Chocolate Babka

Polish Chocolate Babka Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45-50 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Chocolate Babka is a delicious and indulgent sweet bread that is perfect for breakfast or dessert. This rich and decadent treat is filled with layers of chocolate and nuts, making it a favorite among many. In this recipe, we will show you how to make your own Chocolate Babka from scratch.

History

The origins of Chocolate Babka can be traced back to Eastern European Jewish communities, where it was traditionally served on special occasions such as holidays and celebrations. The word "babka" is derived from the Polish word for "grandmother," and this sweet bread is often associated with home-cooked comfort and warmth.

Ingredients

1 cup of milk
5 tbsp of butter or margarine (plus extra for greasing)
0.25 cup of lukewarm water
1 package of active dry yeast
6 tbsp of sugar
1 tsp of salt
5 to 6 cups of unbleached flour
1.5 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
0.25 cup of unsweetened cocoa
0.5 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans

How to prepare

Place the milk in a small saucepan and heat it until it is about to boil. Remove from heat and add the butter or margarine. Allow it to cool (you can cool it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes).
Generously grease the bottom, middle, and sides of a standard-sized tube or bundt pan.
In a large bowl, place water and sprinkle in the yeast.
When the milk mixture has cooled to wrist temperature, add it to the yeast mixture. Then add sugar and salt.
Add flour, one cup at a time, and mix after each addition.
Once all the flour is mixed in, knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes on a floured surface. Add small amounts of flour if necessary to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky to handle.
Clean and grease the bowl. Add the kneaded dough and oil or butter the top surface. Place it in a warm place to rise until it doubles in size, which will take approximately 2 hours.
Place chocolate chips in a food processor with a steel blade or a blender, and grind them until they resemble coarse meal. Transfer to a small bowl and combine with the cocoa. Sprinkle 0.33 cup of this mixture into the bottom of the greased pan, and then sprinkle in the chopped nuts.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and knead it for another 5 to 10 minutes on a floured surface.
Roll the dough into a large oval shape using a rolling pin, approximately 9-10 inches wide at the middle and 16-17 inches long.
Leaving a 0.5 inch rim around the outer edge, evenly sprinkle the remaining chocolate filling over the dough. Roll it tightly along the long edge, pinching the edges to seal them. Carefully lift the babka and place it into the pan, shaping it into an even circle as much as possible. Pat it firmly into place and seal the two ends together with a bit of water and a good pinch.
You can either let it rise at room temperature for 45 minutes and then bake it, or wrap it tightly in a plastic bag and refrigerate it (up to two days) until you are ready to bake.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when thumped.
Remove the chocolate babka from the pan and invert it onto a plate, so the chocolate-nut coating ends up on top. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the chocolate filling for a warm and spicy twist.
Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle the baked babka with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use lukewarm water when activating the yeast to ensure that it properly activates.

- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and create a light and airy texture.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size.

- Use a generous amount of chocolate filling for a rich and decadent babka.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Babka warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling the dough tightly ensures that the layers of chocolate filling are evenly distributed throughout the babka.

- Sealing the edges of the babka with water helps to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have semisweet chocolate chips, you can use chopped chocolate bars instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Chocolate Babka dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. This allows you to enjoy freshly baked babka without the need for extensive preparation on the day of serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chocolate Babka on a decorative platter or cake stand for a beautiful presentation. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Chocolate Babka pairs well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For a special treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chocolate Babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Babka contains approximately 320 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Babka contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Babka contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Babka contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Babka is not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Babka contains dairy, gluten, and nuts.

Summary

Chocolate Babka is a rich and indulgent treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Chocolate Babka is a delightful and indulgent sweet bread that is perfect for special occasions or as a treat for yourself. With layers of chocolate and nuts, this rich and decadent babka is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chocolate Babka. It was a sunny afternoon in the early 1970s, and I was visiting my dear friend Anna in her small village in Poland. Anna was known throughout the village for her delicious baked goods, and she had invited me into her cozy kitchen to learn the secrets of her famous Chocolate Babka.

As we gathered the ingredients and began the process of mixing and kneading the dough, Anna told me the story of how she had learned to make this delectable treat. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, originating from her great-grandmother who had been a renowned baker in the village.

Anna's great-grandmother had learned the art of baking from a traveling baker who had passed through the village many years ago. He had shared his recipe for Chocolate Babka with her, and she had perfected it over the years, adding her own unique twist to the traditional recipe.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Anna shared with me the tips and tricks that she had learned from her great-grandmother. She showed me how to properly knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic, and how to let it rise in a warm place until it had doubled in size.

After the dough had risen, Anna taught me how to roll it out into a large rectangle and spread a generous amount of chocolate filling over the surface. She showed me how to carefully roll the dough into a tight spiral, creating the signature swirls of a babka.

As the babka baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with the rich scent of chocolate and yeast, Anna and I sat at the kitchen table sipping tea and reminiscing about old times. She told me stories of her childhood in the village, of playing in the fields and swimming in the nearby river.

When the babka was finally ready, we pulled it out of the oven and marveled at its golden-brown crust and gooey chocolate filling. Anna sliced a thick piece for each of us to enjoy, and we savored every bite, the flavors of chocolate and cinnamon dancing on our tongues.

As I sat there in Anna's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of her home, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. This recipe for Chocolate Babka was more than just a delicious treat – it was a connection to the past, a link to the generations of bakers who had come before us.

I returned home with the recipe for Chocolate Babka tucked safely in my pocket, determined to share this culinary treasure with my own family and friends. Over the years, I have baked countless loaves of babka, each one a tribute to Anna and her great-grandmother, and a reminder of the joy that can be found in a simple loaf of bread.

And now, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will carry on the tradition of baking Chocolate Babka with love and care. May it bring you as much joy and happiness as it has brought me over the years, and may you always remember the moment when you stumbled upon this delicious recipe, just as I did so many years ago.