Chocolate Babka – Soft, Buttery Sweet Bread with Swirls of Dark Chocolate
There are few baked goods as visually stunning — and irresistibly delicious — as Chocolate Babka. With its rich, buttery dough twisted around ribbons of dark chocolate, this sweet bread is as beautiful as it is indulgent. Each slice reveals dramatic swirls of chocolate layered inside tender, fluffy bread, making it perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat.
Chocolate babka strikes the perfect balance between brioche-like softness and deep chocolate richness. It’s slightly sweet, luxuriously buttery, and finished with a glossy syrup that keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
If you’ve ever admired bakery babka and thought it looked too complicated to make at home, this complete guide will walk you through every step — from kneading the dough to achieving those perfect swirls.
Let’s bake.
What Is Chocolate Babka?
Babka is a traditional Eastern European sweet bread, particularly popular in Jewish baking traditions. Originally filled with cinnamon or jam, chocolate versions have become incredibly popular worldwide.
What makes babka unique?
- Enriched yeast dough (similar to brioche)
- Rolled and filled before shaping
- Twisted to create visible swirls
- Baked in a loaf pan
- Brushed with sugar syrup after baking
The twisting technique creates beautiful layers that caramelize slightly during baking, giving texture and depth.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Babka
- Ultra-soft, buttery crumb
- Deep dark chocolate flavor
- Beautiful twisted design
- Perfect for brunch or dessert
- Freezer-friendly
It tastes luxurious but feels homemade and comforting at the same time.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Chocolate Filling:
- 150 g dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Sugar Syrup:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs and yeast mixture. Mix until combined.
Gradually add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. Knead
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Prepare Chocolate Filling
Melt butter and dark chocolate together over low heat. Stir in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon until smooth. Let cool slightly.
6. Roll Out Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches.
7. Spread Filling
Spread chocolate mixture evenly over dough, leaving a small border.
8. Roll & Chill
Roll tightly into a log starting from the long side. Chill in refrigerator 20–30 minutes to firm up.
9. Slice & Twist
Cut the log lengthwise down the middle to expose layers. Twist the two halves together with cut sides facing up.
10. Second Rise
Place twisted dough into lined loaf pan. Cover and let rise 45 minutes.
11. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until deep golden brown.
12. Brush with Syrup
While warm, brush sugar syrup over top for shine and moisture.
Cool completely before slicing.
Chocolate Babka – Soft, Buttery Sweet Bread with Swirls of Dark Chocolate
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate yeast in warm milk.
- Mix flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and yeast mixture.
- Add butter gradually and knead until smooth.
- Let dough rise until doubled.
- Prepare chocolate filling.
- Roll dough, spread filling, and roll into log.
- Slice, twist, and place in loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes and brush with syrup.
Notes
The Secret to Perfect Swirls
Chilling the rolled log before slicing makes it easier to cut cleanly and maintain defined layers.
Always twist with the cut sides facing upward — this showcases the chocolate layers beautifully.
Texture Guide
- Soft and fluffy inside
- Slightly crisp caramelized edges
- Rich chocolate ribbons throughout
- Glossy finish from syrup
Flavor Variations
Cinnamon Chocolate Babka
Increase cinnamon in filling for warmer spice notes.
Nutella Babka
Replace chocolate filling with Nutella.
Orange Chocolate Babka
Add orange zest to filling.
Nutty Version
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or hazelnuts over filling before rolling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slightly warm
- Pair with coffee or espresso
- Toast slices lightly with butter
- Dust with powdered sugar for presentation
It’s perfect for holiday mornings, brunch spreads, or gifting.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature up to 3 days
- Wrap tightly to prevent drying
- Freeze slices individually up to 2 months
Reheat gently for fresh-baked texture.
Common Troubleshooting
Dough Too Sticky?
Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
Babka Collapsed?
Likely underbaked — check internal temperature (190°F).
Dry Texture?
Overbaked or skipped syrup brushing.
Why Babka Is So Special
Chocolate babka combines bread-making skill with pastry artistry. The twisting process transforms simple dough and chocolate into something visually dramatic and bakery-worthy.
It’s the kind of recipe that impresses guests — yet feels deeply comforting and homemade.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Babka is more than sweet bread — it’s a celebration of texture and flavor. Buttery dough, rich dark chocolate, and beautiful swirls come together in every slice.
Once you master the twist technique, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Soft, sweet, and deeply satisfying — this homemade babka truly belongs in every baker’s recipe collection.
