How to Make a Traditional Polish Babka with Chocolate Swirls

How to Make a Traditional Polish Babka with Chocolate Swirls

Polish babka is a beloved sweet bread that can be found gracing tables during holidays and special occasions. It is soft, fluffy, and rich in flavor, often made with a variety of fillings. One of the most popular versions is babka with chocolate swirls, which combines the sweet, yeasty dough with a decadent chocolate filling for a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a traditional Polish babka with chocolate swirls.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)

For the chocolate filling:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze (optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise properly.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

3. Combine wet ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour mixture, followed by the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Begin mixing the ingredients together with a spatula or a dough hook.

4. Knead the dough: Add the softened butter, a tablespoon at a time, as you continue mixing. Once the dough comes together, knead it for about 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, you can knead the dough on medium speed with a dough hook.

5. Let the dough rise: After kneading, place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm spot to rise. It should take about 1–1.5 hours for the dough to double in size.

Step 2: Make the chocolate filling

1. Melt the chocolate: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chocolate, sugar, and cocoa powder, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before using.

Step 3: Shape the babka

1. Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a floured surface.

2. Roll out the dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a rectangle about 12 x 18 inches in size.

3. Spread the chocolate filling: Spread the cooled chocolate mixture evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Roll up the dough: Starting from one long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a tight log or cylinder. Pinch the seams to seal the edges.

5. Twist the dough: To create the signature swirl effect, twist the dough log into a spiral. You can either coil it into a round shape or place it into a greased bundt pan or loaf pan for a more traditional babka look.

6. Second rise: Cover the twisted dough with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing it to puff up and fill the pan.

Step 4: Bake the babka

1. Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the babka: Once the dough has risen, place the babka in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Cool the babka: Let the babka cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the glaze (optional)

1. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.

2. Glaze the babka: Once the babka is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving:

Slice the babka into thick pieces to reveal the rich, chocolate-filled swirls inside. The babka can be enjoyed on its own, paired with a hot cup of coffee, or served at festive gatherings. Its soft, sweet dough and gooey chocolate filling make it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Tips:

• Yeast: Make sure to use fresh yeast, as expired yeast may not rise properly, leading to a denser texture.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content in your dough.
• Flavor variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as cinnamon sugar, almond paste, or fruit jams, for a different twist on the traditional babka.
• Storage: If you have any leftovers, store the babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

Making a traditional Polish babka with chocolate swirls takes a little time, but the end result is definitely worth the effort. This rich, tender bread will be a crowd-pleaser and can easily become a family favorite.