjoy these delicious bar-style brioche pastries with a cup of coffee or tea!
Now that you have the complete step-by-step guide to make bar-style brioche, it’s time to give it a try. Impress your friends and family with your homemade baked goods! Happy baking!