A tender, buttery crumb with a rich chocolate swirl that melts in your mouth.
This Soft Chocolate Babka is a rich, indulgent bread swirled with a luscious chocolate filling. It's perfect for a cozy brunch or an afternoon treat.
Why you'll want it now, Indulge in the perfect blend of soft bread and gooey chocolate swirls.
Why this recipe works
The combination of a soft, enriched dough and a rich chocolate filling creates a tender crumb with a decadent swirl. Using high-quality cocoa and chocolate ensures a deep, satisfying flavor, while a butter-rich dough keeps the texture moist and tender.
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Small saucepan
Rolling pin
9 x 5 in (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan
Parchment paper
Cooling rack
How to make it
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Add warm milk and eggs to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead in the softened butter until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
While the dough rises, make the chocolate filling: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in sugar and cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate and vanilla extract, stirring until melted and combined. Let cool slightly.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 x 16 in (30 x 40 cm) rectangle.
Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut the log lengthwise into two pieces, exposing the layers of chocolate.
Twist the two pieces together, then place into a parchment-lined 9 x 5 in (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan.
Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Enjoy this homemade chocolate babka with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It's a delightful treat for any occasion.
How you'll know it's ready
The babka is ready when the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Convection oven? (and if you don't have one)
If using a convection oven, reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and check for readiness a few minutes earlier, as convection ovens can bake faster.
Troubleshooting
If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until manageable.
If the filling leaks out while rolling, chill the dough slightly before rolling.
If the babka browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
If the dough doesn't rise, ensure the yeast is fresh and the milk is not too hot.
Storage
Store the babka at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Make ahead
Prepare the babka through the shaping step, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.
Variations
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling for a spiced twist.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make sure my babka stays soft?
Ensure the dough is well-kneaded and use fresh ingredients to maintain a soft texture.
Can I use a different filling for babka?
Yes, you can use fillings like cinnamon-sugar, nutella, or fruit preserves.
Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?
No, you can knead the dough by hand, but it may take a bit longer.
How do I know if my yeast is still active?
Dissolve a bit of yeast in warm water with sugar; it should foam within 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 1 slice (85 g)
Calories280
Total Fat14 g
Saturated Fat8 g
Cholesterol60 mg
Sodium150 mg
Total Carbohydrate34 g
Dietary Fiber2 g
Total Sugars16 g
Protein5 g
Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients used and may vary depending on brands and exact measurements.
Recipe from softsweetdough.com · Soft, sweet desserts worth every bite.
