Sourdough Babka

why make this recipe

Sourdough Babka with a Sweet Chocolate Filling is a delightful treat that brings together the tanginess of sourdough bread and the rich sweetness of chocolate. This recipe allows you to enjoy a beautifully braided loaf that is both impressive and delicious. Making babka at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, offering a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this babka also makes a great breakfast or dessert option.

how to make Sourdough Babka with a Sweet Chocolate Filling

Ingredients:

• 310 grams (2 1/4 cups) bread flour
• 60 grams (1/4 cup) milk
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 70 grams (5 Tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 50 grams (1/4 cup) sugar
• 3 grams (1/2 teaspoon) salt
• 100 grams (1/3 cup) active starter, heaping
• 70 grams (5 Tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar
• 25 grams (1/4 cup) cocoa powder
• 70 grams (1/2 cup) chocolate chunks
• 75 grams (1/4 cup) water
• 65 grams (5 Tablespoons) sugar

Directions:

1. In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add the flour, milk, eggs, sugar, salt, and sourdough starter on low until the flour has been completely incorporated.
2. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.
3. Switch to the dough hook attachment. While kneading the dough on medium speed, add 1 Tablespoon of butter, pausing between each addition. Keep kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 5-10 minutes.
4. Cover the bowl with a wrap and let it sit in a warm place until it doubles in size. This may take about 6-8 hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
5. Once the dough has doubled in size, cover it and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. This will help firm it up for easier shaping.
6. For the chocolate filling, heat a small saucepan on medium-low. Add the butter, sugar, and sifted cocoa powder, stirring until melted and well combined. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
7. Take the chilled dough, place it on a floured surface, and roll it out to a 10×14 inch rectangle.
8. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving 1 inch open at the top to seal it. Sprinkle chocolate chunks on top of the filling.
9. Start rolling the dough from the short side nearest you into a tight cylinder.
10. Turn the roll to a vertical position and with a sharp knife, cut it in half, leaving 2 inches uncut at the top. Twist the two pieces together and place them into a greased and lined 9×5 inch loaf pan.
11. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise again until doubled, taking about 3-4 hours in a warm kitchen.
12. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake the babka for 45-55 minutes, checking the internal temperature, which should reach 180-200°F.
13. Once baked, allow the babka to cool in the loaf pan while you prepare a simple syrup by bringing sugar and water to a boil until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Poke holes in the warm babka and brush the syrup over it. Let it soak for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
14. Slice and serve warm! Enjoy!

how to serve Sourdough Babka with a Sweet Chocolate Filling

Sourdough Babka is best served warm. You can enjoy it plain, with a dollop of whipped cream, or even with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious dessert. It also pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

how to store Sourdough Babka with a Sweet Chocolate Filling

Store any leftover babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

tips to make Sourdough Babka with a Sweet Chocolate Filling

1. Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, which can greatly improve the outcome.
2. Allow enough time for the dough to rise; a longer rise can enhance flavor and texture.
3. Experiment with fillings by adding nuts or different types of chocolate for a personal touch.

variation

You can try adding nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts to the chocolate filling for an extra crunch. Alternatively, you can use a cinnamon filling instead of chocolate for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but bread flour will give the babka a better structure and chew.

2. Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to shape and handle.

3. Can I make this babka without sourdough starter?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead, but the flavor and texture will differ from the sourdough version.

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