Description
Chocolate Babka Swirl Bread is a sweet, braided loaf typically made with a rich dough and filled with a luscious chocolate mixture. Originating from Eastern Europe, Babka has become a beloved pastry worldwide. The term “babka” translates to “grandmother” in Polish, but don’t be fooled by the name; this dessert is anything but simple! The dough is tender and slightly sweet, while the chocolate filling adds an indulgent touch that makes each bite a true delight. Babka can be made with various fillings, but chocolate is by far the most popular choice, giving the bread a deliciously decadent taste.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup sugar
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2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup milk (warm)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Filling:
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/4 cup sugar
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Egg Wash:
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1 egg (beaten)
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1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the base of your dough. In another bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until they are well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a soft dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. The goal is to develop the gluten so that the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours. The dough should double in size during this time.
While the dough is rising, prepare the chocolate filling. In a bowl, mix together the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate), cocoa powder, sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and smooth. Set this aside for later.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
Now it’s time to create the signature swirl! Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough in half lengthwise. You should now see the beautiful chocolate filling exposed. Twist the two halves of the dough together, making sure the chocolate is facing up. Carefully place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan, shaping it to fit.
Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. The dough will rise further, becoming light and airy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.
Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash made from the beaten egg and milk. This will give your Babka a beautiful golden finish. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the Babka to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice the Babka and enjoy the delicious, gooey chocolate swirls in every bite.
Notes
For a glossy finish, brush the babka with simple syrup right after baking. You can also experiment with fillings like cinnamon-sugar, Nutella, or chopped nuts for a delicious twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Keywords: Chocolate Babka Swirl Bread