Decadent Chocolate-Cinnamon Babka Delight
Experience the moist and rich ooze of chocolate interlaced with a warm hint of cinnamon in this stunning Decadent Chocolate-Cinnamon Babka Delight. A beloved dessert, Babka showcases the artistry of swirled dough filled with a luscious mixture that captivates every bite. This babka is a twist on traditional recipes, utilizing an irresistible chocolate filling created by a cook named Lilia from allrecipes.com. It leverages a classic challah dough that is soft, airy, and perfect for layering flavors, making it an ideal treat for gatherings or cozy weekends. Each slice reveals a beautiful swirl that is as eye-catching as it is delicious, with a crunchy streusel topping to elevate your indulgence.
8
Servings
350
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Semisweet chocolate
5 ounces (Broken into pieces)
Ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
Sugar
1/3 cup (None)
Butter or margarine
1/4 cup (Chilled and cut into small pieces (for filling))
Confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (None)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (None)
Butter or margarine
1/4 cup (Chilled and cut into small pieces (for streusel))
Egg
1 (Beaten with 1-2 tablespoons of water)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease two standard loaf pans with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy release.
2
To prepare the chocolate filling, place the broken chocolate pieces, ground cinnamon, and sugar into the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture achieves a coarse, sandy texture. If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the chocolate and mix it well with the cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl.
3
Chill the butter or margarine in the refrigerator until firm. Then, cut it into small pieces and incorporate it into the chocolate filling until it resembles moist crumbs.
4
For the streusel topping, combine confectioners’ sugar and flour in a medium mixing bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut in the chilled butter or margarine until the mixture takes on a crumbly texture—set this aside.
5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the risen dough as thinly as possible into a rectangle measuring approximately 15 inches by 4 inches. The thinner the dough, the greater the swirl effect in the final bread.
6
Sprinkle the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, ensuring full coverage. Starting from one of the shorter sides, tightly roll the dough up to form a log, taking care to seal the seam well.
7
To create the signature twist, fold the rolled log in half gently (it will resemble a squished letter 'U') and then carefully twist this 'U' shape a few times to form a rope-like appearance.
8
Place each twisted loaf into the greased loaf pans and cover them with a kitchen towel. Allow them to rise for about 30 minutes or until puffy.
9
After the second rise, gently brush the tops of the loaves with the prepared egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a splash of water) to achieve a glossy finish. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each loaf.
10
To prevent any mess in your oven, place the loaf pans on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
11
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Slice and serve your Decadent Chocolate-Cinnamon Babka Delight to impress your family and friends!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
38g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chocolate-Cinnamon Babka Delight?
It is a moist and rich dessert bread featuring swirled dough filled with a luscious chocolate and cinnamon mixture, finished with a crunchy streusel topping.
What type of dough is recommended for this babka?
The recipe utilizes a classic challah dough that is soft, airy, and perfect for layering flavors.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 18g of fat, 38g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How many loaf pans are needed for this recipe?
You will need two thoroughly greased standard loaf pans.
How do I prepare the chocolate filling if I have a food processor?
Process the broken chocolate pieces, ground cinnamon, and sugar until the mixture achieves a coarse, sandy texture.
What if I do not have a food processor for the filling?
You can finely chop the chocolate and mix it well with the cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl.
How is the butter incorporated into the filling?
Chill the butter until firm, cut it into small pieces, and incorporate it into the chocolate mixture until it resembles moist crumbs.
What ingredients are used for the streusel topping?
The streusel is made from 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/4 cup chilled butter.
What size should I roll the dough into?
Roll the dough as thinly as possible into a rectangle measuring approximately 15 inches by 4 inches.
Why should the dough be rolled thinly?
The thinner the dough is rolled, the greater the swirl effect will be in the final bread.
How do I create the signature babka twist?
Roll the dough into a log, fold it in half to resemble a squished 'U', and then twist the 'U' shape a few times to form a rope-like appearance.
How long should the loaves rise before baking?
Allow the shaped loaves to rise in the pans for about 30 minutes or until they are puffy.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
Brushing the tops with an egg wash (beaten egg with water) helps achieve a glossy, golden finish.
How long does the babka take to bake?
Bake the loaves for 30-40 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
How can I check if the babka is fully cooked?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
Should I use a baking sheet under the loaf pans?
Yes, place the loaf pans on a baking sheet to prevent any mess from the filling or topping in your oven.
What is the cooling process for the babka?
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Who is the inspiration for the chocolate filling in this recipe?
The chocolate filling is inspired by a cook named Lilia from allrecipes.com.
What kind of chocolate is recommended?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of semisweet chocolate broken into pieces.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in the chocolate filling.
How much sugar is in the filling?
The filling contains 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
What is the preparation for the egg wash?
Beat one egg with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.
Is the butter for the streusel the same as for the filling?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of butter for the filling and another 1/4 cup of butter specifically for the streusel topping.
What category of food does this fall under?
It is categorized as a dessert, sweet bread, and yeast bread.
Can this be made ahead of time for gatherings?
Yes, its eye-catching swirl and rich flavor make it an ideal treat for gatherings or cozy weekends.
What is the texture of the streusel topping?
The streusel topping is designed to be crunchy and crumbly.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include babka, chocolate-cinnamon, dessert, sweet bread, and homemade.
What is the primary visual feature of this bread?
The primary visual feature is the beautiful, intricate chocolate-cinnamon swirl revealed in every slice.