The Best Chocolate Babka Recipe

This rich, tender, yeasted bread with swirls of chocolate is an impressive treat.
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[@L..V..]

DOUGH 2 1/4 cups bread flour 1 1/2 tsp instant or rapid rise yeast 1/2 cup whole milk 2 large eggs 1 tbsp orange zest (optional) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp table salt 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temp, cut into 6 pieces Whisk together flour and yeast. Add the whole milk, eggs, zest and extract. Use dough hook attachment and mix on medium-low speed until all is incorporated (about 2 mins).Cover bowl with tea towel or plastic wrap for 15 mins. Add the sugar and salt and mix on medium speed for 30 seconds Add the butter in one piece at a time on med-high speed (should take about 3 mins). When dough comes together, transfer to greased bowl and cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise at room temp for 1 hour. Then transfer to refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. CHOCOLATE FILLING 8 oz of bittersweet chocolate, chopped finely 8 tbsp unsalted butter 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted 1/2 cup confectioners sugar, sifted 1/2 tsp salt Melt chocolate and butter in microwave at 50% power (about 2 mins). To that, add the cocoa powder, confectioners sugar, salt. Lightly flour your counter and rolling pin and roll dough out to measure a 12” x 18” rectangle (with shorter side parallel to you). Spread chocolate all over dough, on 3 sides, leaving 1/2” space empty on short side furthest away from you. Start rolling away from you. Pinch last half inch up against the dough to seal and place sealed side down. Using a greased serrated knife, cut long side from top to bottom, careful not to use sawing motion. With striped sides up, twist one side over other at least 4-5 times. Pinch ends together and place into a buttered loaf pan. Gently tap pan down on counter. Place wire rack on a baking sheet and place loaf pan on top of wire rack. On 325F preheated oven, with rack in middle position, bake for 30 min uncovered then cover in foil and continue baking for another 50 to 60 mins. When bread is almost done, make sugar syrup. SUGAR SYRUP 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup water Dissolve sugar in the water over medium heat. Once syrup is clear, it is ready to use. Make sure bread reaches an internal temp between 200F to 205F. Dab syrup over top. Allow bread to rest in pan for 1 hour and then gently take out and let rest for 2 hrs until completely cooled. Wipe knife between cuts.

[@G.M.G.]

You the MVP

[@dwproduction]

Is second proof not needed? Can recipe be doubled?

[@user-gk2ut8mc5e]

You are an absolute Blessing!! Ty

[@bethrossiter1857]

Well I wish I would have checked the comments before I wrote it all down myself😂 but I never would have thought of posting it here so thank you for that❤

[@michaellautermilch9185]

Comment is better than the video

[@lavenderbee3611]

You are killing me with the recipe, it has truly everything I love. Thank you for breaking down something that looks intimidating.

[@CelticShae]

I love watching Bridget and Christie's dynamic. I'm thrilled with Christie's work on this channel and now find myself looking forward to the new videos featuring her with sincere anticipation.

[@haggielady]

Bread and chocolate, two of my major food groups!

[@howward4071]

I am NEVER going to be thin.

[@denisenilsson1366]

Thin is overrated.

[@hi10835]

😂it is ok if you are cooking at least you are happy!😊

[@VisuMotion]

Never mind, fatty also beautiful.

[@honestreviewsonly1915]

Omg, you made me laugh out loud! Thanks! My sentiments too! 😂😂😂

[@robynconway1286]

Thin may be in But fat's where it's at 😋

[@craigdowski8043]

"Christie has a few words for us now" Love Bridget!

[@ragzyann1540]

I made this (I did x3 the recipe) and each one turned out PERFECT! This is my go to method and way from here on out.

[@GregCurtin45]

Thank you for the recipe. What makes this so great is that it is NOT using Nutella. 🙏 Appreciate the work put in by all involved in producing this video recipe.

[@chappy675]

Russ & Daughters in NYC makes the best babka in the world and they ship!!! It will change your life!!

[@femmeofsubstance]

The moment Christine said humbly the orange zest was not exactly an option, I clicked the thumb-up button ... KUDOS, Christine !!!

[@WaleedHafeez]

I have never been more excited to make a recipe than this one!!!

