If you’re craving a delightful, sweet treat that combines layers of soft dough and rich, chocolaty filling, this Babka recipe is your answer. Originally from Eastern Europe, Babka has found a special place in bakeries and homes worldwide. This braided bread, generously filled with chocolate and sometimes nuts, is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.
Tips to Make the Babka Recipe:
1. Use High-Quality Chocolate: To make your Babka truly delicious, opt for high-quality chocolate. This ensures a rich, flavorful filling that complements the soft dough beautifully.
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2. Patience is Key: Allow the dough to rise properly. This step is crucial for achieving a light, airy texture. Don’t rush the process; good things take time!
3. Roll the Dough Evenly: Make sure to roll out the dough evenly to avoid thick or thin patches. This ensures that the chocolate spread is distributed uniformly, giving you consistent flavor in every bite.
4. Braiding Technique: Handle the dough gently while braiding to retain its fluffiness. Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t flawless. The end result will still be delicious.
5. Add a Sugar Syrup Glaze: Once the Babka has baked, brush it with a sugar syrup glaze. This not only adds a beautiful shine but also keeps the bread moist and enhances the overall sweetness.
How to Make Babka Recipe?
Babka Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl For making the dough
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Loaf pan Rectangular shape
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Whole milk Warm
- 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 Eggs Room temperature
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter Softened
- 1 cup Dark chocolate Melted
- 2 tbsp Cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, remaining sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Gradually add softened butter and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Let it rise for about 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- In a bowl, mix melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar until smooth.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut the log lengthwise into two pieces.
- Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up and place in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let it rise again for about 1 hour or until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Babka for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the Babka is baking, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer until the sugar dissolves.
- As soon as the Babka comes out of the oven, brush the syrup over the top.
- Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Making a babka might seem difficult, but it’s really just about taking your time and enjoying the process. From kneading the dough to adding in the delicious filling, each step is worth the effort. When you finally pull that warm, sweet bread from the oven, you’ll be amazed at how wonderful it smells and tastes.
Whether you choose chocolate, cinnamon, or another filling, babka is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s a treat that’s perfect for special occasions or just to make an ordinary day a bit more special. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful bread!
