For the Jam
For the Bakewell Brioche Buns
1. For the brioche, place the flour, sugar, salt and yeast into a large bowl and mix together. Add the eggs and milk and mix to form a rough shaggy dough. Using an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook knead this mixture on medium/low speed for about 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. With the mixer still running add in the butter a little at a time.
2. Once all the butter has been incorporated, knead for a further 10-15 minutes or until the dough is elastic and no longer sticking to the side of the bowl. Scrape the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with cling film, then pop the bowl in the fridge overnight.
3. In the morning, pull the dough from the fridge and divide into 8 equal pieces and form into balls. Roll into flat discs, about 10-12cm wide and place onto parchment lined baking trays and lightly cover with cling film, setting aside for about 45 minutes or until risen and puffy. Preheat the oven to 190C (170C fan).
4. Whilst the dough is rising make the frangipane by beating together the butter, sugar and almonds until light and smooth. Add the flour and stir to combine.
5. When ready to assemble the buns, use your fingers to gently form a depression in the middle of each round of dough, leaving a rough 2cm border. Fill the depression with a couple teaspoons of your delicious jam and top with the frangipane, carefully spreading to the edge.
6. Slice each pear half into thin slices and place gently on top of the frangipane, pressing in just a little bit. Brush the brioche border with a beaten egg and sprinkle with flaked almonds. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and serve whilst still a little warm. These are best on the day they are made but can be gently rewarmed in the oven the day after baking if you don't eat them all in the first sitting.
Our brioche has a rich and tender crumb with a sweet, flavour-intense filling of pear and raspberry, perfect for a fine Summer's day or afternoon tea!