Easy Chocolate Swirl Bread (Babka)

Learn how to make the best chocolate swirl bread, also known as "babka"—a soft, rich brioche dough swirled with irresistible homemade chocolate sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, and will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• Ingredients You Need
• How to Make Chocolate Swirled Bread
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for this recipe
• Storage instructions
• Variations & Substitutions
• Recipe Questions
• More Bread Recipes
• Chocolate Swirl Babka

Chocolate Swirl Bread, also known as Chocolate Babka, is a delicious and buttery treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with soft brioche dough and swirled with ​a rich chocolate filling, this bread has beautiful chocolatey ribbons running through it.

This bread is soft and fluffy, with a rich, buttery taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet and slightly bitter chocolate. Each bite is a perfect mix of light bread and gooey chocolate, making it a real treat.

The best part? It’s easy to make, even if you’re new to baking. The yeast bread is straightforward, and the chocolate filling is quick to whip up. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven for breakfast or as a sweet treat later in the day, this Chocolate Swirl Bread is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients You Need

You need these ingredients to make this chocolate swirl bread recipe:

Bread dough :

• Flour: Use white wheat all-purpose flour, plain flour or bread flour.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar or cane sugar.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter softened at room temperature or even melted butter.
• Egg: Large and at room temperature, run it under hot water for a few moments if you didn't have time to take it out beforehand.
• Milk: Use semi-skimmed milk, whole milk or even a plant base milk lile almond milk. It should be lukewarm at about 25°C. You can heat it up in the microwave or in a saucepan.
• Yeast: 1 packet of dry yeast or fresh yeast.
• Salt: A small pinch of table salt or kosher salt

Chocolate Filling

• Butter: Unsalted butter, melted, adds richness and helps create a smooth chocolate filling.
• Cocoa: Unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the filling.
• Chocolate: Finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate, chocolate chips or dark chocolate for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How to Make Chocolate Swirled Bread

Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!

Step 1: Rehydrate the instant yeast by mixing it with warm milk and letting it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the dry ingredients, flour, sugar, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture and softened butter, then mix for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough in a warm place for the first rise, about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: In a small bowl, place chopped chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, brown sugar, and unsalted butter and heat in the microwave or in a small saucepan until you have a thick chocolate sauce like a spread.

Step 5: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, gently press it to release any air bubbles, and then roll it out into a large rectangle with a ​rolling pin.

Step 6: Spread the chocolate sauce mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Roll dough lengthwise into a long log, then use a sharp knife to cut the log in half lengthwise on the long side, exposing the chocolate layers inside.

Step 7: To braid the dough, start by crossing the two pieces in the center to form a cross. Next, take the top ends and cross them over each other, then do the same with the bottom ends. Continue crossing the top and bottom alternately in an opposite direction until you’ve created a neat braid.

Step 8: Prepare a loaf pan with baking paper or grease with butter or cake spray and place the braided bread in the prepared bread pan lined with parchment paper, trying to place the ends underneath.

Step 9: Let the swirled bread rise for the second time about 1 hour at room temperature until it swells again then apply a layer of egg wash to the bun with a pastry brush.

Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C and bake the chocolate babka for 20 to 30 minutes, until it is puffed and golden brown on top.

Enjoy! Let the chocolate babka brioche cool completely in its loaf pan before unmolding it and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with Butter: Serve slices of warm babka with a pat of butter for a simple yet delicious treat.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the babka with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant presentation and added sweetness.
• Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the rich chocolate swirl.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: Pair the babka with fresh berries or sliced fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or oranges for a refreshing balance.
• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Toast and Spread: Lightly toast slices of babka in a toaster oven and spread with cream cheese or Nutella for an indulgent twist.
• Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: Add an extra layer of sweetness by drizzling melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the babka before serving.
• Serve as French Toast: Turn your babka into a luxurious breakfast by dipping slices in egg batter and frying them up as French toast.

Storage instructions

Room temperature: You can store the babka in a storage box with an airtight container or under a cloth at room temperature for about 1 week.

Freeze: You can also cut it into pieces and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it come back to room temperature or use the defrost function of your microwave.

Recipe Questions

Can I make Chocolate Babka ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. You can also assemble the babka and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it fresh in the morning.

Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! While chocolate is classic, you can fill your babka with cinnamon, Nutella, fruit preserves, or even savory fillings like cheese.

Why does my babka have gaps inside?

Gaps can occur if the dough wasn’t rolled tightly enough or if the filling was too runny. Ensure you roll the dough firmly and use a thicker chocolate filling.

Can I add toppings to my Chocolate Babka?

Yes, you can top your babka with streusel, slivered almonds, or a simple syrup glaze for added flavor and texture.

Can I make a vegan version of Chocolate Babka?

Yes, substitute the butter, milk, and eggs with plant-based alternatives, and use vegan chocolate for the filling.

More Bread Recipes

I hope you love this chocolate babka recipe. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!

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