[@roberttelarket4934]

Hell what a coincidence! A few months ago after about 1/2 century I found at Trader Joe chocolate babka. It wasn't as great as back in the day but very good!

[@SnakeSpawn]

I was happy that you made the reference to the Seinfeld episode. Now, we need a What's Eating Dan on cinnamon where he gives Jerry's speech.

[@kathrynbaker5188]

I am giggling as I imagine Jerry and Elaine! This recipe looks delicious and pretty easy thanks to you!

[@merk1701]

I never heard of babka until I saw one in traders Joe's one day. I love them.

[@ArtU4All]

Try making a rum-baba/babka 😉

[@Eighthplanetglass]

How did you know I've been googling babka recipes all week!?

[@br6480]

That pick up line had me dying😂😂 “ It should be called tiger bread because it looks fierce.”

[@eileensien514]

This is a STRUCLA, not a babka (strucla czekoladowa, to be exact). A traditional Polish babka is made in a bundt pan (or angel food pan). They're "round and curvy" like baba (grandmother) - babka is a diminutive for grandmother. My Polish Jewish mother made a larger recipe and baked it in an angel food pan with streusel topping - the bapke would "crown" - it was amazing. The only reason she never made a cinnamon version: my father claimed that cinnamon gave him heartburn.

[@makesomejoy]

My best friend's mother made a walnut filling babka. It was amazing! Still trying to find the recipe.

[@agnieszkakarowicz8562]

@@makesomejoy if it was a filling and not a walnut mixed into cake - it was a strucla and not a babka :) For polish people - two completely different things, cake is different. But actually strucla is always much better :) You can find a lot of strucla recipes if you will seek for strucla and not babka recipe.

[@anacee]

These ladies surely eat Babka every day of their lives.

[@bcfran3g844]

I love how you got the lift to your bread.

[@JTS0502]

I have made this twice with great results each time! ? Can the dough be frozen to complete another time

[@scotto9591]

Maybe use milk chocolate and a good shot of cinnamon to make it Mexican hot chocolate. Add cinnamon to the simple syrup

[@robjohnston1114]

I would marry this babka in a heartbeat!

[@peggyruggles3754]

I have made this recipe from them and it is absolutely amazing.

[@rohanlg790]

My old cafe used to make Nutella Babka. I tell you, it is superior to every other Babka.

[@marilynsnider8183]

I never heard of Babka, but I'm dying to try it.

[@Cathy-xi8cb]

Eastern European mostly, but check out the Babka episode of Seinfeld. There isn't a NYC WASP that hasn't had a good babka.

[@mikecumbo7531]

If you have a good Kosher market or maybe Polish or Ukrainian market you should be able to find one or a lead on one.

[@brujada]

I’ve never tried a babka but it looks delicious!

[@isaiahayers1550]

Same here

[@GeorgeFistonich]

Christie is always so great!!!

[@subnormality5854]

I feel so old that I can relate to Seinfeld, and also too young that I was born in 1994. Love ATK and CC either way

[@ArtU4All]

How do you relate to Seinfeld? It got its roots on Wed nights in 1986. Not many people knew about it at first 😂

[@subnormality5854]

@@ArtU4All Watching reruns in the early 2000s

[@lovepeony1478]

Wasn't Seinfeld first aired in July 1989, which was mentioned online? Anyway, I didn't watch the sitcom until late 90s. Seinfeld's friends, Elaine, George and Kramer were all so lovely and funny in their roles! 😄 However, I forgot the name of baked goodies Seinfeld always enjoyed. Thanks to ATK for the improved recipe!😋😋😋

[@user-cs1xz]

omg i love seeing this sweet friendship with an awesome recipe! i am going to try this tonight. thanks girls

[@aaron830]

It looks so effortlessly elegant. thank you for sharing!

[@rufusred44]

There was a wonderful Jewish bakery in the east village of Manhattan, Moishe's Bake Shop. I always visited there when I was in the neighborhood. They've since closed. One of my go to's was Babka, love love it! Maybe I'll make this no doubt delcicious recipe.

[@queenofprops]

I made this for Easter and it was fantastic! It was fun to make as well.

