If you’re a fan of the comforting and indulgent flavors of babka, then you’ll love this recipe for Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins! These tender, buttery swirled muffins bring together the rich flavors of chocolate and tart cherries, but in a much easier-to-handle muffin form. They’re everything you love about traditional babka—layered, sweet, and incredibly satisfying—without the fuss of making an entire loaf. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy afternoon with coffee, or simply craving something delicious, these muffins will surely impress.
In this article, we will explore the origins of this delightful recipe, guide you step by step through the process of making these muffins, and share some variations and tips for making them even more delicious. Plus, we’ve included answers to some common FAQs to ensure that your baking experience goes smoothly. Let’s get started!
What are Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins?
Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins are a delightful hybrid of two beloved treats: babka and muffins. Babka is traditionally a sweet yeast dough, often swirled with chocolate, cinnamon, or fruit. By turning this classic dessert into a muffin form, we get all the indulgent flavors of babka in a portable, easy-to-make treat. The result is a buttery, soft muffin with rich chocolate and tart cherries, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
These muffins are perfect for those who love the flavors of babka but want something more convenient to enjoy on the go. The rich chocolate filling, combined with the slight tang of dried cherries, makes for an unforgettable taste experience. Each bite delivers layers of buttery goodness with a hint of fruitiness and deep chocolate flavor, making them a perfect choice for any occasion.
The Origin of Babka
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the origins of babka. Babka has its roots in Eastern European Jewish communities, with the most common variations found in Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. Traditionally, babka is made with sweet yeast dough, filled with chocolate, cinnamon, or fruit, and then twisted into a loaf shape. It was initially made to use up leftover dough and filling, and over time, it became a beloved treat.
The word “babka” itself means “little grandmother” in Polish, possibly a reference to the loaf’s appearance, which resembles the shape of a grandmother’s scarf or a braided loaf. The recipe has evolved throughout the years, and today, babka is enjoyed in many parts of the world, often during Jewish holidays like Passover and Hanukkah. While the traditional loaf form is still popular, muffin versions like this one provide an easy and fun twist on the classic.
Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins Recipe
Here’s everything you need to make Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins from scratch. These muffins are filled with rich chocolate and dried cherries, all wrapped in a soft, buttery dough.
Ingredients (Makes 12 Muffins)
For the Dough:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ cup finely chopped dried cherries (or cherry preserves)
Optional Topping (for shine):
- 1 tbsp honey or simple syrup (for brushing after baking)
Step-by-Step Directions for Preparation
1️⃣ Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract. The warm milk helps activate the yeast, giving your muffins a soft, airy texture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough starts to form.
- Add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You should have a dough that’s soft, but not sticky.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate chips together until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Stir in cocoa powder and powdered sugar until everything is well combined.
- Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before folding in the chopped dried cherries. The cherries add a sweet-tart contrast to the chocolate, enhancing the muffin’s flavor.
3️⃣ Assemble the Muffins
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper muffin cups.
- Roll the dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the chocolate-cherry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll up the dough from the long side to create a log.
- Slice the dough log into 12 equal pieces, and arrange each swirl into a muffin cup. For a more dramatic effect, gently twist each slice before placing it in the tin.
4️⃣ Rise & Bake
- Cover the muffin tin loosely with a clean cloth and let the dough rest for about 20–30 minutes. The muffins should be slightly puffed up.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5️⃣ Finish
- For a glossy finish, brush the warm muffins with honey or simple syrup after they’ve come out of the oven. This step is optional but adds a beautiful shine to your muffins.
- Allow the muffins to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm so that the chocolate remains gooey and melty!
Tips & Variations: Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins
- Shortcut: If you’re pressed for time, you can use store-bought pizza or brioche dough instead of making the dough from scratch. This will save you time while still yielding delicious muffins.
- Add Crunch: For a bit of texture, try sprinkling streusel topping or sliced almonds on top of the muffins before baking.
- Make Ahead: These muffins freeze beautifully. To store, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and rewarm them in the oven before serving.
FAQs About Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but they will release more moisture, which could make the filling a bit runny. Dried cherries are a better choice for their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture.
Can I substitute the butter for a different fat?
You can substitute the butter with margarine, vegetable oil, or even coconut oil, though the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
How can I make these muffins dairy-free?
To make these muffins dairy-free, use a non-dairy butter substitute and replace the milk with a plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins
These Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins are the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth without the need for a full-fledged babka loaf. With their tender, buttery dough, rich chocolate filling, and tart cherries, they are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because, they are a delicious treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and enjoy the irresistible aroma of these decadent muffins filling your kitchen!
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Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Cherry Babka Muffins are a delightful hybrid of two beloved treats: babka and muffins. Babka is traditionally a sweet yeast dough, often swirled with chocolate, cinnamon, or fruit. By turning this classic dessert into a muffin form, we get all the indulgent flavors of babka in a portable, easy-to-make treat. The result is a buttery, soft muffin with rich chocolate and tart cherries, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
¼ tsp salt
½ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp powdered sugar
½ cup finely chopped dried cherries (or cherry preserves)
Optional Topping (for shine):
1 tbsp honey or simple syrup (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine warm milk, egg, and vanilla.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until a dough forms.
Add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, kneading until smooth and elastic (about 5–7 minutes).
The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
2️⃣ Make the Filling
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate chips together until smooth.
Stir in cocoa powder and powdered sugar.
Let cool slightly, then stir in chopped cherries.
3️⃣ Assemble the Muffins
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with papers.
Roll the dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Spread the chocolate-cherry filling evenly over the dough.
Roll up tightly from the long side into a log.
Slice into 12 equal pieces, and place each swirl into a muffin cup.
For more drama: twist each slice gently before placing it in.
4️⃣ Rise & Bake
Cover loosely and let rest for 20–30 minutes until slightly puffy.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
5️⃣ Finish
Brush warm muffins with honey or simple syrup for a glossy, bakery-style finish.
Cool slightly before serving — best enjoyed warm so the chocolate is melty! 🍫
Notes
For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate or a simple glaze on top before serving. You can also sprinkle with chopped nuts or powdered sugar for added texture and visual appeal. These muffins are perfect slightly warmed with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 310
Keywords: cherry chocolate muffins, babka muffins, chocolate cherry muffins, soft babka muffins, babka-style muffins
