Surprise Your Family With This Delicious Easter Chocolate Babka

The babka is a sweet, braided bread that traces its roots to Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine. It is crafted from a rich, enriched dough made with butter, sugar, eggs, and milk, and is traditionally filled with chocolate or cinnamon. Today, we’re sharing a special Easter Chocolate Babka recipe with you. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients for the Easter Chocolate Babka:

Dough:

• 1 tsp Salt;
• 1 Egg;
• 4 ¾ cups All-purpose flour;
• 1 tbsp Vegetable oil;
• 2 ¼ tsp Active dry yeast (approx. 10g);
• ½ cup Water (lukewarm);
• ½ cup Milk;
• ¼ cup Sugar;
• 5 tbsp Butter, melted.

Filling:

• 17.5 oz (approx. 500g) Semisweet chocolate, finely chopped;

Topping and Finish:

• 1 tbsp Water;
• 3.5 oz (100g) Semisweet chocolate baking chips or coating;
• 1 tbsp Vegetable oil;
• 1 Egg (for egg wash).

How to make the Easter Chocolate Babka:

Dough Preparation:

1. Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water (ensure it is around 110°F/45°C), being careful not to exceed this temperature.
2. Set aside.
3. Warm the milk until hot, then set aside.
4. In a stand mixer, beat the sugar, hot milk, melted butter, salt, and the egg until smooth.
5. Using the dough hook, incorporate half of the flour until a uniform consistency is reached.
6. Add the yeast-water mixture, then mix in the remaining flour.
7. Knead well until the dough is smooth, elastic, and forms a ball.
8. Grease a bowl with 1 tablespoon of oil, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying. Let it rise until doubled in size.
9. Divide the risen dough into two equal parts.
10. Let the dough rest for another 5 minutes.

Filling:

1. Using a rolling pin, roll each portion of dough into a 6×10 inch rectangle.
2. Evenly distribute the chopped chocolate across both rectangles.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Grease a 6×10 inch loaf pan with oil.
2. Roll up the dough rectangles, place them in the pan, twisting or crossing one over the other.
3. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Whisk the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water and brush over the top of the dough.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 340°F (170°C) for 50 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven, take out of the pan, and let cool.
7. Melt the semisweet chocolate and drizzle over the babka to decorate as desired.
8. Ready to serve! Enjoy.
9. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pro Tip:

For the perfect homemade babka, follow the instructions carefully and have patience during the proofing process. You can sprinkle a little cinnamon on top of the chocolate filling for an extra layer of warmth.

Did you know?

Babka gained massive popularity in the United States after a classic episode of Seinfeld, where a character famously fights for the “last babka” at a bakery. Since then, it has become a staple in bakeries and cafés across the country, even inspiring savory versions with cheese and other fillings.

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