Homemade chocolate babka made with soft, rich dough and filled with a smooth chocolate ganache. This bakery-style braided bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Easy chocolate babka recipe using simple ingredients and detailed instructions for the best texture and flavor. Make ahead and freezer-friendly. Ideal for holidays or weekend baking.

This rich, soft chocolate babka is swirled with homemade ganache and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a holiday table, brunch spread, or cozy baking weekend.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3/4 cup warm milk (not hot)
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
4 Tbsp granulated sugar, divided
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, at room temperature
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (divided: 3 Tbsp for dough, 1 Tbsp for brushing)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Coconut oil (optional, for brushing)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine warm milk and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let sit for 7 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup flour and 2 Tbsp sugar. Whisk to combine. Cover and let rise in a warm place (100°F oven) for 25–30 minutes, or at room temperature for 35–45 minutes, until puffy.
Whisk in eggs, 3 Tbsp melted butter, remaining 2 Tbsp sugar, salt, and vanilla.
Switch to the dough hook. On speed 2, gradually add the remaining 3 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time. Dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add 1–2 Tbsp extra flour if needed.
Knead on speed 2 for 8–10 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm oven for 1 hour, or at room temperature for 2 hours, until doubled in size.

Make the Ganache:

In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and 1/4 cup sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the cream begins to simmer.
Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Uncover and whisk from the center outward until smooth and glossy. Let cool to room temperature until thickened. Refrigerate briefly if needed, whisking every 10 minutes to monitor consistency.

Assemble the Babka:

Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts.
On a floured surface, roll out one portion into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread 1/3 of the ganache over the surface.
Roll the dough tightly from the shorter (12-inch) side into a log. Wrap in plastic and chill for 15 minutes.
Cut the roll lengthwise down the center, leaving the top 1/2 inch connected. Twist the halves together, cut sides facing up.
Butter and line two loaf pans with parchment paper. Transfer twisted dough into pans.
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30–45 minutes, or at room temperature for 1–1.5 hours, until puffy.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush loaves with remaining 1 Tbsp melted butter.
Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
Optional: Brush warm loaves with coconut oil for shine or spread leftover ganache on top.

Tips

Let the dough rise in a slightly warm (but turned off) oven to speed up the process.
Use high-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for a richer ganache.
If ganache becomes too firm in the fridge, gently rewarm before spreading.

Variations and Substitutions

Filling alternatives: Swap ganache for cinnamon sugar, Nutella, or fruit preserves.
Flour: Bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based milk and butter, and use dairy-free chocolate.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before rolling.

Why did my dough not rise?
Check that your yeast is active and that the milk was warm—not hot—when mixed.

How should I store babka?
Store at room temperature, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm slices with coffee or tea.
Toast lightly and spread with butter for breakfast.
Makes a beautiful addition to brunch, holidays, or potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate babka features tender, enriched dough and swirls of luscious ganache in every slice. The result is a bakery-style loaf with beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re baking for guests or just want something special, this recipe delivers reliable results and rich texture every time.