Chocolate Babkais a buttery soft and rich bread that is full of all kinds of chocolate layers.

If you are unfamiliar with Babka it is basically a cross between cinnamon rolls and swirl bread. Babka looks beautiful and is incredibly sweet, fluffy and the best to serve for breakfast or dessert.

close up of the folded layers in the chocolate bread slices

Chocolate Babka

Babka originates from the Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. The “Babka” word comes from the Slavic word for Grandmother. There a stories of grandmothers repurposing leftover challah dough into this yummy bread. Now, babka is a popular item in bakeries around the world.

Don’t be scared by making this yeast bread. It is a bit of a labor of love but most of the time is spent letting the dough rise. It is most definitely rewarding to see the final product in all it’s glory.

Ingredients

Yeast
Sugar
Milk
Butter
Sugar
Flour
Eggs
Salt
Cocoa

Recipe Instructions

I think this recipe is easier to make then cinnamon rolls and it’s so pretty too!
You make a basic enriched yeast dough recipe (it has milk and eggs in it so that it’s extra tender and soft).
Roll the dough out into a large triangle and then spread out the chocolate filling.
Roll up the dough like you would cinnamon rolls but then you are splitting the log down the middle instead of cutting it into rounds.
Twist the bread against itself and then pile it all into a well greased loaf pan.
Let it rise and then bake (this recipe makes two loaves of babka bread just FYI).
This is so good eaten warm and fresh the day it’s make.

top view of chocolate loaf half sliced next to butter on a chopping block

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I serve with Chocolate Babka?

Babka is really great to serve for a breakfast, brunch or any type of baby or bridal shower. It can be served with your favorite hot drink or just alone. I have also served Babka as a dessert and it is a hit. I like it sliced while warm and it’s great with a little butter on top, it’s also good toasted.

What type of fillings can I put in Babka?

This recipe calls for decadent chocolate filling but there are plenty of other options. Nutella, chopped nuts, or fruit jam would be delicious weaved into a Babka.

Can you freeze a Chocolate Babka?

Babka freeze beautifully. After the babka is baked and completely cooled then wrap it in a few layers of plastic wrap and then a layer of tin foil. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat the loaf, simply defrost at room temperature, slice and toast.

one slice of chocolate bread on a plate with the other slices and butter behind it

More Bread Recipes

If you’ve tried thisChocolate Babkaor any other recipe on Rcova, then don’t forget torate the recipeand leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some pictures of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories.

Trust me when I say that you have got to makeChocolate Babka. It is soft, sweet bread worthy of any of your chocolate cravings.