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

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Chocolate Filling:

  • 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

For the Syrup:

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. 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).
  3. 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

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

Step 3: Shape the Babka

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

Step 4: Bake the Babka

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

Step 5: Make the Syrup

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

Notes

  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
  • Chilling the dough before shaping makes handling easier.
  • The sugar syrup keeps the babka moist and enhances its flavor.

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