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The Recipe · No.594 · Chocolate Babka

Chocolate Babka, and where to source it

Chocolate Babka — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Chocolate Babka Jewish 5best2buy.com

Babka is a butter-rich brioche wrapped around a chocolate filling, so the quality of both the chocolate and the butter is what you taste. Chill the rolled dough before you cut and twist it or the soft butter smears; the exposed layers are the whole point.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep40 min
Cook35 min
Makes2 loaves
CuisineJewish
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 loaves
Bread flour
Gives the enriched dough enough structure to hold the twist without collapsing.
4 cups
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Butter
A full stick or more worked into the dough makes the brioche crumb; use a good one.
1 cup
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Dark chocolate
Chopped and bound with butter into the filling; 60 to 70 percent has the right bite.
8 oz
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Eggs
Enrich the dough and give it a tender golden crumb.
3
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Sugar
Sweetens the dough and, boiled with water, makes the finishing syrup.
3/4 cup
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Yeast
Instant yeast leavens the heavy enriched dough; give it a long slow rise.
2.25 tsp
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The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
  1. Make doughMix and knead the enriched dough, then chill at least 4 hours or overnight so the butter firms up.
  2. Fill and rollRoll thin, spread the chocolate-butter filling, and roll into a tight log.
  3. TwistSlice the log lengthwise, then twist the two halves together cut-side up so the layers show.
  4. Bake and soakProof, bake at 350F until 190F inside, about 35 minutes, then brush hot with sugar syrup.
The Toolkit

Stand mixer · Loaf pans · Rolling pin · Offset spatula · Small saucepan

Straight Answers
Can you make Chocolate Babka in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.

Can you freeze Chocolate Babka? — Yes

Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.

Can you make Chocolate Babka ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.

Is Chocolate Babka gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Chocolate Babka vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

Community Notes

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