Name: Chocolate Babka – The Ultimate Swirled Bread You’ll Fall in Love With
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup whole milk, warmed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; ½ tsp cinnamon (optional); ¼ cup sugar; ¼ cup water

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If you’ve never made Chocolate Babka before, let me tell you—it’s a game-changer. Imagine soft, buttery, slightly sweet bread swirled with ribbons of rich chocolate filling, baked until golden, and finished with a glossy shine. It’s the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and tastes even better than it looks. Whether you enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee or sneak a slice straight from the pan, this babka is pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, pillowy texture – The dough is light, buttery, and melts in your mouth.
Rich chocolate swirls – Deep, fudgy ribbons of chocolate in every bite.
Perfect for special occasions – A showstopper for brunch, holidays, or just because!

Ingredients

(A sneak peek—full list of ingredients is below!)

All-purpose flour
Instant yeast
Sugar
Eggs
Butter
Whole milk
Dark chocolate
Cocoa powder
Cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

Warm the milk and mix it with yeast and sugar. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy. Then, mix in the eggs and butter before gradually adding the flour. Knead until smooth, then let it rise until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Filling

Melt butter and chocolate together, then stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Let it cool slightly so it thickens enough to spread easily.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, then spread the chocolate mixture evenly on top. Roll it up tightly, just like a cinnamon roll, and slice it down the middle lengthwise to reveal the layers.

Step 4: Twist and Shape

Take the two halves and twist them together, keeping the cut sides facing up to showcase the chocolate swirls. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan.

Step 5: Let it Rise Again

Cover and let the babka rise until puffy—this helps create that perfect soft texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Make the Syrup (Optional but Recommended)

While the babka bakes, simmer sugar and water to create a simple syrup. Brush it over the warm loaf to keep it moist and give it a gorgeous shine.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use high-quality chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.
Chill the dough for easy shaping – If the dough feels sticky, a quick chill in the fridge helps.
Don’t skip the syrup – It locks in moisture and enhances the flavor.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Nutty twist – Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
Cinnamon sugar babka – Swap the chocolate for a cinnamon-sugar-butter mixture.
Savory version – Try a cheese and herb filling for a totally different take.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Chocolate babka is best served slightly warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. It’s also great with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Let it rise in the fridge overnight, then continue with the recipe the next day.
Why is my babka dry?
It might be overbaked—use a thermometer to check for doneness (190°F inside).
How do I get deep chocolate swirls?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly and slice it cleanly for defined layers.
Can I use Nutella instead of homemade filling?
Absolutely! Just spread it on and proceed as usual.

Conclusion

Homemade chocolate babka is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, it’s one of those bakes that’s worth every step. Try it out and enjoy every chocolatey, buttery bite!

Chocolate Babka – The Ultimate Swirled Bread You’ll Fall in Love With

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This homemade Chocolate Babka is a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet bread filled with decadent chocolate swirls. With its pillowy soft texture and deep, fudgy layers, this babka is a showstopper for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a cup of coffee, every bite is pure indulgence.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 12–14 servings 1x
Category: Dessert, Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Jewish, Eastern European
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and butter. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer).
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1.5 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling

In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over low heat.
Stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Let cool slightly before spreading.

Step 3: Shape the Babka

Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 10×12 inches).
Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it lengthwise down the middle.
Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up.
Place the twisted dough in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 45 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Babka

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Syrup

While the babka is baking, heat sugar and water in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves.
Brush the warm syrup over the baked babka for a glossy finish.