These Chocolate Pistachio Babka Braids are an irresistible combination of soft, buttery dough filled with rich chocolate and sprinkled with crunchy pistachios. The dough is tender and fluffy, while the filling adds a decadent, chocolatey flavor balanced by the nutty crunch of pistachios. Baked to golden perfection and optionally topped with a sugar syrup for extra sweetness, these babka braids are not only delicious but also beautiful with their braided, swirled appearance. Perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent treat, these braids are a show-stopper that will leave everyone asking for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these babka braids for their luxurious blend of rich chocolate filling and the satisfying crunch of pistachios, all wrapped in a soft and buttery dough. The braiding technique creates layers of flavor and texture, making each bite a delightful combination of tender bread and gooey chocolate. The recipe is simple to follow, yet the result looks and tastes impressive, making it perfect for gatherings, brunches, or a weekend baking project. The optional sugar syrup adds a beautiful shine and an extra touch of sweetness, making these babka braids even more indulgent.
Perfect Occasion
These babka braids are perfect for special breakfasts, brunches, or tea time. They are also an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift, thanks to their elegant look and irresistible flavor. Their rich, chocolatey filling and beautiful presentation make them ideal for occasions when you want to impress your guests. Whether you're serving them at a celebration or enjoying them as a weekend treat with a cup of coffee, these babka braids are sure to please.
Decoration Tips
For an extra touch of elegance, top each babka braid with a drizzle of the sugar syrup for added shine and sweetness. You can also sprinkle more chopped pistachios on top for additional crunch and color. If you want to get creative, you could dust the tops with a light layer of powdered sugar or even drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate for a more decadent finish. These simple decorations will make the babka braids look even more stunning and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 270 g all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon dry active yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 55 g melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 15 g oil
- 125 g milk
- 30 g sugar
For the Filling:
- 50 g chopped dark chocolate
- 25 g butter
- 20 g sugar
- 15 g cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- Chopped pistachios
For the Optional Sugar Syrup:
- 50 ml water
- 40 g granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Make the Dough: Combine all the dough ingredients in the bowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes until a smooth dough forms. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the dark chocolate, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
- Assemble the Babka Braids: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cooled chocolate filling evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter.
- Shape the Braids: Cut the dough into 12 strips. Then, take each strip and cut it into three sections, leaving one end intact (do not cut all the way through). Braid the three sections and roll the braid into a bun shape. Place each braid in a greased muffin tin. Let the dough rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka braids for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Optional Sugar Syrup: While the braids are baking, make the sugar syrup by simmering the water and sugar together over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Finish the Braids: Once the babka braids are out of the oven, you can brush them with the sugar syrup to give them a glossy finish. Sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios for decoration.
Enjoy these delicious Chocolate Pistachio Babka Braids as a rich, indulgent treat that's perfect for any occasion!