Description
This decadent chocolate swirl babka is soft, buttery, and layered with ribbons of rich chocolate filling. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or as a homemade gift, this babka recipe is easier than you think—and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
¾ cup warm whole milk
2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp salt
For the Chocolate Filling:
6 oz dark chocolate, chopped
⅓ cup unsalted butter
2 tbsp cocoa powder
½ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
For the Syrup Glaze:
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
Instructions
Make the Dough: Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add milk, eggs, and yolk. Stir to form a dough, then knead in softened butter until smooth. Cover and let rise 1–1 ½ hours until doubled.
Prepare Filling: Melt chocolate and butter. Stir in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Let cool until spreadable.
Shape Babka: Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving a border. Roll into a log, slice lengthwise, and twist into a braid. Place in greased loaf pan.
Second Rise: Cover and let rise 45–60 minutes until puffy.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 35–40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Finish: Brush hot babka with syrup made by simmering sugar and water until dissolved. Cool before slicing.
Notes
Swap dark chocolate for semi-sweet if you prefer a sweeter loaf.
Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
Babka freezes beautifully—slice, wrap, and store for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 2 hrs (includes rising)
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chocolate babka, swirl bread, homemade babka, holiday bread, sweet bread recipe