[@walkerpantera]

Love Christy! you made this look not -easy but not difficult.

[@waikikibanyan6788]

That episode of Seinfeld is the reason why I started baking chocolate babka!! 😅. Just made one yesterday. Next time I will try this recipe ❤

[@rabbit_scribe]

I remember that Seinfeld episode. I'd never heard of it either. Can't say that I've heard of it again since until this video, either. Looks yummy, but since it's apparently a regional thing a little history and background might have been a nice addition. They do it for other regional specialties so I was a little surprised they didn't in this case.

[@Yoda63]

There’s chocolate…and there’s cinnamon!

[@jenniferhansen3622]

Another Babka??!!😂

[@alexiadeligianni1654]

Chocolate and cinnamon are a great combination!

[@jenniferhansen3622]

@@alexiadeligianni1654 I was just quoting Seinfeld.😄😉

[@kjpw147]

It’s in the oven. We’ll see how it comes out ! Thanks

[@barbarab1009]

We love chocolate. Looking forward to trying this! Thanks.

[@MiamiCoffee2023]

I can’t help but be a Christy fan, however I have a fav, chocolate Babka Christy! Lol

[@DoughboyGod]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@robinkershen1054]

Is there a way to make that delicious crumb topping that they have at Zabar's? Thanks - looks delicious

[@ceci2673]

Thank you for this amazing recipe!

[@dianaturk3619]

I'm here looking for the recipe just after watching that episode of Seinfeld!! Gonna bake it😊

[@user-nx6ec7su4p]

I've always wanted to make a chocolate babka and a marble rye but this looks like a lot of work so I imagine once I'm done making the babka I'll just take the marble rye from the first elderly lady I see carrying one. Thank you for the recipe!

[@garymeise673]

Said I have always just purchased trader Joe's babka which is amazing I now realize I need to make my own which would be more amazing

[@galsina]

Incredible.

[@teristeger1680]

love this

[@ladymacbethofmtensk896]

That will be so wonderful with a glezl tea!

[@Settiis]

Looks so delicious

[@adamodeo9320]

one of the best Jewish foods - canter's in LA is the best

[@jbjacobs9514]

It is good but doesn't compare to a Miami or NY babka. 🙂But anyone that makes babka is awesome.

[@irenegoldsmithesq.8376]

Babka is not traditionally made with milk or butter. It was traditionally challah dough that was filled with jam and nuts. Had babka been made with dairy, it could not have been eaten following a meat meal, such as on Shabbat.

[@Miriam-fk9wr]

Definitely trying this 🙏🏻

[@TruthSerumBarton]

Thanks I’d like to use Nutella for an easy filling😊

[@maryeckstein7891]

Wow! Great bread! Do you have a recipe for cinnamon Babka?

[@jenniferhansen3622]

Reminds me of Seinfeld. 😄

[@mddell58]

YES!! I just watched that last night. 🤣

[@christinahamlin3015]

Looks scrumptious! Is that a 325 Fan oven?

[@JustAThought155]

Get me my espresso and a slice, please!!! 💖

[@roberttelarket4934]

Yummy!!!

[@peterpeter5666]

i was looking for this recipe for ever thank you

[@br6480]

Love your Habs image.

[@MiamiCoffee2023]

Absolutely perfect! What’s that Christie, your making another chocolate babka? 😄😄😄😄

[@janaylsworth7636]

Made this today and am looking forward to cutting into it tomorrow. I have to say, though, I wish I hadn't ordered that loaf pan. It's impossible to get the corners clean because the residue seeps under the folds in the interior.

[@AlanaHigbee]

made this the dough is amazing but I used 53% cacao and even that was far too bitter in the final product. I reccomend using semi-sweet chocolate.

[@catblue6393]

Oh gosh, that looks good!

[@astatine0085]

That looks divine! Send that recipe to ‘Elaine’.

[@ArtU4All]

😂😂😂😂

[@Eggplantman21]

America's Test Kitchen... You Sussy Babka!

[@jeanthobaben]

OMG I want this!

[@Tiger-Heart]

Yummy!

