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Tarte au Sucre: Sugar Brioche Cake From Northern France


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  • Author: Herve Palmieri
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 slices

Description

A lovely specialty from the north of France, light, fluffy brioche cake, topped with caramelized sugar.


Ingredients

Units
For the Brioche Dough:
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp (12g) dry yeast
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) warm milk
Topping:
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar (cassonade preferred)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 stick (28g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream

Instructions

Step by Step Guide:

  1. Prepare Yeast Mixture:
    • Heat milk in the microwave for 20 seconds. It should be warm, not hot.
    • Dissolve 1 tbsp of sugar and the yeast in the warm milk. Whisk until smooth and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mixing the Dough:
    • In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
    • Add in softened butter or shortening, the egg, and the yeast mixture.
    • Mix with a spatula until a sticky dough forms.
  3. First Rise:
    • Shape the dough into a ball, dust with a little flour.
    • Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise at room temperature for 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
  4. Pan Preparation:
    • Lightly grease a 10-inch tart pan with cooking spray or butter.
  5. Forming the Brioche:
    • On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit the tart pan.
    • Transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it gently to fit the bottom and sides.
    • Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.
  6. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Prepare Brioche for Baking:
    • Gently prick the dough all over with a fork.
  8. Prepare Topping:
    • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream.
  9. Assembling:
    • Evenly spread brown sugar over the surface of the risen dough.
    • Pour the egg and cream mixture over the sugar.
    • Dot the top evenly with pieces of butter.
  10. Baking:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
    • Let cool slightly before serving, enjoy warm for the best flavor!

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm to touch but not hot to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • The dough should be sticky; avoid adding too much flour when shaping.
  • Allow the brioche to cool for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing.
  • Prep Time: 140 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins