Description

This chocolate babka recipe delivers a bakery-quality loaf with a tender crumb and deep chocolate swirl. It's simpler than it looks, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
1 packet instant yeast
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup warm milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Activate yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar; let sit 5 minutes
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter. Knead 8 minutes until smooth. Let rise in an oiled bowl for 1 hour until doubled
For filling: cream softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix in cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Fold in mini chocolate chips
Roll dough into a 10×14 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly. Roll tightly from long side, pinch seam. Cut log in half lengthwise. Twist pieces together with cut sides up. Place in greased loaf pan. Let rise 30 minutes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 35-40 minutes. Meanwhile, make simple syrup by boiling equal parts water and sugar until dissolved. Brush syrup on baked babka

Notes

Do not over-knead; dough should be soft and elastic.

Use room-temperature ingredients for best results.

Brush with simple syrup immediately after baking for moisture and shine.

Cool completely before slicing to prevent tearing.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 loaf)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 250 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: chocolate babka, sweet bread, babka recipe