If you’ve ever found yourself suddenly craving a lush, swirly chocolate bread but worried about hours of kneading, let me introduce you to the magic of Super Easy Chocolate Babka. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a roll of store-bought dough, this recipe transforms your kitchen into a European bakery in under an hour. Layers of creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, a hint of cocoa, and that golden, twisted finish come together for a show-stopping treat. You won’t believe how simple it is until you take your first buttery, chocolate-packed bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Dough:
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough or frozen bread dough (thawed)
Chocolate Filling:
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Super Easy Chocolate Babka
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by getting your oven hot and ready—preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your Super Easy Chocolate Babka slides out with ease after baking, keeping every swirl intact and picture-perfect.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, take your thawed store-bought or frozen dough and roll it into a rectangle, about 12 by 16 inches. Don’t stress over perfection—just aim for a nice, even thickness. This will make swirling and layering the chocolate spread a total breeze.
Step 3: Mix and Spread the Chocolate Filling
In a small bowl, combine the chocolate hazelnut spread with cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and the cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir until smooth and glossy. Slather this dreamy spread evenly over the rolled dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges for those iconic, tidy swirls.
Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Twist
Starting at a long edge, roll the dough up into a tight log—think cinnamon roll style. Use a sharp knife to slice the log lengthwise, revealing those gorgeous chocolate ribbons. With the cut sides facing up, gently twist the two halves together. It might look messy at first, but trust me, it bakes up beautifully!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Carefully lift the twisted dough into your prepared loaf pan, tucking the ends under if needed. Brush the top with the beaten egg for that irresistible shine. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust the cooled loaf with powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish.
How to Serve Super Easy Chocolate Babka
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic and quick, but you can also add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted chopped hazelnuts for extra flair. The radiant swirls inside do most of the talking—keep it simple to let them shine!
Side Dishes
Super Easy Chocolate Babka sings alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, pair it with fresh berries, a bowl of fruit salad, or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. This babka makes every morning feel special!
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the loaf into thick slabs and serving them on a wooden board for a rustic, bakery look. For a brunch party, cut the babka into cubes and stack them on a tiered cake stand. You can even wrap slices individually for gifting—everyone loves a homemade treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (a big if!), Super Easy Chocolate Babka will stay fresh for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just let the babka cool completely before wrapping to avoid any sogginess.
Freezing
Babka freezes brilliantly! Once the loaf has fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature—perfect for make-ahead brunches or surprise guests.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, slice the babka and pop pieces into a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for a few minutes. It will come out just as fragrant and soft as the day you baked it.
FAQs
Can I make Super Easy Chocolate Babka with homemade dough?
Absolutely! While store-bought pizza or bread dough keeps things speedy, you can use any enriched homemade dough for an even softer, richer texture. Brioche works especially well if you feel like flexing your baking skills.
What chocolate spread works best in Super Easy Chocolate Babka?
Any chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella will be fantastic, but you can experiment with dark chocolate spreads or even peanut butter-chocolate combos for a twist. Just make sure it’s nice and spreadable.
Is it important to use cinnamon in Super Easy Chocolate Babka?
The cinnamon is completely optional, but a little goes a long way! It adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the chocolate swirl, so give it a try if you love the cozy flavor pairing.
Why do I need to twist the dough after cutting it?
Twisting the cut halves exposes the beautiful chocolate layers and helps create that iconic babka appearance. It’s what gives every slice those eye-catching swirls and ensures an even distribution of filling.
Can I add extras like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Sprinkle chopped dark chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, or even dried fruit over the chocolate filling before rolling up for a delightful crunch and extra flavor. It’s a fun way to make each loaf your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself to a slice of sweet, chocolatey bliss without a bakery run, Super Easy Chocolate Babka is the answer. It’s fast, fun, and impossible to resist—give it a whirl and watch everyone swoon over your beautiful homemade loaf!
Print
Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible delight of this Super Easy Chocolate Babka, a heavenly treat that combines the richness of chocolate hazelnut spread with a tender, twisted dough. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough or frozen bread dough (thawed)
Chocolate Filling:
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Make Chocolate Filling: Mix hazelnut spread, cocoa, sugar, and cinnamon; spread over dough.
- Roll and Shape: Roll dough into a log; slice in half lengthwise, twist together, and place in pan.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- You can freeze the babka after baking—just wrap it tightly and thaw before serving.
- Add chopped chocolate or nuts for extra texture.
- For a richer dough, use a sweet brioche dough if making from scratch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
