Italian Chocolate Babka
A sweet Italian dessert, this chocolate babka combines the rich flavors of Italian pastries with the decadence of chocolate.
Ingredients
- ●1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ●1 cup warm water
- ●1 cup moist chocolate chips
- ●2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- ●1/2 cup granulated sugar
- ●1 teaspoon salt
- ●1/2 cup unsalted butter
- ●2 large eggs
- ●1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until yeast is activated.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- 3
Add yeast mixture to dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- 4
Add butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to dough and mix until a smooth dough forms.
- 5
Knead dough for 10-15 minutes until elastic and smooth.
- 6
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- 7
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 8
Punch down dough and roll out into a large rectangle.
- 9
Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- 10
Spread melted chocolate over dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
- 11
Roll dough into a tight log and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- 12
Place babka pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 1 inch of space between each piece.
- 13
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.