Chocolate Babka

Chocolate Babka is a delicious, sweet bread filled with rich chocolate that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack. With its beautiful twisted loaf shape, it looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Once you try it, you’ll want to share it with family and friends!

Why make this recipe

You should make this Chocolate Babka because it’s a real crowd-pleaser! It’s soft, buttery, and filled with chocolatey goodness. Plus, making it can be a fun activity to do with family, and the smell while it bakes is heavenly. Whether it’s a cozy weekend or a special occasion, this treat will surely impress everyone.

How to make Chocolate Babka

Ingredients :

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warm
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
• 1/2 cup water (for chocolate filling)

Directions :

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk and eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. Add the softened butter and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate filling by melting the chocolate with the cocoa powder and water in a saucepan. Stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough.
6. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice the log in half lengthwise. Twist the two halves together and place in a greased loaf pan.
7. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

How to serve Chocolate Babka

You can serve Chocolate Babka warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with coffee, tea, or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat. Slice it up and enjoy!

How to store Chocolate Babka

To store your Chocolate Babka, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month.

Tips to make Chocolate Babka

• Make sure your milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
• Knead the dough well for a soft texture.
• Don’t skip the second rise; it’s key to getting a fluffy babka.
• If you want a crunch, try adding some chopped nuts to the filling.

Variation (if any)

You can easily modify this recipe by adding different fillings! Try using cinnamon, different types of chocolate, or even fruits like raspberries to mix things up. Each variation offers a new twist on this classic treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour will give you a slightly chewier texture, which can be delicious!

2. Can I make the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can make the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping.

3. What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute if you prefer an egg-free recipe. Just keep in mind the texture may differ slightly.