Description
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of The Best Chocolate Babka. This Eastern European twisted bread is a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet), 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F), 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the filling:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
For the syrup:
1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla. Knead in butter until smooth. Let rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Prepare the filling: Melt chocolate and butter, then mix in powdered sugar and cocoa. Let cool.
- Shape the babka: Divide dough, roll into rectangles, spread filling, roll into logs, twist, and place in loaf pans. Let rise.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake babkas for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the syrup: Simmer sugar and water until dissolved. Brush hot babkas with syrup.
- Cool and serve: Let babkas cool before slicing.
Notes
- Babka is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Warming slices slightly before serving can enhance the flavor and texture of the babka.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rising time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish, Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
