The Best Chocolate Babka Recipe

This rich, tender, yeasted bread with swirls of chocolate is an impressive treat.
Make our Chocolate Babka recipe: bit.ly/3j4qQK6
Buy our winning whisk: cooks.io/3QA6RPh
Buy our winning 7 Quart Stand Mixer: cooks.io/2tkBbHO
Buy our winning rolling pin: cooks.io/3UgHzYb
Buy our winning bench scraper: cooks.io/2F4MQLG
Buy our winning loaf pan: bit.ly/3Y3aYWL
Buy our winning saucepan: cooks.io/2QQbsgK
Buy our winning chefs knife: cooks.io/3tQ9mDh
Buy our winning chefs knife in the ATK Shop: bit.ly/3Za51Il
Buy our winning non-stick skillet: bit.ly/3HCO97u
Buy our winning ceramic nonstick skillets in the ATK Shop: bit.ly/3Es6HEZ
ABOUT US: Located in Boston’s Seaport District in the historic Innovation and Design Building, America's Test Kitchen features 15,000 square feet of kitchen space including multiple photography and video studios. It is the home of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and Cook’s Country magazine and is the workday destination for more than 60 test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes over and over again until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.
If you like us, follow us:
cookscountry.com
/ cookscountry
/ testkitchen
/ cookscountry
/ testkitchen

[@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❤

[@IvoryDoveShelly]

thank you thank you and thank you again FRIEND ;-)

[@craigdowski8043]

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

[@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 😋

[@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.

[@lavenderbee3611]

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

[@chappy675]

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

[@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.

[@femmeofsubstance]

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

[@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.

[@scotto9591]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Eighthplanetglass]

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

[@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 😉

[@anacee]

These ladies surely eat Babka every day of their lives.

[@rohanlg790]

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

[@joannedinardo1931]

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

[@WaleedHafeez]

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

[@barbarab1009]

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

[@robjohnston1114]

I would marry this babka in a heartbeat!

[@GeorgeFistonich]

Christie is always so great!!!

[@aaron830]

It looks so effortlessly elegant. thank you for sharing!

[@ceci2673]

Thank you for this amazing recipe!

[@queenofprops]

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

[@catblue6393]

Oh gosh, that looks good!

[@walkerpantera]

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

[@peggyruggles3754]

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

[@Settiis]

Looks so delicious

[@user-cs1xz]

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

[@bcfran3g844]

I love how you got the lift to your bread.

[@Miriam-fk9wr]

Definitely trying this 🙏🏻

[@teristeger1680]

love this

[@jeanthobaben]

OMG I want this!

[@brujada]

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

[@isaiahayers1550]

Same here

[@galsina]

Incredible.

[@roberttelarket4934]

Yummy!!!

[@br6480]

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

[@Tiger-Heart]

Yummy!

[@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.

[@ladymacbethofmtensk896]

That will be so wonderful with a glezl tea!

[@daccaippi]

Oh boy... Can't wait to taste😋

[@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 ❤

[@peterpeter5666]

i was looking for this recipe for ever thank you

[@br6480]

Love your Habs image.

[@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!😋😋😋

[@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.

[@MiamiCoffee2023]

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

[@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.

[@mddell58]

YES!! I just watched that last night. 🤣

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Awesome

[@fathimahfou9648]

Nice !

[@kitchenwithmarium2121]

Yummy and delicious

[@jacquelinemassinello3451]

Yummy 😋

[@dianedarling9639]

Fabulous

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Wow!!!

[@barbaracholak5204]

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

[@samanthavenegas1967]

Yummy

[@MiamiCoffee2023]

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

[@christinahamlin3015]

Looks scrumptious! Is that a 325 Fan oven?

[@maryeckstein7891]

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

[@kjpw147]

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

[@JustAThought155]

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

[@kthecarrot]

Lovin Christie.

[@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!

[@dianaturk3619]

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

[@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.😄😉

[@TruthSerumBarton]

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

[@robinkershen1054]

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

[@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

[@astatine0085]

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

[@ArtU4All]

😂😂😂😂

[@Bacchusmbt]

I wouldn’t mind a cinnamon one either!

[@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.

[@estonian44]

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

[@DoughboyGod]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@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!

[@leeedwards3783]

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

[@sandrah7512]

They most likely have that capability, but ATK doesn't use fans/convection settings in their recipe development going on the assumption that not every home cook is going to have a convection oven. This is a recipe that would not likely benefit from a convection oven due to the chocolate layering, to name one issue.

[@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]

❤

[@dennisbishop3842]

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

[@jenniferhansen3622]

Reminds me of Seinfeld. 😄

[@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.

[@arejetko]

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

[@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).

[@waidematthews1509]

Cinnamon takes a backseat to no babka!

[@Eggplantman21]

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

[@annfay6543]

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

[@justagirlsd3000]

Trader Joes has really good babka, both kinds.

[@vivinvincent692]

Damm she's a good baker.. 🙂

[@lss714]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@phwinerva]

Yummy ❤ done sub

[@lemmykilmister873]

😋👍🏻

[@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

[@sandrah7512]

It depends on how where the word "sifted" appears. If it's X amount of sifted ingredient, you sift first, then measure. If it's X amount of of ingredient, sifted then you measure first, then sift.

[@sandegeorge542]

Could a tangzhong work with this recipe?

[@Illstatefishing]

Is this similar to Brazilian Panetone?

[@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,, 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@DANVIIL]

I wish this site would use grams rather than cups and ounces.

[@jalyngraham6090]

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