Description
This irresistible chocolate babka is a rich, buttery, and soft braided bread filled with layers of luscious chocolate spread and finished with a sweet syrup glaze—perfect for cozy moments and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chocolate spread (like Nutella)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1/4 cup water (for syrup)
Instructions
- Warm the milk and mix it with the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla. Mix to form a dough.
- Knead the dough and gradually add softened butter until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the chocolate evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it in half lengthwise. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up.
- Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the babka bakes, prepare the syrup by simmering sugar and water until dissolved.
- Once baked, brush the warm syrup over the babka. Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use any chocolate spread or make your own ganache for the filling.
- Babka freezes well; wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or walnuts over the chocolate filling before rolling.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
