Indulge in the luxurious blend of soft, pillowy brioche and rich coffee-infused flavors with this Chocolate Coffee Babka. This exquisite pastry artfully combines the tender, buttery layers of traditional brioche dough with a sumptuous filling of cocoa and hazelnut spread, all generously drenched in a specially crafted coffee syrup. Every slice reveals a mesmerizing swirl of dough and filling, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Perfect for coffee and chocolate lovers alike, this babka is a testament to the harmony of flavors that can be achieved in the world of baking.
Why You'll Love This: The Chocolate Coffee Babka is a masterful creation that offers the best of both worlds: the airy lightness of brioche and the deep, aromatic richness of coffee. The addition of cocoa and hazelnut spread brings a nutty sweetness that perfectly complements the coffee's bitterness, creating a complex flavor profile that's both comforting and sophisticated. The unique braiding technique not only enhances the babka's appearance but also ensures that every bite is infused with the delightful combination of flavors.
Perfect Occasion: This babka makes a stunning centerpiece for brunches, a sophisticated addition to afternoon tea, or a show-stopping dessert for dinner parties. It's also a thoughtful and impressive gift for holidays, special occasions, or simply as a way to share something homemade and heartfelt with friends and family. Whether enjoyed as a special treat or shared among loved ones, this Chocolate Coffee Babka is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Decoration Tips: Before serving, dust the babka with powdered sugar for a snowy effect that adds a touch of elegance. For an extra decadent touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made from confectioners' sugar and coffee. Garnish the platter with whole hazelnuts and coffee beans for a beautiful presentation that hints at the flavors within.
Ingredients:
For the Brioche Dough:
- 350g flour
- 130g milk, warmed
- 13g yeast
- 8g salt
- 1 egg
- 50g sugar
- 90g butter, room temperature
For the Filling:
- 200g cocoa and hazelnut spread
For the Coffee Syrup:
- 40g sugar
- 40g water
- 1 tsp instant coffee
Instructions:
- Combine flour, milk, yeast, salt, egg, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Knead for 10 minutes. Add butter and knead until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- After the dough has doubled in size, roll it out into a 50×30cm rectangle. Spread the cocoa and hazelnut filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly widthwise to form a log. Cut the log lengthwise into two equal halves.
- Place the halves side by side, cut sides facing up, and braid them by alternately layering one over the other. Transfer to a baking dish and let rise until doubled in size.
- Brush the top with beaten egg and bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (338°F) for about 30 minutes.
For the Coffee Syrup:
- Combine sugar, water, and instant coffee in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the babka is baked, immediately brush it generously with the coffee syrup, allowing it to soak into the bread.
Enjoy this decadent Chocolate Coffee Babka, a beautiful blend of soft brioche, rich chocolate hazelnut spread, and aromatic coffee that creates a truly unforgettable baking masterpiece.