Amazing Chocolate Babka Recipe

Rich and decadent, this chocolate Babka is a delicious enriched bread that has ribbons of chocolate running throughout it. This visually stunning chocolate babka is perfect for any occasion and any meal. Enjoy both loaves immediately, or freeze one for later!


If you’ve never had chocolate babka before, then all you need to know is that it’s half bread, half cake, and 100% delicious! This yeast-based dough is sweet, soft, and buttery, making it hard to have just one slice. I also love how beautiful each slice is thanks to the layers of chocolate throughout the babka bread.

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[eovina]

I really appreciate you use the term "Babka" and mentioned Eastern European and Jewish heritage. It's great to see traditional cakes and deserts have a come back. 😊

[carriemcclaine]

I've never tried babka before, but I'm going to try this recipe. I love watching John's videos because he breaks everything down into easy to follow steps making it possible to make intimidating foods.

[JamieRoberts]

As a first generation Polish/Jewish American, well done! One of the only baking dishes I can do in my sleep! I love macadamia chocolate babka. My specialty. Smacznego! Also, I saw your husband. Way to go, John! Handsome couple!

[annabeljoyannabeln]

I love your recipes. My favourite is the chocolate cupcakes. I love how you told your mixer, “thank you for your service so cute”.

[missbubu]

Just made it. So good. The dough is goopy but because you chill it you can roll it out and work with it. So trust the process, don’t add more flour if you’re tempted. This recipe is a keeper.

[natashakuhnke]

Tried this today. A couple more steps and patience but it’s so so worth it and I enjoy the process. It is a VERY YUMMY AND BEAUTIFUL bread. So fun to have learned about Babka!

I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have discovered all your bread recipes with stand mixer. My dad was an executive chef and my mom one of the best home bakers. They both loved friendly competition with each other in bread making skills which were amazing. I have always been intimidated due to the kneading part… until now.

Over the past week, I have successfully and beautifully made 5 breads now. I am filled with gratitude and joy! Thank you so much! 🥰🫶🏻

[JFongStyle]

I've always wanted to try making a chocolate Babka, and when I saw John's new video, I thought, "wow, I can do this." And I did! The recipe is so easy to follow, and the ingredients were mostly things I already had in the kitchen. And watching the video made me feel like I was doing everything right step by step. This Babka is fantastic! I have one tip to offer. After rolling up the dough in a tube, put it on a tray in the freezer for a few minutes, and it will be easier to give it a clean slice in half. The first one I made got a little messy because the dough had warmed up and the knife did not go through it well. So for the second one, I tried the freezer trick and it worked great. Both came out perfectly after baking, though! Thank you John! (I tried the lemon blueberry cake a few weeks ago, and that was beyond amazing. My first layer cake ever.)

[tinaestrada]

This dude is just super cool. He really breaks down things so that anybody can make what he is making.

[szvetlana]

I make a dozen babka every Christmas and give them to neighbours and family. I use ground walnut filling as that’s more Christmassy to me. Such a good one to make, always a success.

[michaelvilleneuve]

Terrific recipe, made it just as instructed and it's fantastic. Had Jewish foodie friends in for brunch - and they pronounced it as "perfect texture, flavour and density, just as babka is supposed to be" so I was happy. Gorgeous flavour. Only thing I did differently was that I held the pre-proven, woven babkas in their tins (covered) overnight, then proved and baked early this morning to avoid getting into the rolling and assembly this morning. Several steps in this recipe but dead easy, just takes some time. Thx for the great recipe!

[AlexandraAndStuff]

I am Polish, can confirm, we grow up eating some kind of babka. For example "lemon babka" is like your pound cake. I love snacking cakes.

[funkyskitchen]

I make a dried fruit and mulling spice babka. When I take it out of the oven, I drizzle it with honey. It was inspired by Brian Lagerstrom's cinnamon raisin bread video. After watching yours, which has a slightly different dough, I decided to try it myself. You have incredibly diversified my skills, Mr. Kanell, and I thank you. I use your recipes frequently.

[javruletz]

It brought some dear childhood memories on ❤️ We make this in Romania as well, especially for Christmas and Easter. The main difference is that the dough is set aside to proof in a warm place, away from any draft. In my half Ukrainian family, we use a delicious walnut filling, but the most common filling used in my country is a mixture of walnut and cocoa + Turkish delight little cubes and/or raisins which, in my opinion, is a bit too much... Now, the most difficult part would be to convince myself to put the dough in the fridge 🤭 But, since I never failed so far following your instructions... Thanks, John! It's always a pleasure to learn from you!

[codedragon]

Made these two Babkas today, very tasty. Definitely recommend anyone attempting this to make sure the dough is really cold, work the dough very fast, and let the chocolate filling warm up before spreading. Right out of the fridge is too cold and it won’t spread.

[glambygladys]

Can't wait to try this recipe! Any Seinfeld fans here? :p

[classicalaid]

I had a slice of Babka recently and it sported additional, fairly large chunks of dark chocolate. Adds a paradise element, to be sure. Covering with plastic wrap assures freshness.

[phoenix.]

I’ve had chocolate babka before, and it’s so good. This recipe looks worth it! 😋😋

[spiritlifter]

Chocolate babka is such a beautiful dessert!

[shereemorgan]

I purchased my first one in Germany. I loved it so much I returned to the bakery the next day. It was my daily breakfast treat. It's so good!

[GideonWhaley]

My new favorite babka has frangipane and poached quince instead of the chocolate! It's absolutely delicious.