This Dark Chocolate Babka is a rich and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The soft, buttery dough is swirled with a luscious dark chocolate filling, creating a beautiful and delicious loaf. The addition of an optional sugar syrup glaze adds a glossy finish and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavor. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this babka is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this Dark Chocolate Babka because it combines the irresistible flavors of dark chocolate and buttery, tender dough in a beautifully twisted loaf. The dough is soft and rich, while the filling is intensely chocolaty with just the right amount of sweetness. The sugar syrup glaze, though optional, adds a shiny finish and an extra layer of flavor. This recipe is perfect for bakers who want to create something impressive yet comforting, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Perfect Occasion:
This Dark Chocolate Babka is perfect for any special occasion or when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly delicious. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or as a homemade gift. The babka is also great for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea. Its beautiful appearance and rich flavor make it a centerpiece-worthy dessert for any celebration.
Decoration Tips:
For a stunning presentation, brush the babka with the optional sugar syrup as soon as it comes out of the oven to give it a glossy, professional finish. You can also sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or chopped nuts over the top for added texture and flavor. If you’re feeling creative, consider drizzling a bit of melted chocolate over the cooled babka for an extra touch of decadence. Serve the babka on a decorative platter or cake stand to make it the star of your dessert table.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 540 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 114 g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 25 ml avocado oil
- 250 ml milk
- 60 g granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 100 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 40 g granulated sugar
- 25 g cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt
For the Sugar Syrup (optional):
- 120 ml water
- 100 g granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, salt, cornstarch, and sugar.
- Add the melted butter, eggs, avocado oil, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix using the dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Chocolate Filling:
- In a small saucepan, combine the dark chocolate, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until everything is melted and smooth, and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Assemble the Babka:
- Dust your work surface with flour and roll the risen dough out into a large rectangle.
- Spread the cooled chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise, exposing the layers of chocolate.
- With the cut sides facing up, twist the two halves together, then form the twisted dough into a ring by connecting the ends.
- Place the twisted dough in a parchment-lined 10-inch cake pan. Cover and let it rise for another hour.
- Bake the Babka:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the babka for 35-45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even baking. The babka is done when it is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Sugar Syrup (Optional):
- While the babka is baking, make the sugar syrup by heating the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the syrup thickens slightly.
- Once the babka is out of the oven, immediately brush the top with the sugar syrup for a glossy finish.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the babka to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy your delicious dark chocolate babka!
Enjoy!
This Dark Chocolate Babka is a rich, indulgent treat that's perfect for any special occasion. The combination of soft, buttery dough and luscious chocolate filling is sure to make this recipe a favorite!