10 Easy Bread Recipes Anyone Can Master

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Chocolate Babka

This quick and easy Chocolate Babka recipe brings a rich, decadent twist to your baking repertoire. Made with a soft, buttery dough and a luscious chocolate filling, this babka requires only 10 minutes to rise before baking to perfection. The final touch of sweet syrup gives it a beautiful shine and extra sweetness, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful bread warm or at room temperature for a tasty sweet treat! 

Ingredients (for 1 loaf):

For the Dough:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk, lukewarm
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Chocolate Filling:

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Syrup:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Add the lukewarm milk and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Add the softened butter and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 min. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the melted dark chocolate, melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon (if using) until smooth.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12x16 inches.
8. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.
10. Slice the log in half lengthwise, exposing the layers of chocolate.
11. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides up, and place the twisted dough into the prepared loaf pan.
12. Cover and let it rise for 10 min.
13. Bake for 30-35 min. or until golden brown and cooked through.
14. While the babka is baking, prepare the syrup by combining the water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let it cool slightly.
15. As soon as the babka comes out of the oven, brush it generously with the syrup.
16. Allow the babka to cool in the pan for 10 min. before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.