B is for Babka - this chocolate babka is filled with chocolate, chipotle, and roasted cinnamon then a thick layer of streusel is added on the top. Better get a drip cup , though. You will be salivating by the time you've finished reading this. I love this for Easter brunch - right along with the Italian Easter bread!
Babka is an Eastern European sweet bread made with a rich, yeast leavened dough that is similar to brioche. It is often served for Easter and, I have to say, this would be an awesome addition to your Easter table! It is not quite a dessert but not really a bread either.
The bread is buttery and tender with a chipotle, roasted cinnamon ganache swirled through it. It's topped with a not too sweet streusel and it really is a treat for brunch or as an afternoon treat with a cup of Earl Grey. Although it takes quite a lot of time to make very little of it is hands on. You make the dough and then let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Hands on time is maybe 30 minutes, if that.
Steps to Shaping Chocolate Babka
When you shape the dough you twist it. It is a little complicated to explain but you can see how it's done in the images below.
- Roll it into a rectangle.
- Spread with the filling.
- Roll up from the long side.
- Fold in half.
- Twist a couple of times.
- Brush with butter.
- Put in loaf pans.
- Sprinkle with streusel.
This should freeze just fine for up to three months as long as you keep it tightly wrapped.
I've seen all kinds of recipes for babka with all kinds of ingredients but I like this one best. It is simple, it is do-able, and it's delicious. You may want to try all kinds of fillings once you make one. I've seen cream cheese and strawberry babkas, nut babkas, and almost everything else that you can imagine.
You can't begin to imagine how the house smells when this chocolate babka is baking in the oven!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Babka
Print Save Recipe Rate RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 packet yeast
- 4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 9 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Filling
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- pinch kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder, optional
- 11/2 tablespoons cream
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 pound bittersweet chocolate, , chopped
Streusel
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 -½ tablespoons white sugar
- 2-½ tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder, optional
- 4 tablespoons butter , cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions
- Warm the milk until it is 110F.
- Put the milk into a large bowl and whisk in the yeast.
- Whisk in 1 cup of the flour.
- Set aside for 20 minutes. It will foam up.
- Beat the butter and sugar in the mixer for 4 minutes on medium speed.
- Add the eggs, yolk, and vanilla.
- Continue to mix on medium speed - scrape down the sides often.
- Add the remaining flour.
- Now, add the milk mixture.
- Mix on low speed with the dough hook until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
- Oil the top with a light vegetable oil or butter.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day let the dough come to room temperature.
- Separate it into two equal balls.
- On a floured surface roll each ball of dough into a 12"x 20" rectangle.
- Spread with the chocolate.
- Cover with chopped chocolate.
- Start rolling up from the long side, keeping it tight as you go.
- Once it is rolled up fold it over so that it creates a "U".
- Twist it a few times and put it in a well greased bread pan.
- Brush with butter and sprinkle with streusel.
- Let rise until the loaves are about 1 inch over the top of the pans.
- Bake at 325F for 1 ½ hours.
- Cool completely.
- Slice in thick slices.
Chocolate Filling
- Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.
- Combine cream and butter in a heavy pan and bring to a simmer.
- Pour the cream mixture over he dry ingredients.
- Mix well.
- Add half the chopped chocolate to the mixture and stir until thick.
- Set the rest of the chocolate aside.
- As the mixture cools it will be like ganache.
Streusel
- Chill the butter thoroghly and cut in one inch squares.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Add the butter with your hands or a pastry cutter until it is the size of small peas/
- Chill until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
Renée J. (RJ Flamingo) says
My family is of Eastern European extraction and we grew up with babkas being made and served for holidays and whenever my parents had guests. This one really speaks to me - chocolate and chipotle? I'll be expecting a package from you, any day now. 😉
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
Babka is one of my favorite sweet breads and I LOVE that you added chipotle to the party! WOOHOO!!!
Vicki says
Oh my! Now this I might try to make myself!
Corinne says
I am so making this next weekend to have with my coffee while I will be editing my vacation photos....I. Can't. Wait.
Maria says
Stopping by via the CCN! Love this babka tutorial! I've always wondered how to make it! Looks lush!
Lauren Randalls says
I love cinnamon! This sounds amazing!
Kathleen Marshall says
OMG that looks amazing. You know, you're making it really hard for me to stick to this low-carb thing. 😉
Claire @ Lemon Jelly Cake says
I keep seeing babka! I really must try making it one of these days. 🙂 I love your step by step photos . . . such a great help with a more complex recipe like this!
Christine says
This has always been on my list of desserts to try. Yours came out beautifully!