Easy Chocolate Babka Bread

Описание: Easy Chocolate Babka Bread

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1-hour rise)
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes


Ingredients

For the Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk (110°F) (whole or 2% preferred)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg


For the Chocolate Filling:
½ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


For the Egg Wash (Before Baking):
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk or water


For the Sugar Syrup (After Baking):
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, mix warm milk (110°F), sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture.
Mix and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and slightly elastic. (If sticky, add a little more flour; if dry, add a teaspoon of milk.)
Cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.


Make the Chocolate Filling
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter in 15-20 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Stir in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Let it cool slightly—it should be spreadable but not too runny.


Roll & Fill the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal pieces.
Roll out one piece into a 12x8-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
Spread half of the chocolate filling over the rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll it up tightly from the long side to form a log.
Repeat with the second piece of dough and the remaining chocolate filling.


Twist & Shape the Loaf
Take both rolled logs of dough and gently twist them together to form a rope-like shape.
Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan, tucking the ends underneath.


Egg Wash & Bake
Whisk together egg + milk and brush over the twisted loaf for a golden, shiny crust.
Cover lightly and let it rest for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Brush with Sugar Syrup
While the bread is baking, heat sugar + water in a saucepan over medium heat until dissolved. Stir in vanilla extract.
As soon as the bread is out of the oven, pour brush warm sugar syrup for shine and extra moisture.