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- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet) - 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 large eggs - 1 cup Nutella or hazelnut spread - 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 egg, beaten for egg wash - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) I chose all-purpose flour for its versatility. It gives the babka a soft texture. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Salt enhances the flavor, making each bite better. The active dry yeast is key for rising the dough. Warm milk activates the yeast, making the dough rise well. Melted butter adds richness and moisture. Eggs make the dough light and fluffy, while Nutella gives that classic chocolate hazelnut flavor. Chopped hazelnuts add crunch and depth. Vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, and the egg wash helps it brown beautifully in the oven. You can swap all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture. If you want a lower sugar option, try coconut sugar instead. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and coconut oil. You can replace Nutella with any nut butter or chocolate spread you enjoy. If you need a nut-free option, skip the hazelnuts and use chocolate chips instead. You can even add spices like cinnamon for extra warmth. These choices let you customize the babka to your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. This includes flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, butter, eggs, hazelnut spread, hazelnuts, and vanilla. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You want it to look frothy. 2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps mix the dry ingredients evenly. 3. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix these well. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. 1. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead this for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth. 2. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours. It should double in size. 3. While it rises, mix hazelnut spread with chopped hazelnuts in a bowl. This will be your filling. 4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle, about 16x24 inches. Spread the hazelnut filling evenly over the dough. 5. Roll the dough tightly from the short edge into a log. Slice the log in half lengthwise to show the filling. Twist the two halves together and place them in a greased loaf pan. While I can't share photos or videos here, I suggest checking online for visual guides. Look for videos that show how to twist the babka. Watching someone do it can help you understand the process better. This will make your chocolate hazelnut babka even more fun to make! Making babka can be tricky. Here are some mistakes to watch out for: - Not activating the yeast: Always let the yeast foam before using. If it doesn't, start over. - Kneading too little: Knead the dough well. It should be soft and smooth. - Skipping the rises: Don't rush the rising times. They are key for good texture. - Too much flour: Measure accurately. Extra flour can make the dough dry. Getting the right dough texture is important for a good babka. Here are my tips: - Warm milk: Use milk heated to about 110°F (43°C). It helps the yeast grow. - Knead properly: Knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should bounce back when poked. - Humidity matters: If it's humid, you may need less flour. Adjust as you feel the dough. Making the filling and shaping the babka can be fun. Here’s how: - Spread evenly: When applying the hazelnut spread, cover the dough fully. This ensures each bite has flavor. - Tight rolls: Roll the dough tightly. This helps keep the layers together. - Twist gently: When twisting the log, do it lightly. This keeps the filling from spilling out. - Use a sharp knife: Slice the log in half with a sharp knife. This gives a clean look to the filling. Following these tips will help you create a delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Babka. Enjoy the process and happy baking! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For better mixing and dough consistency, ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature before combining them with other ingredients. Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow the dough to rise fully during both rises to achieve a light and airy texture. The ideal temperature for rising is a warm, draft-free area. Twist Carefully: When twisting the dough, be gentle to avoid squeezing out the filling. A loose twist creates a nicer swirl effect. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center of the babka for doneness; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked. {{image_2}} You can change the filling in your babka for new tastes. Instead of hazelnuts, try walnuts or almonds. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also use different spreads. For example, chocolate peanut butter or almond butter will work well. If you want a fruity touch, add mashed berries or jam. These mixes can make your babka unique and fun. A glaze can make your babka even better. You can use a simple sugar glaze made with powdered sugar and milk. Just mix them until smooth and drizzle it over the warm babka. For a richer taste, try a chocolate glaze. Melt chocolate with a bit of cream and pour it on top. This adds a delicious layer of flavor. When serving your babka, think about how to make it look nice. Slice it in thick pieces and arrange them on a plate. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. You can also pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy feeling. Serve it warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes it extra special. Enjoying your babka with friends can create warm memories. Store leftover babka in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, move it to the fridge. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep it fresh and moist. To freeze your babka, wrap it well in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps the flavor stay strong. Reheat babka in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the babka on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it up without making it dry. You can also use a microwave, but it may lose some texture. Just heat it for 10-15 seconds at a time. Enjoy your babka warm! Babka is a sweet bread that comes from Eastern Europe. It has roots in Jewish tradition. The word "babka" means "little grandmother" in Polish. It is rich and fluffy, often filled with chocolate or fruits. Babka is typically braided, which forms its unique look. This bread became popular in the United States, especially in bakeries. You can use different types of bread, but traditional babka is best. Brioche-style dough works well. It is soft and buttery, giving a nice texture. Other sweet breads can be used, but they may change the flavor. Always keep the rich and soft texture in mind. Chocolate Hazelnut Babka stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Yes, you can make babka in advance. Prepare the dough and let it rise. After shaping, you can freeze it before the second rise. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Let it rise again before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh babka when you want! Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Babka warm or at room temperature. Slice it into thick pieces for a treat. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. For a twist, add a scoop of ice cream on the side! You now have a full guide to making Chocolate Hazelnut Babka. We discussed key ingredients, helpful tips, and various filling options. You learned about storing leftovers and reheating to keep the flavor. Remember, practice helps you avoid mistakes and perfect your dough. Enjoy the fun of making this delicious treat. With each step, you gain new skills. Baking can be a joyful experience. Try out different flavors and share your creations!

Choco-Hazelnut Swirl Babka

A deliciously rich and sweet babka filled with Nutella and hazelnuts, perfect for dessert or a special breakfast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine Baked Goods
Servings 10
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup Nutella or hazelnut spread
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg beaten for egg wash
  • optional Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  • Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to it. Mix well. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, mix the hazelnut spread with the chopped hazelnuts in a bowl.
  • Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 16x24 inches. Spread the hazelnut filling evenly over the surface of the dough.
  • Starting from the short edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log in half lengthwise to expose the filling. Twist the two halves together and place them into a greased loaf pan.
  • Cover the loaf pan and let the babka rise again for about 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Brush the top of the babka with the beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Allow the babka to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch.
Keyword babka, chocolate, dessert, hazelnut