Embark on a culinary journey with this Sumptuous Chocolate Babka, a rich and twisty bread that marries the sweet indulgences of chocolate with the tender, fluffy texture of traditional Eastern European babka. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning loaf, featuring layers of velvety chocolate paste swirled through a light, airy dough. Each slice reveals a beautiful marble of chocolate, making it not only delicious but visually impressive.
Why You'll Love This: Chocolate Babka is the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover, providing a delightful texture experience with its soft bread and smooth, rich chocolate filling. The sweetness of the bread is perfectly balanced by the slight bitterness of the dark chocolate, creating a sophisticated flavor profile. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a coffee break, this babka is sure to enchant with its delightful flavor and satisfying richness.
Perfect Occasion: This Chocolate Babka is perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. It shines at brunches, adding an elegant touch to the spread, and is equally at home in a casual setting where comfort food is cherished. Celebrate with it at gatherings or treat your family to this lovely bread during weekend breakfasts.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the babka with powdered sugar before serving. Alternatively, a simple glaze of powdered sugar mixed with a little milk or lemon juice can be drizzled over the top for added sweetness and a picture-perfect finish. Serving it on a wooden board and slicing it at the table can enhance the communal and rustic feel of enjoying this delightful bread.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 3 large eggs
- 3 grams of salt
- Neutral oil for greasing
- 100 grams of white sugar
- 530 grams of all-purpose flour
- 175 grams of warm water (around 90°F)
- 10 grams of active dry yeast
- 150 grams of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- For the Chocolate Paste:
- A pinch of salt
- 105 grams of powdered sugar
- 180 grams of dark chocolate
- 120 grams of unsalted butter
- 42 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder
- For the Syrup:
- 80 ml of water
- 72 grams of sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar, letting it activate for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Add eggs, salt, and sugar, mixing until combined. Gradually add flour, kneading until a soft dough forms.
- Incorporate the butter, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl, covered, until doubled in size.
- Make the Chocolate Paste:
- Melt the chocolate and butter together until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Assemble the Babka:
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the chocolate paste evenly over the dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly from one long edge to the other. Slice the roll in half lengthwise, then twist the two halves together.
- Place in a greased 30 cm loaf pan, cover, and let rise again until puffy.
- Bake and Finish:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the babka for about 1 hour, or until golden and cooked through.
- While the babka is baking, prepare the syrup by boiling water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Brush the hot babka with syrup immediately after it comes out of the oven.
- Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy this luxurious Chocolate Babka, a delightful treat that brings a touch of Eastern European tradition to your table with a sumptuous chocolate twist!