Chocolate Babka

Prep time25 minutes
Cook time30 to 35 minutes
Total time~2 hours 30 minutes
DifficultyMedium
Servings2 loaves

Buttery, golden dough braided with molten chocolate ribbons and finished with a shiny sugar glaze. Soft, cozy, and irresistible.

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What we love about this recipe

Babka is comfort and craft in one loaf. Soft dough meets glossy chocolate layers, and the syrup glaze keeps everything tender and rich. It is perfect for cozy mornings, holiday brunches, or late-night slices straight from the pan.

Where's it from?

Babka has roots in 19th-century Eastern Europe, where grandmothers would twist leftover dough with jam or cinnamon for special occasions. Over time it became a symbol of home, generosity, and celebration.

Why cocoa?

Chocolate babka gained popularity much later, once cocoa became widely available. Cocoa brings depth and a touch of bitterness that balances the sweet dough, while melted chocolate creates glossy swirls that stay soft even after cooling.

Recommandation de cacao

What cocoa should I use?

Alkalised cocoa powder gives the filling its depth and colour, while the chocolate ribbons can go in a few directions. For a classic bakery-style babka, use milk cocoa drops — they melt smoothly and lean sweeter, which suits the dough and sugar glaze beautifully. Dark cocoa drops also work if you prefer a more bittersweet contrast.

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La recette

Suivez ces étapes pour créer votre chef-d'œuvre

Ingredients

Dough

375g all-purpose flour
7g instant yeast
120ml milk
60g sugar
½ tsp salt
76g unsalted butter
1 egg
Extra flour for kneading

Chocolate filling

150g milk cocoa drops
60g unsalted butter
60g powdered sugar
30g alkalised cocoa powder
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Syrup glaze

60g water
50g sugar

Method

Make the dough

In a large bowl, whisk half the flour with the instant yeast. Warm the milk, sugar, salt, and butter in a saucepan until the butter is almost melted. Pour the warm mixture into the bowl and add the beaten egg. Mix in the remaining flour until a dough forms. Knead for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover, and rise for 1 hour or until doubled.

Make the chocolate filling

Melt the chocolate and butter gently in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. Stir in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix until glossy and spreadable. Let cool to room temperature.

Assemble the babka

Roll the risen dough into a 30 x 40cm rectangle. Spread on the cooled filling. Roll tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice lengthwise to expose layers. Twist the two strands, keeping the cut sides facing up. Cut the braid into two halves and place into two parchment-lined loaf pans. Cover and rise for 30 to 45 minutes.

Tip: Babka shaping looks more complex than it is. Watching the technique once makes it click.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Make the syrup

Simmer the sugar and water for 2 minutes until the syrup is clear and all sugar dissolves.

Finish

Brush hot babkas with warm syrup for a glossy finish. Cool fully before slicing.

Formation du chef

Hyram De La Paz est le créateur des recettes magiques de The Cocoa Circle. Spécialiste des bonbons de formation, fort de plus de six ans d'expérience dans des cuisines prestigieuses, dont un restaurant trois étoiles Michelin, Hyram maîtrise le cacao comme nul autre. Sa spécialité, c'est la pâtisserie. Dans notre cuisine, il allie une technique de renommée mondiale à une touche d'imagination pour transformer le cacao en un mets spectaculaire.

Festive Chocolate Babka For The Holidays

Get ready to create a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table with this incredible chocolate babka! This video walks you through the intricate baking process of this rich, glossy dessert, crafted from a golden, buttery brioche dough. Follow our easy "christmas recipes" to master this festive treats and make your Christmas dinner unforgettable! 🍫✨

Quand devrais-je le faire ?

Weekend baking, brunch tables, holidays, gifting, or anytime bread should feel special.