[@EmekKov]

Maybe worth saying that this is Jewish Babka. Polish would be either something more similar to panettone (made for easter) or a kind of pound cake (and both are called the same).

[@dennisbishop3842]

"Tiger Bread", because it's fierce! You made me laugh. Very good.

[@estonian44]

thank you, i shall try that how can i get the recipe in Grams? :)

[@annfay6543]

Would you please give us the receipt for the cinnamon filling, so we can make both kinds of babka.

[@daccaippi]

Oh boy... Can't wait to taste😋

[@justagirlsd3000]

Trader Joes has really good babka, both kinds.

[@fathimahfou9648]

Nice !

[@kthecarrot]

Lovin Christie.

[@Bacchusmbt]

I wouldn’t mind a cinnamon one either!

[@sandegeorge542]

Could a tangzhong work with this recipe?

[@leeedwards3783]

Looks delicious. Will give itba try. Are your ovens fan assisted?

[@leeedwards3783]

@@sandrah7512 hi. Thanks for the reply. Pretty much all our ovens are fan assisted in the uk without being able to turn the fan off. I guess I just drop the temp of the recipe 20c which is what most recipes say to do here in the UK.

[@VHSvsBETA]

❤

[@arejetko]

Yikes! My A1C spiked just looking at it. Definitely a PITA to make but ATK never fails to impress. Enjoy!

[@lss714]

Literally the first thing I thought about when seeing the vid was the Seinfeld episode

[@samanthavenegas1967]

Yummy

[@vivinvincent692]

Damm she's a good baker.. 🙂

[@barbaracholak5204]

Hi ATK I wish I could eat this 🤪 Take care 💌

[@nellgwenn]

I've made both. I must say in all honesty. I agree with Jerry. Cinnamon is better. Even Babish thinks cinnamon is the better Babka.

[@ArtU4All]

Hmmmm Is your palate “better” than anyone’s?😉

[@nellgwenn]

@@ArtU4All No.

[@Appaddict01]

What recipe did you use for cinnamon?

[@nellgwenn]

@@Appaddict01 Just butter cinnamon and brown sugar. Look up Babish Jerry Seinfeld.

[@waidematthews1509]

Cinnamon takes a backseat to no babka!

[@Illstatefishing]

Is this similar to Brazilian Panetone?

[@elizabethviscusi923]

Since I don't have a dough hook, does that mean I can't make this recipe; or do I have another alternative? TFS Great tutorial!

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Awesome

[@dianedarling9639]

Fabulous

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Wow!!!

[@jacquelinemassinello3451]

Yummy 😋

[@kitchenwithmarium2121]

Yummy and delicious

[@jalyngraham6090]

Is it normal to still see the little yeast bits in the dough?

[@GMK12]

A Pareve recipe with no milk and butter would be appreciated. Pretty much all kosher babkas sold in bakeries are pareve.

[@zt1788]

Sub out water for milk and vegetable oil for butter. Bam, pareve.

[@GMK12]

@@zt1788 it's needs to be tested by America's Test Kitchen to ensure it's a perfect recipe. Non dairy milk and margarine would be better substitutes.

[@zt1788]

@@GMK12 so use them then. Just like ATK, just keep adjusting the recipe until you dial it in.

[@capers72424]

There must be tons of recipes for Pareve recipes then. I’m sure you could find one.

[@Wendylovespitties]

Should every recipe on ATK list all the gluten free, dairy free, pareve, halal, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, low sugar, no sugar, low fat, no fat options?

[@kathlynterry8196]

Do I measure ingredients like confectioner’s sugar, flour, etc before it’s sifted or after? Seems to me this might make a difference in measurements. Just asking if anyone knows the answer. Thanks.

[@Appaddict01]

Before

[@Wendylovespitties]

I'm wondering what the little flecks in the dough are...

[@Wendylovespitties]

@@sandrah7512 at 5:58.

[@flybyairplane3528]

ATK HELLO,THIS IHAVE HAD,BUT NEVER KNEW HOW IT WAS MADE,NOW KNOWING,ITS DOABLE,BUT ONLY ONE THING STOPPING ME,ITS I’M ALL ALONE,TOO MUCH FOR JUST ME, THANKS THOUGH,, 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