If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a tender, sweet bread swirled with luscious chocolate, then this Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to bring you a soft, buttery loaf filled with rich chocolatey goodness that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a little homemade indulgence. The babka’s tender crumb and beautiful twisted layers feel fancy but are surprisingly effortless to make, making it a joyous project for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards baking a stunning babka. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to build that perfect soft texture with a flavorful chocolate filling that melts beautifully inside the dough. Keep things simple but don’t underestimate how these ingredients work together harmoniously!
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour: The foundation for our tender, yet sturdy dough that holds the filling beautifully.
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the rich chocolate.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast: Gives the dough that wonderful rise and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor complexity and balances sweetness.
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (or dairy-free alternative): Keeps the dough moist and tender while enriching flavor.
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter): Ensures softness and adds richness to every bite.
- 1 large egg (or flax egg): Binds the dough and gives it structure with a slight golden hue.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm, fragrant note that complements the chocolate filling beautifully.
- For the filling – 1/2 cup (120g) chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: The star ingredient for that irresistible gooey swirl.
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter (or vegan butter): Helps create a smooth and spreadable filling.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and color inside the loaf.
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough to contrast the bitterness of dark chocolate.
- Pinch of salt: Balances flavors within the chocolate filling, making it richer.
- Optional syrup – 1/4 cup (60ml) water: To make a simple syrup that adds moisture and shine to the crust.
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar: Partners with water to form the optional syrup glaze.
How to Make Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry and knead gently until you achieve a soft, smooth dough that springs back when pressed—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Cover it up and let it rise in a cozy warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour. This step is crucial because it sets that fluffy light structure you want in every bite of your babka.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
While the dough’s rising, melt your butter and stir in the chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is smooth and glossy, then let it cool slightly. This luscious filling will spread easily on your dough, and that contrast between warm melted chocolate and tender dough is unbeatable.
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once risen, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a neat 10×14 inch rectangle. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the surface, being generous but leaving a small border around the edges. Tightly roll the dough up from the long side into a log, and then carefully slice that log lengthwise down the middle. You’ll see those gorgeous chocolate layers peek through. Twist the two halves together gently, keeping the cut sides facing up—that’s the trick to showcase the swirl pattern in your finished loaf.
Step 4: Bake Your Babka
Transfer your twisted dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and cover it again for a shorter rise of about 30 to 40 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Once puffed slightly, bake your babka for 35 to 40 minutes until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. The aroma at this stage is truly mouthwatering.
Step 5: Optional Syrup Glaze
While your babka bakes, prepare an optional syrup by simmering water and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. As soon as your babka comes out of the oven, brush this syrup all over the top to lock in moisture and add a beautiful glossy finish. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before gently removing it. Serve warm or at room temperature to reveal its full flavor and texture.
How to Serve Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
Garnishes
Though the babka is stunning on its own, a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes can add an elegant touch and a delicious contrast to the rich chocolate inside. Toasted chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts also make an inviting crunchy topping if you want to mix things up.
Side Dishes
This chocolate babka pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, transforming your morning or afternoon into a cozy moment. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or crème fraîche to complement the bread’s sweetness and chocolate intensity.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Slice the babka thickly and arrange the pieces on a large wooden board with fresh berries and fruit preserves. You can also transform the leftovers into decadent French toast or bread pudding, giving new life to every bite. The versatility of this Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe means the presentation can be as creative as your cravings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any uneaten babka tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it soft and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer freshness, refrigeration is an option, though it might dry the bread slightly, so reheating gently before eating is recommended.
Freezing
This babka freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up gently for a freshly baked feel.
Reheating
To revive your babka, slice as needed and warm it in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes until the chocolate softens again and the crust regains its slight crispness. Microwaving works too but can make the bread a bit chewy if overdone, so keep it short and sweet.
FAQs
Can I make this Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the milk with your favorite plant-based milk, use vegan butter for both the dough and filling, and substitute the egg with a flax egg to keep that perfect dough texture. The resulting babka will still be moist, tender, and full of flavor.
Do I need to use a stand mixer to make the dough?
Not at all! You can easily knead the dough by hand on a clean surface. It takes a bit more effort but is very doable and quite satisfying. The dough is forgiving, so just knead until it’s silky and springy.
Can I use chocolate other than chips for the filling?
Yes! Feel free to chop up your favorite dark, milk, or even flavored chocolate bars. Using high-quality chocolate will elevate the filling, and the chunks will melt beautifully, giving your babka bursts of gooey richness.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder for the filling?
You can omit the cocoa powder if needed, but it does enhance the chocolate flavor and richness. Alternatively, add a bit more chopped chocolate or chocolate chips to retain intensity. The babka will still taste amazing!
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Definitely. For convenience, prepare the dough, let it rise once, then wrap it tightly and chill overnight in the fridge. The next day, bring it to room temperature before rolling, filling, and baking. This saves time and can improve flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe with you feels like passing along a little slice of happiness wrapped in chocolatey, tender dough. It’s approachable, authentic, and rewarding in every way. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion centerpiece, I can’t wait for you to enjoy the process and savor every bite of your homemade babka.
Print
Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish, Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Super Easy Chocolate Babka recipe offers a delightful homemade braided sweet bread filled with rich chocolate, perfect for breakfast or dessert. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can bake this classic Jewish Eastern European treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with a luscious chocolate swirl. The optional syrup adds a shiny, moist finish that enhances flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120g) chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- Pinch of salt
Optional Syrup Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until a soft, smooth dough forms, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Cover the dough and place it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the chocolate filling: While the dough rises, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Stir in the chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Allow the filling to cool slightly before using.
- Shape the babka: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 10 by 14 inches. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down its center to expose the layers inside. Twist the two halves together carefully, keeping the cut sides facing upwards to showcase the chocolate swirls.
- Second rise: Grease a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan and transfer the twisted dough into it. Cover the pan with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until it puffs up.
- Bake the babka: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 35 to 40 minutes or until it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Keep an eye on the bread to avoid over-browning.
- Prepare the optional syrup: While the babka bakes, combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Brush with syrup and cool: As soon as the babka comes out of the oven, brush the warm loaf generously with the prepared syrup. This will give it a shiny, moist crust. Allow the babka to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- The dough is very forgiving and can be prepared ahead of time and chilled overnight before shaping.
- The simple syrup keeps the babka moist and adds a beautiful glossy finish, but it is optional if you prefer a drier crust.
- For a vegan version, replace milk with a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan butter and a flax egg instead of a chicken egg.
- Ensure the dough rises in a warm environment to encourage proper yeast activation and dough development.
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for a richer filling flavor.
