If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, soft, and irresistibly chocolatey loaf, then you are in for a real treat with this Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe. This classic Jewish-American dessert bread combines a tender, buttery dough with a rich, luscious chocolate filling swirled through every bite. It’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a joy to make, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cozy cup of coffee. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises a satisfying experience and a delicious result that’s truly worth every minute.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking an unforgettable chocolate babka. Each element plays an essential role, from creating the soft dough to the decadent chocolate swirls that make this bread shine.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb that’s key to a soft babka.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that balances with the chocolate.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop a lovely airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warm): Moisturizes the dough and activates the yeast perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Enrich the dough, giving it a tender and silky texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the bread wonderfully moist.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: The star ingredient for that melty chocolate goodness inside the babka.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the filling.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and smoothness to the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Brings a warm and aromatic hint to complement the chocolate.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted, for brushing): Creates a glossy, soft crust once the bread is baked.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives your babka a shiny, golden-brown finish that’s so inviting.
How to Make Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl — this dry blend forms the foundation of your dough. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk with the eggs to combine the wet ingredients perfectly. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir just until it forms a shaggy dough. This sets up your dough for kneading.
Step 2: Kneading and Rising
Add softened butter to the shaggy dough and knead it by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten, giving your babka its beautiful texture. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This rise is essential to develop flavor and fluffiness.
Step 3: Making the Chocolate Filling
While the dough is rising, melt the chocolate chips gently, avoiding overheating. Stir in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and optional cinnamon to create a rich, velvety filling. Let it cool slightly; this prevents the dough from getting soggy when spread.
Step 4: Rolling and Filling the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough to release air and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 9 by 15 inches. Spread the chocolate filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border to keep everything neat. Rolling it tightly from the long edge will trap the filling beautifully inside.
Step 5: Shaping the Babka
Slice the dough log lengthwise down the center to reveal the chocolate layers. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up, creating that classic babka braid. Place the twisted loaf into a greased pan, cover, and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes — this second rise helps it puff up into a perfect, fluffy shape.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the babka with beaten egg for that signature glossy crust and bake it for 35 to 40 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool briefly in the pan, then brush with melted butter to lock in moisture and add extra shine. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into that irresistible swirl.
How to Serve Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate glaze over the cooled babka for an elegant finish that makes your creation look like it belongs in a bakery window. Toasted nuts or chocolate shavings can also be delightful toppings to add texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This chocolate babka pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dollop of mascarpone. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside creamy coffee or rich hot chocolate to turn your meal into a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by cutting the babka into thick slices and toasting them lightly; the warm chocolate inside becomes even more molten and delicious. You can also cube leftover babka and use it as a decadent bread pudding base or French toast variation that’s bursting with chocolate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, and it will stay soft and flavorful. For longer storage, refrigeration helps maintain freshness but can slightly firm the texture, so bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
To keep this Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe fresh for even longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It stores fabulously for up to three months, making it perfect for preparing ahead of special occasions or gifting to loved ones.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your babka again, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This reawakens the buttery softness and melts the chocolate just enough to steal your heart all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the filling?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate is classic for balancing sweetness, you can swap in dark, milk, or even flavored chocolate depending on your preference. Each variation will add a unique twist to your babka.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and the whole milk with a warm dairy-free milk like almond or oat. Keep in mind the texture might shift slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add nuts or other fillings?
For sure. Chopped walnuts or pecans folded into the chocolate filling add delightful crunch. Some even love adding cinnamon sugar layers or swirls of Nutella to customize the flavor.
Do I need a stand mixer to knead the dough?
Not at all! You can knead by hand—it’s a great way to connect with the dough. Just be patient and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
Why did my babka turn out dense?
Density usually means the dough didn’t rise enough. Make sure your yeast is fresh and the dough doubles in size during rising times. Also, don’t skip kneading properly to develop gluten, which helps the bread stay light and bouncy.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe is like giving yourself a delicious hug from the inside out. Its rich chocolate swirls and tender crumb create a magical combination that’s so satisfying to share or enjoy solo. I truly encourage you to try this recipe — it’s approachable, rewarding, and absolutely worth every step. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Chocolate Babka is a delightful sweet braided bread featuring rich chocolate filling swirled throughout its soft, buttery dough. This Jewish-American dessert combines a tender yeast dough with a luscious mixture of melted chocolate, cocoa, and sugar, perfect for breakfast or an indulgent treat. With straightforward steps involving kneading, rising, twisting, and baking, this recipe makes the iconic babka accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Chocolate Filling
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead Dough: Add the softened butter and knead the dough by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make Chocolate Filling: While the dough rises, melt the chocolate chips and stir in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth. Allow the filling to cool slightly before spreading.
- Shape Babka: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 9×15 inch rectangle. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Create Twist: Slice the log lengthwise down the center, then twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up to form a braided shape.
- Second Rise: Transfer the twisted dough to a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with the beaten egg for a shiny crust. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Finish: Let the babka cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then brush with melted butter to add moisture and sheen. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- This is a simplified babka recipe with one easy rise to save time.
- For added shine and sweetness, brush the cooled babka with simple syrup after baking.
- You can customize the filling by adding chopped nuts or substituting with Nutella instead of chocolate.
