Description

A rich, old-fashioned chocolate babka made with soft, tender dough and generous swirls of melted chocolate, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or special occasions.

Ingredients

1 cup warm milk

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

3½ cups all-purpose flour, divided

1½ teaspoons active dry yeast

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons lemon zest

Pinch of salt

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for filling)

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

2 tablespoons roasted almonds, finely chopped (optional)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, 1 teaspoon of flour, and yeast. Let sit until foamy and activated.
Whisk in eggs, lemon zest, salt, and melted butter.
Gradually stir in the remaining flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Melt the chocolate chips and butter together for the filling and set aside.
Roll the dough out thinly on a floured surface and spread the chocolate mixture evenly over it.
Dust with cocoa powder, then roll the dough tightly into a log.
Slice the log lengthwise and twist the halves together with the chocolate layers facing up.
Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan, sprinkle with almonds if using, and let rest briefly.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until golden and baked through, loosely covering with foil if needed.
Allow the babka to cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

The dough should be soft and slightly sticky for a tender crumb.

You can prepare and shape the babka a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.

Cover loosely with foil during baking if the top browns too quickly.

Let the loaf cool fully to set the chocolate layers before slicing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg