Description
Chocolate Babka is the ultimate indulgence—a soft, fluffy bread swirled with rich, dark chocolate filling and topped with a sugary crumble. This braided beauty looks as impressive as it tastes, making it perfect for special occasions or just treating yourself to something delicious. While it requires a bit of time and patience, the end result is well worth the effort!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 6 ounces (170g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and salt, then mix in flour gradually.
- Knead in softened butter until dough is smooth. Cover and let rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled.
- Make the Chocolate Filling:
- Melt chocolate and butter together in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- Stir in sugar and cinnamon (if using). Let cool slightly.
- Shape the Babka:
- Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Spread chocolate filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll tightly into a log, then slice in half lengthwise.
- Twist the two halves together and transfer to a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan.
- Let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Make the Crumb Topping:
- Mix sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle over the babka before baking.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool & Serve:
- Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For dairy-free, use almond milk and coconut oil.
- Use milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 12 slices per loaf)
- Calories: Approximately 377 calories
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg