Chocolate Babka

Ingredients

Active dry yeast

2 1/4 teaspoons

Warm milk

1 cup (110°f or 43°c)

Granulated sugar

1/2 cup (plus 1 tablespoon for the filling)

Unsalted butter

1/2 cup, melted (plus 2 tablespoons softened for filling)

Large eggs

2, plus 1 for egg wash

All-purpose flour

4 cups (plus extra for dusting)

Salt

1 teaspoon

Cocoa powder

1/3 cup

Ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon

Powdered sugar

1 cup

Milk (for glaze)

2 tablespoons

Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

1 cup

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, melted butter, and 2 eggs. Mix well until smooth.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the bowl, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. In a small bowl, mix the chopped chocolate, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and cinnamon to form a chocolate filling.
8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
9. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
11. Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise, exposing the chocolate filling.
12. Twist the two halves together, creating a braided effect.
13. Transfer the babka to a greased loaf pan and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
14. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
15. Bake the babka for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
16. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk to make a glaze.
17. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled babka once it has slightly cooled.
18. Slice and serve the chocolate babka, enjoying each rich, chocolatey bite!