Indulge in Decadence: A Mouthwatering Chocolate Babka Recipe

Babka, a sweet yeast cake that originated in Eastern Europe, has become a beloved dessert around the world. It’s made by layering dough and filling, twisting it, and baking it to create a swirled loaf with a tender crumb and a rich, decadent flavor. One of the most popular variations is chocolate babka, which features a chocolate filling that is sure to please any sweet tooth.

Chocolate Babka Recipe

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the chocolate filling:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. To make the dough, combine the yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture starts to foam.
2. Add the remaining sugar, warm milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. To make the chocolate filling, melt the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the butter, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt together until smooth. Stir in the cooled melted chocolate.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches, on a floured surface. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
8. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the long sides, and pinch the seams to seal. Twist the dough several times and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
9. Cover the loaf with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen slightly.
10. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the babka for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Also Read: Tie the Knot with Delicious Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Also Read: Easiest Pancake Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Your delicious and aromatic chocolate babka is now ready to be served! Please note that you can even freeze the babka for up to 3 months. This treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family.