Cinnamon Chocolate Babka aka Chocolate Bread
This Cinnamon Chocolate Babka is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves the combination of bread and chocolate and the exotic warmth of Cinnamon. This simple & easy method I have adopted will have you making it more often than any other sweet breads.
Cinnamon Chocolate Babka
Doesn’t that look scrumptious? I must tell you the smell of chocolate bread and that cinnamon all at the same time is so intoxicating. It’s like going to Chocolate Heaven – death by bread!!
Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Recipe
What is Babka?
Well, actually Babka is made from a doubled and twisted length of yeast dough and is typically baked in a high loaf pan. like I did in one of the progress pictures below instead of the traditional fruit fillings you add chocolate. I believe a traditionally Babka is supposed to be topped with streusel.
We get something very similar in Israel and it’s called Kokosh. My husband is a big fan of chocolate Babka because it reminds him of his childhood in Israel.
I must warn you though, this recipe has chocolate oozing all over and under it. So it’s a bit messy on the hands but absolutely delicious on the pallet.
Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Recipe
Let’s talk ingredients
- Chocolate – I love to use a nice dark chocolate for the filling – up to 80% if I had a choice.
- Cinnamon – you can omit if you don’t like cinnamon but it just takes the whole chocolate bread to a whole new level. If you know what I mean.
- All-Purpose Flour – You can you bread flour as well but I personally prefer all-purpose in this recipe.
- Yeast – I always use instant dry yeast and I always let it sit five mins so I can be sure the yeast is activating but again if you prefer you could just do a shortcut and pour everything into the mixer – go for it – I have done that too!
- Cream in the egg wash – the cream in the egg wash contributes to the dark golden top which I love – but if you prefer to have it less dark – I’d suggest going with the traditional egg wash of egg and water –
- Simple Syrup – this just makes sure the bread is moist and not too dry. I’d say if you want to omit but then again NO ONE complained about a soft moist Cinnamon Chocolate Babka EVER! Did they?
Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Recipe
Recipe – Cinnamon Chocolate Babka aka Chocolate Bread
Useful Tips and Tools
- A small Mixing Bowl or measuring cup to activate the yeast. I prefer to use glass over metal. If the metal is cold it can lower the temperature of the liquid ingredients. Not a big deal. And yet, it’s nice to get the yeast activated quickly and move on with the recipe.
- I like mixing bread dough by hand. It’s quite therapeutic. But bread dough can be difficult to handle. Not just because it needs more kneading but also because it’s often a soft, sticky mess. And yet, keeping the dough soft and sticky is important for good bread baking. So, I highly recommend using a stand mixer Kenwood, kitchen-aidor other brands, it does not matter. Personally, I also have a hand mixer. And yet, I don’t use it for baking bread. Because bread dough is dense compared to cakes. So, it might harm my hand mixer. (recommended read – which stand mixer is good for home bakers)
- Baking bread is a science. So measuring ingredients correctly is important. Also, do not wing the measurements. Use a Measuring Cup for liquid ingredients and Measuring Spoons for dry ingredients.
- A good baking tray is as important to bread baking as it is to other baking Baking Tray. Therefore, buy a good quality baking tray that’s not too thin. The thick ones will prevent the bread from burning on the bottom. Sometimes you can even add a second tray on the bottom to prevent it from getting burnt.
- Every oven works differently. So the baking times are just guidelines. In the case of bread, a hollow sound on the bottom of the bread is a great indication. If the bread bakes too quick or too slow compared to the time given it might be a good idea to check if your oven needs calibration. An oven thermometer is a great little gadget to help keep the oven temperature in check. All you need to do is adjust the temperature accordingly.
Ingredients
Bread Dough
- 120 ml or 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110 F)
- 60 ml or 1/4 cup warm cream
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1/4 cup honey or 6 tbsp sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 80 gram / 6 tbsp melted butter
- 420 grams all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
Chocolate Spread
- 200 grams semi-sweet chocolate chopped
- 1/4 cup cream
- 50 grams Butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
Egg Wash
- 1 egg yolk + 2 tbsp cream (see note above)
Additional
Method
Making the Bread
- In a bowl – mix the milk, cream, yeast, honey – set aside for 5 mins until foamy.
- Add in the eggs butter, cinnamon.
- Stir salt in the flour.
- Make a hollow in the center of the flour.
- Pour the yeast mixture.
- Use your hands or a wooden spoon to bring it all together.
- Knead to form a soft, smooth and elastic dough – about 7 to 10 mins by hand or 5 mins in the mixer.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover with cling/plastic wrap.
- Leave in a warm place until double in volume. About an hour.
- After an hour, knead the dough for three more minutes punching all the air out – about 2 mins.
- And let rise one more time for an hour again.
Make the Chocolate Spread for the chocolate Babka
- Place the chocolate, cream, butter in a microwave safe bowl or a double boiler.
