Chocolate Babka Loaf

Chocolate Babka Loaf is a delightful, rich, and tender bread that brings a little bit of magic to your kitchen. With swirls of luscious chocolate tucked inside a soft, buttery dough, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack. The combination of fluffy dough and a chocolatey filling creates a unique treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying something new, this Chocolate Babka Loaf recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Reasons to Love Chocolate Babka Loaf

Chocolate Babka Loaf isn’t just any bread — it’s a showstopper. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

• Decadent flavor: The gooey chocolate filling paired with a subtly sweet, buttery dough makes every bite irresistible.
• Impressive appearance: The twisted layers create a beautiful marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes.
• Versatility: Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a cozy weekend treat.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will be begging for seconds.
• Homemade goodness: Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread with melted chocolate wafting through your home.

What to Buy

To make this luscious Chocolate Babka Loaf, gather these high-quality ingredients for the best results:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of a tender, chewy crumb.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – for subtle sweetness in the dough.
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons) – to give the bread its light, airy rise.
• 1 teaspoon salt – to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed – creates a rich, soft dough.
• 2 large eggs – add moisture and structure.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – for tenderness and richness.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – the star ingredient of the filling.
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder – intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar – adds sweetness to the filling.
• 1/4 cup butter, melted – used to bind the chocolate filling and keep it luscious.

Gear Up: What to Grab

Having the right tools makes baking this Chocolate Babka Loaf a breeze. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Mixing bowls – for combining dough and filling ingredients.
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) – makes kneading effortless, but hand-kneading works fine too.
• Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy is key for perfect dough.
• Rolling pin – to roll out the dough evenly.
• Loaf pan (9×5 inches) – for shaping and baking your babka loaf.
• Pastry brush – for glazing the dough with melted butter.
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel – to cover the dough while it rises.
• Cooling rack – to let your loaf cool properly.

Chocolate Babka Loaf: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Warm the whole milk until it’s just about body temperature (not too hot or it will kill the yeast). Stir in the granulated sugar and sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This step confirms your yeast is active and ready to work magic.

Step 2: Make the dough

In a large bowl or your stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the eggs, softened butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together, then increase to medium speed and knead for about 8-10 minutes until you have a smooth, elastic dough. If kneading by hand, this may take a bit longer but keep at it!

Step 3: First rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the chocolate filling

While the dough rises, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until you have a smooth, spreadable filling. Set aside.

Step 5: Roll and fill the dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle approximately 16×12 inches. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 6: Shape the babka

Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down the middle to reveal the chocolate layers. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up to showcase the chocolate swirls.

Step 7: Second rise

Carefully place the twisted dough into the greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 8: Bake to perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean (some melted chocolate on the skewer is okay!). If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.

Step 9: Cool and enjoy

Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the flavors to develop and keeps your slices neat and tidy.

Holiday-Friendly Variations

• Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different twist.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Mix in some orange zest to the filling for a bright, festive note.
• For an extra indulgence, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf.

Chef’s Notes

• Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast.
• Softened butter is crucial for achieving a tender dough texture.
• When twisting the dough, keep the cut sides facing up to maximize the beautiful swirl effect.
• Allowing the loaf to cool before slicing prevents the chocolate filling from oozing out too much.
• For an extra fluffy loaf, try incorporating a bit of bread flour or using a stand mixer for thorough kneading.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This Chocolate Babka Loaf keeps beautifully for up to 3 days at room temperature when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the cooled loaf wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm slices slightly in the oven or toaster for that fresh-baked feel.

Reader Q&A

Can I use milk alternatives in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk warmed to the same temperature. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid altering the dough’s sweetness.

How do I prevent the chocolate from leaking out during baking?

Spread the filling evenly and leave a small border around the edges when rolling the dough. Also, twisting the dough with the cut sides facing up helps keep the filling inside the loaf. Avoid overfilling to maintain structure.

Can I make this dough in a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine for the dough cycle up to the first rise. Then proceed with rolling, filling, twisting, and the second rise by hand before baking.

What’s the difference between babka and brioche?

While both are rich, yeasted breads, babka is typically filled and twisted with sweet fillings like chocolate or cinnamon, whereas brioche buns are often plain or lightly sweetened without fillings. Babka’s layered appearance sets it apart visually and texturally.

Keep Cooking

• Love rich, swirled doughs? Try making Russian Cinnamon Buns Plushki for a spicy, sweet twist on classic cinnamon buns.
• For an elegant chocolate dessert, check out the Chocolate Easter Nest Cake — perfect for special occasions.
• Explore more bread recipes like the fluffy and buttery Brioche Buns that pair wonderfully with both sweet and savory meals.

Serve & Enjoy

Slice your Chocolate Babka Loaf thick or thin, depending on your mood. It’s wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a pat of butter, a smear of cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea to start your day with a smile or as an indulgent afternoon treat. This loaf is a crowd-pleaser and will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

With its tender crumb, rich chocolate swirls, and buttery finish, this Chocolate Babka Loaf is more than just bread — it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. Happy baking!

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