Chocolate Babka – Fluffy and Decadent Swirled Bread
Chocolate Babka is a rich, sweet bread with a swirl of chocolate filling. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the chocolate creates a decadent, dessert-like flavor. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this bread pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. Though it looks intricate, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding to make, leaving you with an irresistible loaf full of chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients
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For the dough
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
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For the chocolate filling
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)
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For the syrup (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Directions
Prepare the dough. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Make the chocolate filling. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and mix in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon (if using). Let it cool to room temperature.
Roll out the dough. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12x16 inches.
Spread the filling. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one of the longer sides, roll the dough into a tight log.
Shape the babka. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise down the middle, exposing the chocolate layers. Twist the two halves together, then carefully place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan.
Final rise. Cover the loaf pan and let the babka rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Bake the babka. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through.
Prepare the syrup. While the babka is baking, combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves. Once the babka is out of the oven, brush the syrup generously over the top to give it a beautiful shine and added sweetness.
Cool and serve. Let the babka cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Recipe tips
Use high-quality dark chocolate for the filling to give the babka a rich and deep chocolate flavor. Make sure to brush the syrup on the babka as soon as it comes out of the oven to lock in moisture and sweetness. If you prefer a nuttier texture, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts into the chocolate filling.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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