The Best Chocolate Babka Recipe for a Swirled Treat
If you’re looking for a warm and indulgent treat, a homemade chocolate babka is the perfect choice. This rich, buttery bread is filled with decadent chocolate and has a beautifully swirled appearance that makes it as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Here’s how to make the best chocolate babka that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients for Chocolate Babka
To create this scrumptious chocolate babka, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions to Make Chocolate Babka
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then add the granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until combined.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough begins to form. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Chocolate Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the chocolate filling. In a medium mixing bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Once melted, stir in the cocoa powder and mix well until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Roll the Dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Form the Babka
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Once rolled, slice the log in half lengthwise to expose the swirls of chocolate. Twist the two halves together, creating a beautiful braid.
Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
5. Bake the Babka
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 30-35 minutes or until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Glaze
While the babka is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the water and powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Once the babka is out of the oven, brush the warm glaze over the top for a sweet finish.
Serving and Storing Your Chocolate Babka
Let the babka cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve it warm or at room temperature. This chocolate babka can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
For a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat, pair your chocolate babka with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy the intricate swirls and the sweet, rich chocolate flavor that make this treat so special!
Now that you have the best chocolate babka recipe, it’s time to get baking and impress everyone with your culinary skills!