Chocolate Babka

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a small bowl, activate yeast by mixing it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead for about 10 minutes (by hand or with a dough hook) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Filling

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate together over low heat.
2. Stir in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Let the mixture cool slightly to a spreadable consistency.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

1. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 10×14 inches).
2. Spread the chocolate filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border.
3. Roll the dough tightly into a log (from the long side), then slice it lengthwise into two long halves.
4. Twist the halves together with the cut sides facing up to reveal the chocolate layers. Tuck the ends under.

Step 4: Proof and Bake

1. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan (or two smaller pans).
2. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the dough (not chocolate) comes out clean.

Step 5: Make the Sugar Syrup

1. While the babka bakes, simmer sugar and water together until dissolved.
2. Brush the hot loaf generously with syrup as soon as it comes out of the oven for extra shine and moisture.

🍽️ Serving Tips

• Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
• Delicious for brunch, dessert, or breakfast.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert plate.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a bakery-style finish.

🔁 Optional Variations

• Nutty Babka: Add finely chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans to the filling.
• Vegan Version: Use plant milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs to replace dairy and eggs.
• Spiced Babka: Add cardamom or orange zest to the dough for a warm twist.
• Savory Babka: Try a version with pesto and cheese for a savory spin.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps well for up to 1 week—gently reheat before serving.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough and filling a day ahead and shape it just before baking.

💬 Final Thoughts

Chocolate Babka is more than just bread—it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and tradition. The soft, enriched dough combined with rich chocolate filling creates a dessert-like treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is a surefire way to impress both visually and taste-wise.

✨ Rich. Beautiful. Unforgettable.

📢 More Recipes for Chocolate Lovers:

• [Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake]
• [Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – Vegan & Moist]
• [Homemade Chocolate Truffles with Sea Salt]