Babka

Babka Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert
Babka is a traditional Eastern European sweet bread that has become a beloved dessert around the world. This rich and indulgent treat is made with a buttery dough that is swirled with a sweet filling of chocolate, cinnamon, or fruit. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make a classic chocolate babka that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients (serves 8-10):

For the dough:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the filling:

- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the topping:

- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Cooking tips:

- Make sure your butter is softened before starting the dough. This will make it easier to mix and will result in a smoother texture.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to make the dough. This will save you time and effort, and will ensure that the dough is well-mixed and evenly kneaded.
- Don't overfill the babka with the filling. Too much filling can cause the dough to tear and the babka to collapse during baking.
- Let the babka cool completely before slicing. This will help the filling set and prevent it from oozing out.

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk and eggs. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. Add the softened butter to the dough and knead for 5-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
5. While the dough is rising, make the filling. Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir in the sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon until well combined.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) loaf pan.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12x18 inches (30x45 cm).
8. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges.
9. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side. Pinch the edges to seal.
10. Cut the roll in half lengthwise, exposing the filling. Twist the two halves together, forming a braid.
11. Place the babka in the prepared loaf pan. Brush the top with the beaten egg and milk mixture. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
12. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the babka is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13. Let the babka cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Appearance and taste:
This chocolate babka is a showstopper dessert that looks as good as it tastes. The golden brown crust is studded with crunchy almonds, while the inside is soft and fluffy with a rich chocolate filling. The aroma of cinnamon and chocolate will fill your kitchen as it bakes, making it hard to resist digging in right away. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence.
Type of dish: Sweet bread
Main ingredients: Flour, chocolate, butter