Chocolate Babka

Chocolate Babka is a rich and indulgent sweet bread with beautiful swirls of chocolate running throughout. This fluffy, buttery loaf is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat.

📝 Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet )
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F (43°C))
• 2 large eggs
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Prepare the Dough: ---
2. 2Combine dry ingredients.: In the bowl of your mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. 3Combine dry and wet ingredients and knead the dough:: In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and eggs. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until each piece is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix the dough for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. 4Frist rise:: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. 5--- Make the Chocolate Filling: ---
6. 6Make the Chocolate Filling:: In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon (if using), melted chocolate chips, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. 7--- Shape the Babka: ---
8. 8Roll out dough and spread filling:: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 10x15 inches. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9Shape the Babka:: Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log in half lengthwise to reveal the layers of chocolate inside. Twist the two halves around each other to form a braid, and then place the braided dough into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
10. 10Second Rise:: Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
11. 11--- Bake: ---
12. 12Preheat the oven:: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
13. 13Bake the babka:: Bake the babka for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
14. 14--- Make the Sugar Syrup: ---
15. 15Make the Sugar Syrup:: While the babka is baking, combine the granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
16. 16--- Glaze the Babka: ---
17. 17Glaze the Babka:: Once the babka is out of the oven, immediately brush it with the sugar syrup. This helps keep the babka moist and adds a glossy finish.
18. 18Cool and Serve:: Let the babka cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.