If you love soft bread and rich chocolate, this Ina Garten Chocolate Babka recipe is perfect. This sweet bread looks fancy but feels comforting.
The swirls of chocolate make every slice special. Many people search for this Ina Garten Chocolate Babka Recipe because it tastes bakery-style at home.
I will share how to make Ina Garten Chocolate Babka in very easy steps. You will also learn tips, mistakes and serving ideas. This guide uses simple words and clear steps.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this babka on a calm weekend morning. The dough felt soft and easy to handle. The chocolate filling smelled amazing while baking.
My kitchen felt warm and cozy. When I sliced the babka, the swirls looked beautiful. The taste was rich but not heavy.
My family loved it with tea. I felt proud serving a homemade babka that tasted so good.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chocolate Babka
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Course: Dessert / Bread
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowl
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rolling pin
- Loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Oven
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Chocolate Babka
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- â…“ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup sugar for filling
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Guide
Activate the yeast
Mix warm milk, yeast and sugar. Let it sit until foamy and active.
Make the dough
Add flour, eggs, butter and salt. Mix until soft dough forms.
Knead the dough
Knead for eight minutes until smooth and stretchy.
First rise
Place dough in bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled.
Prepare chocolate filling
Mix chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder and melted butter together.
Roll the dough
Roll dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
Add filling
Spread chocolate mixture evenly across the dough surface.
Shape the babka
Roll dough tightly into a log. Cut lengthwise carefully.
Twist and place
Twist the two halves together. Place into lined loaf pan.
Bake the babka
Bake at 350°F until golden and cooked through.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Chocolate Babka
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth dough.
- Do not rush the rising time.
- Use good quality chocolate for better flavor.
- Roll dough evenly for neat swirls.
- Let babka cool before slicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Adding too much flour makes dough dry.
- Skipping kneading affects texture.
- Overfilling causes leaks while baking.
- Cutting babka while hot breaks slices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chocolate babka warm or at room temperature. It tastes great with coffee or tea. You can add a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Some people enjoy it with fresh berries. It also works well as a sweet breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
Variations You Can Try
- Use Nutella instead of chocolate filling.
- Add chopped nuts for crunch.
- Mix cinnamon into the filling.
- Use dark chocolate for deep flavor.
- Add orange zest for freshness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store babka in airtight container for three days.
- Refrigerate to keep it fresh longer.
- Freeze slices for up to two months.
- Reheat slices in oven for best texture.
- Microwave briefly if you need quick warming.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Health Benefits
Chocolate babka is a treat, but it still has some benefits. Eggs add protein for energy. Milk gives calcium for bones. Chocolate can boost mood when eaten in small amounts.
Homemade babka avoids preservatives found in store breads. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Ina Garten Chocolate Babka Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- â…“ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ¼ cup sugar for filling
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Activate the yeast
- Mix warm milk, yeast and sugar. Let it sit until foamy and active.
Make the dough
- Add flour, eggs, butter and salt. Mix until soft dough forms.
Knead the dough
- Knead for eight minutes until smooth and stretchy.
First rise
- Place dough in bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled.
Prepare chocolate filling
- Mix chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder and melted butter together.
Roll the dough
- Roll dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
Add filling
- Spread chocolate mixture evenly across the dough surface.
Shape the babka
- Roll dough tightly into a log. Cut lengthwise carefully.
Twist and place
- Twist the two halves together. Place into lined loaf pan.
Bake the babka
- Bake at 350°F until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth dough.
- Do not rush the rising time.
- Use good quality chocolate for better flavor.
- Roll dough evenly for neat swirls.
- Let babka cool before slicing.
FAQs about Ina Garten Chocolate Babka
1. Can I make Ina Garten Chocolate Babka without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix and knead by hand. It takes more time and effort, but results are still good.
2. How do I know the babka is fully baked?
The top should be golden brown. A toothpick should come out mostly clean from center.
3. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Let it warm slightly before shaping.
4. What chocolate works best for this recipe?
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best. It balances sweetness and gives rich flavor.
5. Why did my babka turn dry?
Dry babka usually comes from too much flour or overbaking. Measure carefully and watch baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Chocolate Babka Recipe is rich, soft and comforting. It looks beautiful and tastes even better.
The steps are simple and friendly for home bakers. With good ingredients and patience, you can make bakery-style babka at home.
Try this recipe once and it may become a favorite. Baking it brings joy, warmth and sweet memories to your kitchen.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!