Chocolate Babka is a rich and indulgent sweet bread filled with chocolate and swirled to perfection. This Eastern European treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, offering a delightful combination of flaky dough and decadent chocolate filling.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Filling:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or finely chopped chocolate)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg (beaten, for brushing)

Timing

Making the Chocolate Babka takes about 30 minutes for preparation, 1 hour for rising, and 30-40 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined into a spreadable paste.

Step 3: Assemble the Babka

1. Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 16×24 inches).
2. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the chocolate filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll Up Dough: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
4. Cut and Twist: With a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the filling. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up.
5. Transfer to Pan: Carefully place the twisted dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake the Babka

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Egg Wash: Brush the top of the babka with the beaten egg.
3. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the babka to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious Chocolate Babka!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Chocolate Babka (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	5g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Nut Additions: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts to the chocolate filling for added crunch.
• Flavor Variations: Incorporate orange zest or espresso powder into the filling for a different flavor profile.
• Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled babka for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

Chocolate Babka is a deliciously rich and visually stunning bread that makes for an impressive dessert or breakfast treat. With its flaky layers and gooey chocolate filling, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy this delightful recipe!