How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Babka Recipe

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How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Babka Recipe

Chocolate babka is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for any occasion. It is made with a soft, fluffy dough that is filled with a rich chocolate filling. Babka can be braided, swirled, or simply baked in a loaf pan.

This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. The babka is soft and fluffy on the inside and has a rich, chocolatey flavor. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and shine to the finished product.

Babka is thought to have originated in the early 19th century, when Jewish housewives began to spread extra challah dough with jam or cinnamon and bake it alongside the challah. The chocolate babka was likely a mid-20th century American development.

Today, babka is popular all over the world, and it can be found in many bakeries and grocery stores. It is a delicious and festive bread that is perfect for any occasion.

What you need to make Chocolate Babka:

• 2.5 sticks (280g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (60ml) warm water
• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (25g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120g) melted semisweet chocolate chips

For the glaze:

• 1/3 cup (80ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons (25g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (180g) semisweet chocolate chips

How to make Chocolate Babka:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the cocoa powder and warm water until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the melted chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the babka cool completely before glazing.

To make the glaze, combine the milk, butter, and chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. 8. Pour the glaze over the cooled babka and let it set before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
• To make a vanilla babka, omit the cocoa powder and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
• For a fun twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter.
• To make a braided babka, divide the dough in half and roll each half into a long rope. Braid the two ropes together and place them in a greased and floured loaf pan.
• To make a swirled babka, divide the dough in half and color one half with food coloring. Roll each half into a long rope and twist them together. Place the twisted rope in a greased and floured loaf pan.

Questions I get asked about this recipe:

What is the best way to store chocolate babka?

Chocolate babka can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

How can I make my chocolate babka softer and fluffier?

To make your chocolate babka softer and fluffier, be sure to not overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which will make the babka tough. You should also make sure to use warm water when activating the yeast. This will help the yeast to rise and make the babka lighter and fluffier.

How can I make my chocolate babka more chocolatey?

To make your chocolate babka more chocolatey, you can use dark cocoa powder or add more chocolate chips to the batter. You can also drizzle the babka with melted chocolate after it has cooled.

Can I make chocolate babka without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can make chocolate babka without a stand mixer. Simply mix the dough by hand until it is well combined. It may take a little longer to mix the dough by hand, but it is still possible to make a delicious babka.

Can I make chocolate babka ahead of time?

Yes, you can make chocolate babka ahead of time. Simply assemble the babka and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, bake the babka as directed.

Printable Recipe:

Here are two of our most popular muffin recipes! Rhubarb Muffins With Streusel Top, Lemon and Blueberry Muffins. Many of our quickbread recipes make great muffins, too!

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Busy Day Lemon Bars

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No-Bake Cornflake Cookies

Incredible Whole Orange Cake

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