- Heat on 50% power for one minute. Stir well.
- Continue to place in microwave on 50% power for 20 secs intervals until all the chocolate has melted.
- Set aside to cool.
Pleating the Chocolate Babka
- Roll out the dough on to a floured surface about 1/8 inch. thick.
- Spread the cooled chocolate mixture on to the surface of the dough leaving 1/2 inch all around to seal.
- Roll like a jelly roll – seam side up.
- Cut the roll in the middle dividing it into two lengthways. This is a bit messy so work carefully.
- Pleat the two parts into each other. (see pictures below).
- Place into a greased loaf pan or baking tray.
- Cover with cling wrap and let rest in a warm place for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Baking the Chocolate Babka
- When almost double in volume – brush with the egg wash and bake in a preheated oven at 180 C / 360 F.
- About 20 minutes into baking. Brush the 2 tbsp of simple syrup on the top surface of the loaf with a pastry brush.
- This will add moisture and stop the top from getting too crisp.
- Bake for a total of 30 to 40 mins.
- When baked completely – cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
- Invert on to a serving platter before it cools completely – once the chocolate cools it may be difficult to get it out of the pan.
Progress pictures – this one was made in a loaf pan
I made this for my husbands Birthday dinner and didn’t do justice to the pictures, but this is how you would do the traditional loaf pan method. Sorry, it got over before I could take pictures of the finished loaf.
Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Recipe
This one was made in a cake pan
I often make it in a cake pan. I love a round bread – don’t judge me I’m a cake decorator, remember? Whatever shape you make it I promise you will love it.
Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Recipe
Save this Recipe for later; you can find a collection of my recipes and tutorials here on Pinterest
Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Recipe aka Cinnamon Chocolate Bread
Recipe Card – Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Recipe or Chocolate Bread
Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Recipe
This Cinnamon Chocolate Babka is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves the combination of bread and chocolate and the exotic warmth of Cinnamon. This Simple & Easy method I have adopted will have you making it more often than any other sweet breads.
Print
Pin
Rate
Adjust Servings Here: 10 servings
Calories: 440kcal
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
Ingredients
Bread dough
- 120 ml Warm milk about 110 F
- 60 ml Warm cream
- 1 tbsp Instant yeast
- 1/4 cup Honey or 6 tbsp sugar
- 2 Eggs large
- 80 gram Melted butter
- 420 grams All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon powder
Chocolate spread
- 200 grams Semi-sweet chocolate chopped
- 1/4 cup Cream
- 50 grams Butter
- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
Egg wash
- 1 Egg yolk see note above
- 2 tbsp Cream
Additional
- 2 tbsp simple syrup just heat 2 tbsp sugar in 6 tbsp water until sugar is dissolved
Instructions
Making the Bread
- In a bowl - Mix the milk, cream, yeast, honey - set aside for 5 mins until foamy.
- Add in the eggs butter, cinnamon.
- Stir salt in the flour.
- Make a hollow in the center of the flour.
- Pour the yeast mixture.
- Use your hands or a wooden spoon to bring it all together.
- Knead to form a soft, smooth and elastic dough - about 7 to 10 mins by hand or 5 mins in the mixer.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover with cling/plastic wrap.
- Leave in a warm place until double in volume. About an hour.
- After an hour, knead the dough for three more minutes punching all the air out - about 2 mins.
- And let rise one more time for an hour again.
Make the Chocolate Spread for the chocolate Babka
- Place the chocolate, cream, butter in a microwave safe bowl or a double boiler.
- Heat on 50% power for one minute. Stir well.
- Continue to place in microwave on 50% power for 20 secs intervals until all the chocolate has melted.
- Set aside to cool.
Pleating the Chocolate Babka
- Roll out the dough on to a floured surface about 1/8 inch. thick.
- Spread the cooled chocolate mixture on to the surface of the dough leaving 1/2 inch all around to seal.
- Roll like a jelly roll - seam side up.
- Cut the roll in the middle dividing it into two lengthways. This is a bit messy so work carefully.
- Pleat the two parts into each other. (see pictures below)
- Place into a greased loaf pan or baking tray.
- Cover with cling wrap and let rest in a warm place for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Baking the Chocolate Babka
- When almost double in volume - brush with the egg wash and bake in a preheated oven at 180 C / 360 F.
- About 20 minutes into baking. Brush the 2 tbsp of simple syrup on the top surface of the loaf with a pastry brush.
- This will add moisture and stop the top from getting too crisp.
- Bake for a total of 30 to 40 mins.
- When baked completely - cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
- Invert on to a serving platter before it cools completely - Â once the chocolate cools it may be difficult to get it out of the pan.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 125g | Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 53.8g | Protein: 8.6g | Fat: 21.3g | Saturated Fat: 12.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 319mg | Potassium: 0mg | Fiber: 3.1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 0% | Vitamin C: 0% | Calcium: 0% | Iron: 0%
Tried this recipe?Mention @veenaazmanov or tag #veenaazmanov!
