If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a rich, swirled cake that feels both indulgent and homey, then this Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This recipe takes the classic, often intimidating chocolate babka and transforms it into a straightforward, approachable delight that anyone can bake. With a tender, slightly sweet dough wrapped around a luscious chocolate filling, you’ll have a beautiful, bakery-worthy loaf ready without the fuss. Whether you’re a beginner baker or simply craving a cozy slice with your coffee, this Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe will quickly steal the spotlight in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples but come together to create magic. Each element plays a crucial role, making sure your babka has the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that irresistible chocolatey swirl.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: The essential leavening agent that gives your dough its beautiful rise and lightness.
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F): Activates the yeast and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to nurture the yeast and balance the chocolate filling.
- 2 large eggs: These enrich the dough, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture to the dough, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and chew.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate: The star of the filling, offering deep, rich chocolate goodness.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor and helps create that iconic chocolate swirl.
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without graininess, keeping it silky smooth.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling): Adds lushness to the filling and makes spreading it a breeze.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the chocolate.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Ensures a shiny, golden crust that looks as amazing as it tastes.
- Optional simple syrup (1/4 cup sugar + 1/4 cup water): Brushing this on after baking keeps your babka moist and adds a subtle sweetness and shine.
How to Make Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Make the Dough
Start by combining your warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and alive—this is your yeast waking up! Then, add the eggs and softened butter before mixing in the flour and salt. You’ll get a sticky dough, which is perfect for babka. Knead it by hand or use a mixer for around 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading step is where the texture magic happens, giving you that perfect chewiness you’ll love.
Step 2: First Rise
Cover your dough and leave it in a warm spot to rise until it’s doubled in size—usually about an hour. This rest time lets the flavors develop and the dough to become airy and light, setting the stage for a wonderfully tender babka.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Filling
While your dough is rising, mix the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This luscious filling is rich and spreadable, how you want it for that perfect swirl with every bite.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has risen, gently roll it out into a 10-by-14-inch rectangle. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the surface, making sure to cover every corner for maximal deliciousness. Then, roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. This rolling technique traps the filling in gorgeous spirals.
Step 5: Twist and Place in Loaf Pan
Cut the rolled dough lengthwise into two halves, then twist these halves together with the cut sides facing up to show off the chocolate layers. Place this twisted loaf into a greased 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Cover it and let it rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes to get that extra fluff.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of your loaf with beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the babka is beautifully browned and cooked through. If you want that extra shine and moist crumb, brush the warm loaf with simple syrup right after baking. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
How to Serve Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
Garnishes
While the babka is stunning on its own, a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts can add a little extra oomph. The crunch of nuts contrasts beautifully with the soft swirls and rich chocolate, making each slice a sensory celebration.
Side Dishes
This babka pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert vibe, or serve it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea to start your morning with cozy vibes. The chocolate and buttery dough provide just the right amount of sweetness and richness for a perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch or party presentation, slice the babka into thick chunks and serve on a rustic wood board with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. Or, turn it into decadent French toast by soaking slices in egg custard and frying until golden, topped with fresh fruit and syrup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tricky!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, your babka will stay fresh for up to two days, maintaining its soft crumb and gooey filling.
Freezing
To keep your babka fresh for longer, slice it first, then wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab a piece whenever the craving strikes. Frozen babka keeps well for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring your babka back to life, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until soft and aromatic. This gentle warming melts the chocolate filling slightly, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to activate it first by dissolving it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar and waiting until it foams before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I add nuts or spices to the chocolate filling?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or a hint of cinnamon can add wonderful texture and flavor dimensions to your babka, making it your own special creation.
Is it possible to make the dough vegan?
While this particular recipe uses eggs and butter, you can substitute those with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and vegan butter. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly but can still yield delicious results.
How do I know when the babka is fully baked?
The top should be golden brown, and you can insert a toothpick to check: it should come out clean or with just melted chocolate bits but no wet dough. The loaf will also sound hollow when tapped gently.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or even a mix of bittersweet and white chocolate for a unique twist. Just be sure to chop chunky chocolates finely so they spread smoothly in the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe is the perfect way to bring the joy of homemade babka into your home without feeling overwhelmed. With every fold and swirl, you’re creating not just a loaf of bread but a moment of pure comfort and indulgence. So roll up your sleeves, get that chocolate filling ready, and bake a babka that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish, Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This super easy chocolate babka delivers the rich, swirled flavors of a traditional babka using a simplified dough and luscious chocolate filling, making it perfect for beginners or anyone craving a homemade sweet bread without the fuss and long preparation time.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional simple syrup (1/4 cup sugar + 1/4 cup water)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: Add the eggs and softened butter to the yeast mixture, then gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a sticky dough forms. Knead either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and place it in a warm environment to rise for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough is rising, combine chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl to create the chocolate filling.
- Roll and Fill: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 10×14 inch rectangle. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Shape the Babka: Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Then, carefully slice the log lengthwise to expose the swirls, and twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up.
- Second Rise: Place the twisted dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and allow it to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the babka for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Optional Simple Syrup: For extra moisture and shine, brush the warm loaf with a simple syrup made by heating 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water until the sugar dissolves.
- Cool: Let the babka cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- The dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Warm slightly before rolling and assembling.
- For additional flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the chocolate filling.
