Chocolate Babka

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm milk (not hot)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 4 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, room temp
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, divided (3 tbsp for batter, 1 tbsp to brush tops)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• coconut oil to brush over babkas, optional
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. 1

   Pour warm milk into a stand mixer bowl and sprinkle with active dry yeast. Let it sit for 7 minutes.

2. 2

   Whisk in 1/2 cup of flour and 2 tbsp of sugar until combined, then cover with plastic wrap and let it rise for 25-30 minutes.

3. 3

   Incorporate the eggs, melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture.

4. 4

   Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining 3 cups of flour, mixing well.

5. 5

   Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until slightly sticky but not adhering to the bowl; adjust with extra flour if necessary.

6. 6

   Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

7. 7

   Prepare the ganache by heating cream and sugar until simmering, then pouring over chocolate chips. Whisk until smooth and cool to room temperature.

8. 8

   Once the dough has risen, divide it in half and roll each piece into a rectangle.

9. 9

   Spread the chocolate ganache onto the dough, roll tightly, cut, twist, and place in loaf pans.

10. 10

    Let the dough rise in pans for 30-45 minutes, preheat the oven, and bake until golden brown.