Chocolate and orange king cake

Q: What is the difference between a brioche and a king cake?

The King Cake is a special type of brioche traditionally prepared for Epiphany. Unlike a classic brioche, it is distinguished by its crown shape with a hole in the center, its orange blossom flavor, and its decoration with candied fruit and pearl sugar. This festive brioche also contains a bean hidden inside the dough, a symbol of the Epiphany tradition.

Q: Can chocolate chips be replaced with other ingredients?

You can substitute the Valrhona chocolate chips with diced candied fruit, chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, or raisins. For a more classic version, opt for a mix of colorful candied fruits that respects the original recipe for this Epiphany brioche.

Q: How to store the chocolate and orange king cake?

Store your brioche in a dry, cool place at room temperature, wrapped in cling film or placed in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days under these conditions.

Q: Is there a version of the king cake with chocolate chips?

Yes, the chocolate chip king cake is a delicious modern alternative to the traditional candied fruit version. This soft brioche incorporates chocolate chips directly into the dough, creating a decadent treat perfect for Epiphany.

Q: Can the ganache be prepared in advance? How long does it need to rest?

Yes, whipped ganache needs at least 12 hours of chilling in the refrigerator before use. Prepare your ganache the day before following the Valrhona recipe, let it cool completely, then refrigerate it.

Q: How to successfully shape a homemade wreath?

After the first rise, gently deflate the brioche dough , then make a hole in the center with your fingers, gradually stretching to create a crown shape. Place the crown on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper , ensuring it maintains a consistent diameter. Leave enough space between the edges so the dough can rise without losing its shape before baking.

Published on September 23, 2026

Level :

Easy

Prep Time :

2 hours

Cooking :

10 mins

Makes :

Recipe for a king cake in brioche with chocolate and orange. An original recipe from the Valrhona Gourmet School.

** This recipe is calculated for 2 crowns of 650 grams each .

Utensil:

Blender

Made with the products below :

1. Soft orange brioche

Ingredients :

500g flour (17.64 oz)
340g whole eggs (11.99 oz)
9 g fleur de sel (0.32 oz)
75g sugar (2.65 oz)
5 g dry yeast (0.18 oz)
300g butter (10.58 oz)
100g diced candied orange (3.53 oz)
100g Valrhona chocolate chips (3.53 oz)
100g Sosa caramelized sesame (3.53 oz)

Preparation time: 40 min

Resting time: 30 min at room temperature / 12 hours in the refrigerator / 3 hours of proofing

Steps

Knead the flour with the salt, sugar and yeast, add the eggs little by little, knead until the dough is very elastic, about 20 minutes, until the gluten is fully developed.
Add the diced butter little by little, kneading until the dough absorbs it completely.
Finally add the chocolate chips, sesame seeds and orange, knead just enough to incorporate them.
Pour the dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with cling film and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Leave to rest for 12 hours in the refrigerator.
Cut out 50g pieces of dough and form a ring.
Leave to rise for 3 hours at 26 or 28 degrees humidity.
Bake at 180ºC for 10 minutes. Use the static heat setting on your oven (heat from the top and bottom).

2. Milk and dark chocolate ganache

Ingredients :

75g cream (2.65 oz)
80g Jivara 40% milk chocolate (2.82 oz)
40g Guanaja 70% dark chocolate (1.41 oz)
210 g cream (7.41 oz)

Preparation time: 20 min

Resting time: 8 hours in the refrigerator

Heat the 75g/ 2.65 oz of cream, melt the chocolate coatings and mix them together to obtain a ganache.
Add the 210g of cold cream, emulsify with the blender.
Leave to cool for 8 hours in the refrigerator.
Assemble and fill your king's crown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a brioche and a king cake?

The King Cake is a special type of brioche traditionally prepared for Epiphany. Unlike a classic brioche, it is distinguished by its crown shape with a hole in the center, its orange blossom flavor, and its decoration with candied fruit and pearl sugar. This festive brioche also contains a bean hidden inside the dough, a symbol of the Epiphany tradition.

Can chocolate chips be replaced with other ingredients?

You can substitute the Valrhona chocolate chips with diced candied fruit, chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, or raisins. For a more classic version, opt for a mix of colorful candied fruits that respects the original recipe for this Epiphany brioche.

How to store the chocolate and orange king cake?

Store your brioche in a dry, cool place at room temperature, wrapped in cling film or placed in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days under these conditions.

Is there a version of the king cake with chocolate chips?

Yes, the chocolate chip king cake is a delicious modern alternative to the traditional candied fruit version. This soft brioche incorporates chocolate chips directly into the dough, creating a decadent treat perfect for Epiphany.

Can the ganache be prepared in advance? How long does it need to rest?

Yes, whipped ganache needs at least 12 hours of chilling in the refrigerator before use. Prepare your ganache the day before following the Valrhona recipe, let it cool completely, then refrigerate it.

How to successfully shape a homemade wreath?

After the first rise, gently deflate the brioche dough , then make a hole in the center with your fingers, gradually stretching to create a crown shape. Place the crown on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper , ensuring it maintains a consistent diameter. Leave enough space between the edges so the dough can rise without losing its shape before baking.