The secret to babka’s mesmerizing chocolate swirl? A double helix twist (don’t worry, it’s way easier than science class).
Recipe information
Yield
Makes one 8½x4½-inch loaf Servings
Ingredients
Dough
½
cup whole milk, warmed
1
¼-ounce envelope active dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
¼
cup granulated sugar, plus more
1
large egg
1
large egg yolk
½
teaspoon kosher salt
2
cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
7
tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces, plus more for bowl
Filling and Assembly
4
tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided, plus more room temperature for pan
3
ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2
tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2
tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
¾
teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
¼
teaspoon kosher salt, divided
2
tablespoons dark brown sugar
5
tablespoons all-purpose flour
1
large egg
1
tablespoon heavy cream
Preparation
Dough
Step 1
Pour milk into a measuring glass or small bowl; sprinkle yeast and a pinch of granulated sugar over milk. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Step 2
Whisk egg, egg yolk, and remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Whisk in yeast mixture.
Step 3
Combine salt and 2 cups flour in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add egg mixture and beat on low speed until nearly incorporated, about 30 seconds. Switch to dough hook and add 7 Tbsp. butter; beat on medium-low until butter is completely incorporated and dough is smooth and just slightly sticky, 8–10 minutes.
Step 4
Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until very smooth (dough will still be wet and a little sticky). Transfer to a large buttered bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1½–2 hours, then chill 45 minutes.
Filling and Assembly
Step 5
Preheat oven to 350°. Generously butter a 8½x4½" loaf pan. Heat chocolate, cocoa, 2 Tbsp. butter, 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar, ¼ tsp. cinnamon, and ⅛ tsp. salt in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until chocolate and butter are melted and mixture is smooth. (Alternatively, microwave on medium power 1 minute, stirring halfway through.)
Step 6
Turn out chilled dough onto a clean lightly floured surface. Roll out to a 22x12" rectangle and orient so a long side is facing you. Using an offset spatula, spread chocolate filling over dough to extend to the edges. Roll up dough away from you like a jelly roll, pulling lightly on it as you roll to maintain thickness. (Use a metal bench scraper if needed to help dough release from surface.)
Step 7
Cut log in half crosswise. Set halves so they are side by side and touching. A long side should still be facing you. Place one half over the other to make an X, then twist the two ends on one side twice. Repeat on opposite side. (You should have a total of 4 twists.) Transfer bread to pan, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise 30 minutes.
Step 8
Meanwhile, make the streusel. Whisk brown sugar and remaining 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar, ½ tsp. cinnamon, and ⅛ tsp. salt in medium bowl to blend. Mix in remaining 2 Tbsp. butter. Add flour and toss with a fork until moist clumps form (streusel will look slightly wet). Whisk egg and cream in a small bowl and brush egg wash over loaf. Scatter streusel over top.
Step 9
Bake babka, rotating pan halfway through, until golden brown, 50–60 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let babka cool in pan 15 minutes, then turn out onto rack, running a paring knife around edges to help loosen if needed. Let cool completely before slicing.
