The BEST Chocolate BABKA Recipe! ULTRA SOFT and Chocolatey!

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with similar moisture.

chocolate

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate

💰Cheaper: chocolate chips

Dark chocolate has less sugar and can enhance flavor.

Warm water in a small saucepan to between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Add warm water to the yeast and sugar mixture, stir, and let sit for 8-10 minutes until foamy.

Combine all dry ingredients in a stand mixer and mix until incorporated.

Add the yeast mixture and all wet ingredients to the stand mixer and mix on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until combined.

Add about 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter to the dough, mixing for 30 seconds to a minute before adding more butter until all is incorporated.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl and knead the dough on medium speed for 10 minutes, scraping down as needed.

Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil and form the dough into a ball, adding oil as needed to prevent sticking.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours.

After 2 hours, cover the dough again and refrigerate overnight.

On day two, let the dough sit at room temperature for 1 hour before preparing the filling.

In a skillet on medium heat, melt together dark chocolate, unsalted butter, brown sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee, cinnamon, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.

Transfer the filling to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until thickened.

After the dough has rested, roll it out and assemble the babka with the filling.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens