Chocolate Babka Recipe

Chocolate Babka is a sweet, braided bread filled with a rich chocolate spread, often incorporating ingredients like cocoa, cinnamon, and sometimes chopped nuts. It has roots in Eastern European Jewish cuisine and is especially popular in Jewish communities around the world. The dough is typically enriched with eggs and butter, giving it a tender and slightly brioche-like texture. After spreading the chocolate filling over the rolled-out dough, the dough is rolled up, twisted, and then baked to produce a beautifully marbled loaf. The result is a decadent, dessert-like bread that’s perfect for special occasions or as a treat with coffee.

Here’s a classic recipe for Chocolate Babka:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the Chocolate Filling:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

For the Syrup:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:
   1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
   2. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
   3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
   4. Add the butter, a little at a time, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer.
   5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   1. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave.
   2. Stir in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth.
   3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Shape the Babka:
   1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half.
   2. Roll out one portion of the dough into a rectangle about 10×12 inches.
   3. Spread half of the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   4. Sprinkle with half of the chopped nuts, if using.
   5. Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side.
   6. Repeat with the second portion of dough.
4. Braid the Babka:
   1. Cut each log in half lengthwise to expose the layers.
   2. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides up, to form a braid.
   3. Place the braided dough into a greased loaf pan. Repeat with the second log.
5. Second Rise:
   1. Cover the pans with a clean towel and let the dough rise for another 1 hour, or until puffy.
6. Bake:
   1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   2. Bake the babkas for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Syrup:
   1. While the babkas are baking, combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
   2. Bring to a boil and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved.
   3. Remove from heat.
8. Glaze:
   1. As soon as the babkas come out of the oven, brush them generously with the syrup.
   2. Let the babkas cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chocolate Babka!