Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love baked goods with rich, swirled chocolate, you’re going to adore this Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe. It takes the traditional babka concept and simplifies it with store-bought dough and a luscious chocolate hazelnut spread that creates a tender, flaky bread packed with gooey pockets of chocolate. Whether you’re new to babka or just want a fuss-free dessert to impress, this recipe effortlessly blends convenience with decadent flavor, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this delicious babka lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play an important part in the taste and texture. From the ready-made dough that makes preparation a breeze to the indulgent chocolate hazelnut spread giving that beautiful shine and richness, every element is essential for a perfect loaf.
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough: The base for your babka, providing a soft, chewy texture without any complicated mixing or rising.
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella): Creates the luscious, creamy chocolate swirls throughout the bread.
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips: Adds delightful bursts of chocolate crunch in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Gives a warm, spicy note that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Ensures a beautifully golden, glossy crust.
- ¼ cup water (for sugar syrup, optional): Used to make a simple syrup that moistens and shines the finished babka.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for sugar syrup, optional): Sweetens the syrup, enhancing the babka’s flavor and texture.
How to Make Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roll Out Your Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan so your babka won’t stick. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle. This step is where you set the stage—the dough’s size and evenness ensure your chocolate layers spread beautifully and bake uniformly.
Step 2: Spread the Chocolate Filling
Take your ½ cup of chocolate hazelnut spread and spread it evenly across the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. This border keeps the filling contained while baking. Then sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly on top. If you like a hint of warm spice, dust on cinnamon for an extra flavor boost that balances the sweetness.
Step 3: Roll and Twist
Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Next, slice this log lengthwise to expose all those gorgeous chocolate layers inside. Now for the fun part—twist the two halves together, keeping the filling side facing up. It’s this twisting motion that creates babka’s iconic swirled look and incredible texture! Tuck the ends under and place the twisted dough into your prepared loaf pan.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top of your twisted dough with beaten egg. This simple touch makes the babka gleam with an inviting golden crust once baked. Bake it in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through with a chewy yet tender crumb.
Step 5: Optional Sugar Syrup Finish
While your babka is baking, combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer until all the sugar dissolves into a clear syrup. Once the babka comes out of the oven, immediately brush this syrup over the surface to add a glossy shine and an extra splash of sweetness. Let the babka cool fully in the pan before slicing to allow those chocolate layers to set just right.
How to Serve Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
Garnishes
To highlight all the delicious swirls, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, such as toasted hazelnuts or walnuts, also adds a lovely crunch that contrasts the soft bread.
Side Dishes
This babka shines on its own but pairs beautifully with cups of freshly brewed coffee, café au lait, or even a rich hot chocolate. For a brunch twist, serve alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your babka thick for a decadent dessert or cut thinner for more everyday indulgence. You can also transform slices into mini French toast or bread pudding for a creative brunch idea that will wow your family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the babka moist and flavorful with no fuss.
Freezing
Babka freezes exceptionally well, which makes this Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe perfect for batch baking. Once cooled, slice and wrap each piece individually, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your babka warm again, simply unwrap a slice and heat it in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-8 minutes until soft and fragrant. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully if you have the time and love the hands-on process. Just make sure it’s a soft, bread-style dough that’s rolled out evenly for the best results.
Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, simply swap the chocolate hazelnut spread for a nut-free chocolate spread or a cinnamon sugar mixture. The babka will still have that rich chocolate swirl flavor without the nuts.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
Regular-sized chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars work just fine. They’ll create bigger pockets of melty chocolate, which some folks really enjoy!
Can I add other flavors to this babka?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with fruit preserves, almond paste, or even a sprinkle of orange zest to give your babka your own signature twist.
Do I have to make the sugar syrup glaze?
The sugar syrup is optional but highly recommended. It keeps the babka moist longer and gives the crust a beautiful shine, making it look as delicious as it tastes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe—it manages to capture the heart of a classic treat in a way that’s approachable and fail-proof. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy night in, a brunch date, or a sweet gift, it’s bound to impress. So, grab that pizza dough and chocolate spread, and bring a little joy into your kitchen with this delightful babka you’ll want to make again and again.
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Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Super Easy Chocolate Babka recipe offers a simplified and quick way to enjoy a classic Jewish-inspired chocolate swirl bread using store-bought pizza dough. With rich chocolate hazelnut spread, mini chocolate chips, and an optional cinnamon touch, this luscious loaf is twisted and baked to golden perfection, then finished with a shiny sugar syrup glaze for extra moisture and sweetness.
Ingredients
Main Dough
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough (or thawed frozen bread dough)
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Sugar Syrup (Optional)
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 10×14 inches, creating a smooth and even base for filling.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the chocolate hazelnut spread over the dough surface, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges to help with sealing. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and cinnamon over the spread if using.
- Shape the Babka: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Carefully slice the log lengthwise to expose the layers. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up, then tuck the ends beneath to form a neat loaf shape.
- Arrange in Pan and Apply Egg Wash: Place the twisted dough into the prepared loaf pan. Brush the top with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden glaze while baking.
- Bake: Bake the babka for 35 to 40 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare Sugar Syrup: While the babka bakes, combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved to create a simple syrup.
- Glaze the Babka: Once baked, immediately brush the hot babka with the prepared sugar syrup to add shine and extra moisture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the babka to cool completely in the pan before slicing into about 8 pieces and serving.
Notes
- Swap the chocolate hazelnut spread for cinnamon sugar or fruit jam for different flavor variations.
- Babka freezes well—slice and wrap tightly once cooled to preserve freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish-Inspired, American
