Chocolate babka
Description
Perfectly pairs with tea and coffee. The chocolate babka can be prepared in advance (up to the baking step) and frozen for up to 1 month. Before baking, allow it to come to room temperature for 5 hours. Serve cooled or slightly warm.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
1. Cut the butter into pieces. Finely chop the chocolate. Pour warm milk into a bowl. Add yeast, a pinch of sugar, and let stand for about 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat 3/4 cup sugar, 2 eggs, and egg yolks. Add the egg mixture to the yeast mixture and whisk until combined. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine flour and salt. Add the egg mixture and mix at low speed for about 30 seconds. Add 2 sticks of butter and mix with a dough hook until a smooth dough forms, about 10 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Lightly grease a large bowl with butter. Place the dough in the bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
- 2
Step 2
2. Add chocolate, the remaining cup of sugar, and cinnamon to a large bowl, and mix. Add 1 1/2 sticks of cut butter and gently mix. Set aside. Grease a baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Whisk the remaining egg and 1 tablespoon of cream, then set aside. To prepare the topping, mix sugar, flour, and butter with a fork in a bowl until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- 3
Step 3
3. Place the dough on a clean surface. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Cut into 3 equal parts. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the other 2 covered with plastic wrap. On a floured surface, roll out one piece of dough into a circle 40 cm in diameter and 3 mm thick. Brush the edges with the egg and cream mixture.
- 4
Step 4
4. Place 1/3 of the chocolate filling, spreading it evenly over the dough while leaving a 6 mm border around the edges. Brush the edges with egg wash again, if necessary.
- 5
Step 5
5. Roll the dough into a log and seal the edges. Brush the entire log with the egg mixture. Prepare the other 2 logs in the same way.
- 6
Step 6
6. Twist the roll diagonally several times.
- 7
Step 7
7. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees. Sprinkle each roll with 1/3 of the topping. Loosely cover the pan with plastic wrap and let it stand in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.
- 8
Step 8
8. Bake the babkas until golden, about 55 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 160 degrees and continue baking until golden, for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.