Description
A rich and buttery Chocolate Babka made with soft yeast dough and layered with a deep, luscious chocolate filling, twisted into beautiful swirls and brushed with sweet syrup for a glossy, bakery-style finish.
Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups (400 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (130 g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter (for filling)
- ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar (for syrup)
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk and eggs, mixing until a dough begins to form.
- Gradually incorporate softened butter and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling by melting butter and chocolate together until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Let cool until spreadable.
- Roll the risen dough into a 10×16-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the chocolate filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll tightly from the long side into a log and slice lengthwise down the center.
- Twist the halves together with cut sides facing up and transfer to a greased loaf pan.
- Let rise again for 45 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Simmer sugar and water until dissolved to make the syrup.
- Brush syrup generously over the babka immediately after baking and allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
- Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for extra texture.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Substitute dark chocolate for a more intense taste.
- Spread a thin layer of Nutella for an extra rich swirl.
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
