Basic Sweet Babka

🥘 Ingredients

• dry active yeast 1 Tbsp
• granulated sugar ½ tsp
• lukewarm water ½ cup
• all-purpose flour 4 ½ cups
• granulated sugar 0.33 cup
• vanilla 2 tsp
• medium saucepan
• milk ½ cup
• melted butter ¾ cup
• eggs 2
• water 0.67 cup
• granulated sugar 1 cup
• vanilla 1 tsp
• unsalted butter ¾ cup
• granulated sugar ½ cup
• unsweetened cocoa powder 0.33 cup
• dark chocolate 6 oz
• cinnamon ¼ tsp
• salt 1 pinch
• chocolate or cinnamon sugar filling 1 ½ cups

1. 1

   For the dough: Place the dry active yeast and 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar in a small bowl . Add the lukewarm water and stir gently to mix. Set aside until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes . In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the all-purpose flour , 1/3 cup granulated sugar , and 2 teaspoons vanilla .
2. 2

   In a medium saucepan , scald the milk (bring almost to a boil, until milk is just simmering). Allow to sit for 1 minute to cool just slightly.
3. 3

   With mixer on low, add the water and​yeast mixture, milk, and melted butter . Add the eggs one at a time.
4. 4

   When the dough begins to come together, after 2 to 3 minutes , turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides. Raise the speed to high and mix for another 5 to 10 minutes until the dough is shiny, elastic, and smooth. It may seem like a long time to mix, but the result is worth the wait.
5. 5

   Place dough in a greased bowl with a damp towel on top. Allow to rise 1 to 2 hours .
6. 6

   Make the sugar syrup while the dough is rising: Combine the water , granulated sugar , and vanilla in a small saucepan . Bring to a low boil until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside and cool. This syrup can be kept in the fridge for 2 to 3 months and makes enough for at least 2 batches of babka (6 medium babkas).
7. 7

   Prepare three greased 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pans . Note: you can also make two larger round babkas that can be baked on baking sheets.
8. 8

   To make the chocolate filling, beat 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) room temperature unsalted butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder , 6 ounces melted dark chocolate (you can also use good-quality dark chocolate chips), 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon , and a pinch of salt .
9. 9

   Cut the dough into three equal parts (use a food scale for precision). Roll out one part into a rectangle. Spread one-third of the 1 to 1.5 cups of chocolate or cinnamon sugar filling onto the rectangle and roll up along the shorter side (to create swirls inside).
10. 10

    Once the dough is formed into a swirled log, cut it straight down the middle so the filling is exposed.
11. 11

    Cut 1/2 inch off each end.
12. 12

    Layer each cut piece on top of one another and twist. Place in a greased loaf pan .
13. 13

    Repeat with the other two pieces of babka dough. Lightly drape a kitchen towel over the top of the pans. Allow to rise another 30 minutes . Preheat oven to 350°F while the dough rises.
14. 14

    Bake for 20 minutes . Brush each babka with two layers of sugar syrup. Place back in the oven for approximately 15 minutes . The edges should be slightly brown and the middle should be slightly doughy.
15. 15

    When the babkas come out of the oven, immediately brush each with another 3 light layers of sugar syrup. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes . Using a butter knife, loosen the sides of the babka from the pan and place on top of wire rack to cool.