Decadent Chocolate Babka

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Decadent Chocolate Babka.

1. Step 1

   Begin by gently warming the milk and melting the butter together in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds, or alternatively, in a saucepan over low heat.

2. Step 2

   In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the bread flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, and sugar until well combined.

3. Step 3

   Pour in the warm milk-butter mixture, along with water if desired, an egg, and salt.

4. Step 4

   Stir until everything is harmoniously mixed.

5. Step 5

   Knead the dough using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook on low speed, or by hand, until it transforms into a smooth and elastic texture, which should take around 15 minutes.

6. Step 6

   If the dough feels overly sticky, gradually incorporate more bread flour, adding just 2 tablespoons at a time, to achieve a workable consistency without risking dryness.

7. Step 7

   Once kneaded, cover the dough with a damp cloth and allow it to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which will take about 1 to 1.

8. Step 8

   5 hours.

9. Step 9

   While the dough is rising, prepare the delightful chocolate filling by combining finely chopped chocolate, cinnamon, and sugar in a bowl.

10. Step 10

    Cut in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a rich filling.

11. Step 11

    For the streusel topping, mix confectioners' sugar and all-purpose flour in another bowl, then cut in chilled butter until it becomes crumbly.

12. Step 12

    When the dough has risen, gently punch it down and divide it into two equal portions.

13. Step 13

    Shape each portion into a ball and let them rest for 10 minutes, covered with a damp cloth.

14. Step 14

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough into a rectangle measuring 15 by 4 inches.

15. Step 15

    Evenly distribute half of the chocolate filling over the dough, then roll it up tightly to form a log.

16. Step 16

    Seal the seam and connect the ends to create a ring, placing it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

17. Step 17

    Repeat this rolling and filling process with the second piece of dough.

18. Step 18

    Using a serrated knife or kitchen shears, make slits at 1-inch intervals around the rings.

19. Step 19

    Cover them with damp kitchen towels and let them rise until they double in size, which should take about 30 minutes.

20. Step 20

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

21. Step 21

    Prepare the egg wash by whisking together an egg and a splash of water in a small bowl.

22. Step 22

    Brush the loaves with the egg wash and generously sprinkle the streusel topping over the top.

23. Step 23

    Bake the loaves in the preheated oven, rotating the baking sheets halfway through for even browning, until they achieve a deep golden brown hue, which will take about 25 minutes.

24. Step 24

    Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as these treats bake to perfection!.