Decadent Chocolate Babka
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Serves: 2 babkas
Ingredients
  • Dough:
  • 3⅔ cups all purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp quick rising yeast
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup warm water
  • ⅔ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Filling:
  • 2 cups chocolate hazelnut spread
  • 2 cups dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • Syrup:
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ⅓ cup sugar
Instructions
  1. In a stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar. Mix on medium speed for a minute and let stand for 2 minutes (or until bubbles form).
  2. Turn mixer back on to medium speed. Add remaining sugar, orange zest, eggs, salt, and butter.
  3. Slowly add the flour until the dough comes together.
  4. Turn mixer up to high speed for two minutes.
  5. Remove dough, place into a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
  6. Let dough rise in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
  7. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  8. After the dough has risen, turn out onto a floured surface. Divide dough in half.
  9. With a rolling pin, roll out one half of the dough into the shape of a large rectangle. The dough should be about ⅓ inch thick. The longer side should be closest to you.
  10. Spread 1 cup of the chocolate hazelnut spread over the surface, making sure to leave the edges of the dough clean.
  11. Sprinkle 1 cup of the chocolate chips and ½ tbsp of cinnamon over the chocolate hazelnut spread.
  12. Roll the dough from the long side closest to you until you reach the other end of the long side, so that you end up with a log. Cut about one inch off both ends of the log.
  13. With a sharp knife, slice the center of the log so that you end up with two long halves of the log. Pinch the two ends together and twist both halves several times. Pinch the other two ends together.
  14. Place the twisted log into a greased loaf pan.
  15. Repeat this process with the other half of the dough.
  16. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
  17. While the babka is baking, combine water and sugar and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. When the babka is ready, brush the syrup over the top and let cool.
  18. Serve and enjoy.
Recipe by Chef Times Two at https://www.cheftimestwo.com/decadent-chocolate-babka/