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Easy Babka Recipe: 7 Easy Tricks for Bakery-Style Loaves
Aldrick winters

Easy Babka Recipe

This easy babka recipe creates a soft, buttery brioche-style loaf swirled with rich chocolate filling. It’s perfect for holidays, brunch, or a cozy homemade bake with coffee. Expect a glossy, bakery-style finish with a tender, fluffy crumb.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Sweet Bread
Cuisine: Eastern European, Jewish-Inspired
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons rapid-rise yeast
  • ½ cup warm water (100–110°F)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted, divided)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup bittersweet chocolate – chopped or melted
  • ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella)
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ cup simple syrup – for brushing

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
  • 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

  1. Activate yeast by mixing warm water, sugar, and yeast until foamy and slightly bubbly. This ensures proper dough rise.
  2. Add eggs, egg yolk, melted butter, flour, and salt, then mix until a shaggy dough forms. It will look sticky and uneven.
  3. Knead dough for 10–15 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not wet.
  4. Cover dough and chill for at least 3 hours until firm and easy to handle. It should feel cold and structured.
  5. Roll chilled dough into a large rectangle about ⅛ inch thick with even edges.
  6. Spread chocolate filling evenly, leaving a small border to prevent leakage while rolling.
  7. Roll tightly into a log, slice lengthwise, and twist both halves to form a swirl pattern.
  8. Place in greased loaf pan and let rise 60–90 minutes until visibly puffy.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until deep golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Brush hot loaf with warm syrup for a glossy finish and cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Do not skip chilling the dough—it makes shaping much easier.
  • Brush syrup while the loaf is hot for the best glossy finish.
  • Use a serrated knife for clean slices without destroying the swirl.