What is the recipe for chocolate babka?

Classic Chocolate Babka Recipe

This recipe makes a rich, decadent babka with a gooey chocolate filling.

Yield: 1 babka (about 12 slices)

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

* 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)

* 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

* 1 tsp granulated sugar

* 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

* 1/2 cup granulated sugar

* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

* 1/4 cup vegetable oil

* 2 large eggs

* 1 tsp vanilla extract

* 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

* 3/4 cup granulated sugar

* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

* 1/4 cup milk

* 1 tsp vanilla extract

* 1/4 tsp salt

For the Glaze:

* 1 cup powdered sugar

* 2 tbsp milk

* 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

* In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy.

* In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and salt.

* Add the yeast mixture and mix on low speed until combined.

* Increase speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

* Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

* In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

* Beat in cocoa powder, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

3. Shape the Babka:

* Punch down the dough and divide in half.

* On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough half into a 12x10 inch rectangle.

* Spread half of the chocolate filling evenly over each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

* Starting from the long side, tightly roll up each rectangle, jelly-roll style.

* Cut each roll in half lengthwise.

* Place the halves, cut-sides facing each other, in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.

* Pinch the seam together to seal.

* Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.

4. Bake the Babka:

* Preheat oven to 350°F.

* Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

* Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Glaze:

* In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

* Drizzle over the cooled babka.

Tips and Variations:

* For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.

* Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the filling.

* To prevent the babka from sticking to the pan, line it with parchment paper.

* For a more intense chocolate flavor, use bittersweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips.

* Serve babka warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate babka!