Chocolate & Hazelnut Babka Recipe || William's Kitchen

hazelnut spread

🥗Healthier: almond butter

💰Cheaper: peanut butter

Almond butter offers a similar texture with fewer added sugars.

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option while maintaining richness.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk lowers calories while adding a nutty flavor.

chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate

💰Cheaper: cocoa nibs

Dark chocolate offers a richer taste with less sugar.

Proof the yeast by combining lukewarm milk and water with a bit of sugar and instant yeast. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until bubbly.

In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, the rest of the sugar, and a large pinch of salt.

Add 2 large eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter to the dry ingredients.

Pour in the yeast mixture and mix with a spatula, then knead with your hands for about 5 to 8 minutes until the dough is glossy and not sticky.

Let the dough rest at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius) for about 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.

Chop bittersweet chocolate finely and melt it in the microwave at low power.

Chop hazelnuts finely.

Beat room temperature butter with white sugar, then add cocoa powder, melted chocolate, hazelnuts, and a pinch of salt to create the filling.

Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.

Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Roll the dough into a log, similar to making cinnamon rolls.

Cut the ends of the roll, then cut the log in half lengthwise to create two pieces.

Braid the two pieces and place them in a cake pan or shape into a circle.

Let the braided dough rest for about 45 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature, covered.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).

Bake the babkas for about 25 minutes or until almost ready.

Prepare a syrup by melting sugar and water in the microwave, then brush it over the babkas.

Return the babkas to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until perfectly baked.

Brush more syrup on the babkas after removing them from the oven.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: