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Chocolate Babka Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews

This indulgent Chocolate Babka recipe features a rich, buttery yeast dough swirled with a luscious chocolate filling and finished with a sweet syrup glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion, this homemade babka boasts a tender crumb and a shiny, flavorful crust.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 4½ cups all-purpose flour (540g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 ¼-ounce packet)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (142g)

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed (113g)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120mL)
  • 8 ounces chopped dark chocolate (225g)
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar (90g)
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (30g)

For the Syrup:

  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (66g)
  • ⅓ cup water (80mL)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: Whisk together the flour, sugar, and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the eggs, milk, and salt and mix on low speed using the dough hook attachment until combined and a dough starts to form, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add Butter and Knead: Add the butter a tablespoon at a time, waiting until it is incorporated before adding more. Continue kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms, about 10 minutes, scraping down the bowl occasionally. The dough will be sticky but very stretchy.
  3. Chill the Dough: Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and chill overnight or at least 8 hours.
  4. Prepare the Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and cream. Heat until butter melts and mixture steams. Add the chopped chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Let cool until thickened to a spreadable consistency, about 1 hour.
  5. Prepare Loaf Pans: Butter two 8×4-inch loaf pans or spray with baking spray and flour. Line pans with parchment paper.
  6. Divide and Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, halve the chilled dough. Return one half to the fridge. Roll the other half into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
  7. Spread Filling: Spread half of the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, covering all but a 1-inch border on one short side. The dough may pull but should not tear.
  8. Roll Dough: Starting opposite the border, roll the dough into a tight coil and pinch the seam to seal.
  9. Cut and Twist: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll lengthwise in half. Place halves side by side with cut sides up. Twist them together, keeping cut sides facing up, and tuck the ends under. Place gently into a prepared loaf pan.
  10. Repeat: Repeat the rolling, filling, cutting, twisting, and placing process with the second dough half and remaining filling.
  11. Let Rise: Loosely cover the pans and let rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours until puffed (not quite doubled).
  12. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  13. Bake: Bake loaves for 40 minutes or until tops are golden brown and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  14. Make Syrup: While baking, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
  15. Brush Syrup: Brush the hot loaves immediately with the syrup after removing them from the oven. Let cool in pans for 30 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Makes 2 (8×4-inch) loaves.
  • Use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deeper flavor and fudgier texture; Hershey’s or Ghirardelli are recommended.
  • To ensure doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
  • The syrup glaze adds shine and moisture to keep the bread from drying out.
  • If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can mix by hand with a wooden spoon and knead for 10-15 minutes, being careful not to add too much extra flour.

Keywords: Chocolate Babka, Yeast Bread, Sweet Yeast Dough, Chocolate Swirl Bread, Holiday Bread, Jewish Bakery Recipe

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/chocolate-babka-recipe/