Can you resist that?
Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Recipe
What a beautiful loaf!! This would make such a beautiful presentation during the holidays. Heck, I’d love for someone to make one for me for Mother’s Day brunch. Your instructions are excellent and it appears that it would be very easy to make. I guess I’ll have to make a Babka myself.
Thank you, Marisa. It’s so easy to make. My kids love this. And you are right – it would be perfect for Mothers Day Brunch.
I love everything about this Babka bread. It’s filled with chocolate and it’s spiced with beautiful fragrant cinnamon… I bet it smells heavenly, especially while it’s still warm. Trust me, I don’t mind messy fingers, not a bit 😀 I’m just worried I couldn’t stop myself from eating it whole!
I know what you mean Natalie.. I make it for the kids but gosh do I have to make a conscious effort to stop myself. It’s so indulgent. Thanks for the lovely comment
I love babka and chocolates, so this is like dream come true 🙂 I’ve never made a babka bread at home but I’m bookmarking your recipe to try in the future.
Me too Molly. love the combination of the three.
We are up for bread of any kind and this with the chocolate would be a great hit. Loved your step by step pictures. Makes it a lot easier to understand the braiding technique.
Thank you Sandhya.. yeah explaining the braiding can be a mouthful so the pictures sure would help anyone. Thanks
That looks absolutely amazing! I love Babka but I’ve never tried it! Looks like it’s time to give it a go! Thanks for the inspiration!
You are very welcome Hanady. Hope you enjoy it .
Yum!!! I can just imagine how this would smell – amazing!! I for one love the combination of chocolate and cinnamon, so this sounds like perfection to me 🙂
Yes the smell is what gets me too Donna. Love the combination
I like your chocolate babka recipe, it is in a do list, I made only mini version of chocolate babka in muffin tins. You are right chocolate and cinnamon and babka is ultimate of chocolate bread.
Thank you Swati.. you said it.. Chocolate cinnamon is the ultimate…
Wow, I think this would smell amazing in my oven! What a lovely looking treat for the family!
Thanks Kylee.. Hope you enjoy it.
I’ve never seen a round babka before – it’s so pretty! Deciding between cinnamon and chocolate is always the hardest part about getting a babka from the bakery, so I love that you solved that dilemma by combining both!
I love the combination of Cinnamon and chocolate so for me it’s just the right way to go. Thanks Julie
I’m really not sure what I love more about this recipe. The chocolate spread sounds delicious, the bread looks soft and the presentation is gorgeous! My family would love this!
Thank you so much Megan. So glad you like it. I like making thing pretty so round s more my kind then the loaf pan.
Cinnamon babka is my favourite bread. I’ve never attempted to make it before; I usually buy a freah loaf at my local bakery. You’re right; there’s nothing like the combination of chocoate and bread and cinnamon. My ultimate last supper. 🙂
Oh you must make some Byron if only to have your house smell wonderful. You will be addicted..
I have never tried Babka but love how it looks with all the chocolate goodness. Looks so soft and delicious!
It is so soft Michelle. You will love it. Thanks
I love chocolate babka but have never made it from scratch before. I can’t wait to try out your recipe!
Thank you Marlynn. Yeah it’s really easy.
I’ve actually never had Babka before, but I can only imagine that it’s amazing! The cinnamon chocolate sounds so delicious. Can’t wait to try it out!
Thanks Christine.. You must try Babka at least once..you will be hooked.
Wow this looks delicious. Brings back memories. Being Ukrainian, my baba made babka. Not like this, but always delicious and loved the aroma of it baking.
Yeah Gloria.. you must have some fond memories of babka growing up. I can only imagine how absolutely amazing there are in Ukraine are. The Russian bakeries here make the best babka…. Well they usually refer to them as Russian Babka..
This looks utterly delicious. Can’t think of a better combination of flavours to flavour a bread. My son would love this so I must give it a try.
He sure would Gillian.. My Aadi is addicted to it.
I’ve never heard of babka bread but it sounds really good. I’m sure with the chocolate cinnamon combination it must smell incredible while baking. And messy hands just means it was even better 🙂
It smells heavenly.. I love how the whole house smells when it’s baking.
I love Chocolate Babka and often buy it when I go to NYC but I have never tried making it as I feel so intimidated!! Thank you for this lovely tutorial, now I can have courage to finally try it!
Thank you so much Manila. So happy to hear you say that. Yeah it’s easy so I make it often.
HI Veena, I have tried so many of your recipes so far and each and everyone of them has been so successful and delicious.
I have made chocolate Babka before but it didn’t looks as delicious as yours so I am definitely going to try this soon.
Thanks for sharing your passion for cooking.. You are truly blessed with your cooking skills.
Soffy
Thank you so much Soffy. So glad to hear that