| Prep: 2 hrs | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 539 | 26g | 15g | 72g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 37g | 3g | 10g | 0.2g |
About Babka
One of the most beloved breads known to foodies around the globe has to be Babka. This miraculous creation can trace its roots back to Eastern Europe, from where it has traveled far and wide to delight taste buds everywhere. A staple in Jewish bakeries, this rich, sweet yeast bread is filled with swirls of chocolate or cinnamon, making it a popular centerpiece for festive occasions.
The Marvelous Makeup of Babka
The magic of Babka lies as much in its ingredients as in the skill and patience required to create it. From yeast, granulated sugar, warm milk, room-temperature eggs, to all-purpose flour, each ingredient is selected with care. But what really sets Babka apart is the luxurious filling- a heavenly blend of unsweetened cocoa powder, bittersweet chocolate, sugar and melted butter that’s spread between the bread’s multiple layers.
Babka’s Culinary Kin and Complementing Pairings
If you’ve tried Brioche or Challah and adored them, chances are you’ll form a beautiful bond with Babka. These breads share similarities in that they all possess a rich, sweet taste and a feathery light texture. As with its contemporaries, Babka can be enjoyed with a range of foods and beverages across meals. Of course, a traditional cup of coffee or tea is a forever favourite. But if you truly want to elevate your Babka experience, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of creme fraiche. The contrast between the warm, gooey chocolate filled bread and the cool creaminess of the accompaniments is truly divine.
The Possibilities Are Endless
Part of Babka’s charm is its versatility. Though the traditional, and arguably most popular, fillings are either chocolate or cinnamon, the dough is quite literally a blank canvas crying out for creativity. Fancy a fruity filling? Try a mixture of crushed berries and cream. Craving something nuttier? Pecans and brown sugar could be your new obsession. Or perhaps you’re a fan of a breakfast classic spread – in that case, think Nutella and Bananas. The possibilities truly are, as the saying goes, as limitless as your imagination.
So when it comes to considering your next baking adventure or looking to experiment with something out of the ordinary, let Babka be your choice. And who knows, you might just discover a new culinary favorite.
What You’ll Need
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- Half cup of warm milk
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt
- 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 ounces of bittersweet chocolate (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup of sugar for chocolate filling
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (melted, for the chocolate filling)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (for topping)
Method
Step One
Combine 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and half cup of warm milk in a large bowl and let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add 3 large eggs and whisk until smooth.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, alternating with 8 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter, beginning and ending with the flour.
Step Three
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 to 15 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step Four
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into two equal parts. Roll out each part into a rectangle and spread each rectangle with 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 ounces of roughly chopped bittersweet chocolate, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
Step Five
Roll up the rectangles tightly, seal the edges, and place each roll in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step Six
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before placing the loaves in the oven, brush the tops with a beaten egg. Sprinkle the tops with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
Step Seven
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove from the pans and let cool completely on a wire rack.
