The Best Chocolate Babka Recipe (Chocolate Brioche Bread)

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

Add milk and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.

Increase speed to medium-low and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough starts to come together.

Gradually add the softened butter, a tablespoon at a time, allowing each piece to incorporate before adding the next. Continue kneading for another 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover tightly, and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder until smooth.

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate until melted and fully combined. Set aside to cool slightly.

Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12x18 inches.

Spread the cooled chocolate filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.

Starting from the long edge with the filling, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the log in half lengthwise.

Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up. Gently twist the log to create the babka swirl.

Carefully transfer the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan.

Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the babka rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has puffed up and nearly filled the pan.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C).

While the babka is baking, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Let cool.

As soon as the babka comes out of the oven, brush the top generously with the simple syrup. Let cool completely in the pan before removing.