Chocolate Nutella Babka Bread Recipe

If you haven’t tried a Chocolate Nutella Babka Bread Recipe yet, you’re in for a real treat. This bread is like the ultimate hug in pastry form—with its soft, buttery dough swirled generously with rich, chocolatey Nutella. Whenever I bake it, the whole kitchen fills with this amazing aroma that instantly makes you want to grab a slice (or two) straight from the pan.

What makes this Chocolate Nutella Babka Bread Recipe so special is its perfect balance of sweet and buttery dough with the gooey, melty chocolate layers that you just can’t resist. Whether you’re having it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s surprisingly doable even if you haven’t tackled yeast bread before—I’ve got plenty of tips ahead to make sure yours turns out great!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a tender dough that beautifully complements the decadent Nutella filling. When shopping, make sure to use fresh eggs at room temperature and a good-quality chocolate spread—you’ll notice the difference in every bite!

• Milk: Room temperature is key here to help activate the yeast gently.
• Sugar: I typically use caster sugar for its fine texture, which dissolves quickly.
• Fast action dried yeast: This is your shortcut to quick rising without the wait.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness.
• White strong flour: Provides great structure and chew—don’t swap it for all-purpose flour.
• Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to enrich the dough.
• Unsalted butter: Softened, so it blends smoothly into the dough.
• Nutella or chocolate spread: This is the star—feel free to use your favorite brand.
• Syrup ingredients (sugar, water, lemon juice): Simple syrup seals the bread and gives it a lovely shine.

Variations

I love playing around with this Chocolate Nutella Babka Bread Recipe depending on the occasion or who I’m baking for. Making it your own keeps the process fun, and you’ll get to discover your favorite combos.

• Nut and seed add-ins: I sometimes sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts or walnuts over the Nutella before rolling—it adds a great crunch that balances the creamy filling.
• Chocolate types: Switching Nutella for dark chocolate spread or even peanut butter adds interesting twists that your taste buds will thank you for.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Though trickier, I’ve had success using a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads—just be ready for a slightly denser texture.

How to Make Chocolate Nutella Babka Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by warming your milk (just till lukewarm, you don’t want to kill those yeast cells!). In a mixing bowl, combine the milk with sugar and sprinkle the fast action dried yeast on top. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast bubbles up—that’s your green light that it’s alive and kicking. Then, add the salt, eggs, and most of the flour, mixing until they come together. Finally, add your softened butter in little chunks, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. I usually shift from a mixer to hand kneading here because you really want to feel that dough’s texture—it’ll be soft but not sticky. Let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour until doubled in size.

Step 2: Rolling and Filling

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently then roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the Nutella evenly but generously—don’t be shy here! The more spread, the better the swirls. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Now, here’s a trick I learned: slice the log lengthwise right down the center, then twist the two halves around each other, keeping the layers visible. This is what gives babka its signature look and texture.

Step 3: Baking and Syrup Glaze

Place your twisted dough into a greased loaf pan and allow it a second rise for about 30-45 minutes. Baking at 180°C (350°F) for about 40-45 minutes gives it a gorgeous golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender. While it bakes, prepare the syrup by dissolving sugar in water, adding a few drops of lemon juice, then bringing it to a gentle boil. The moment the bread comes out of the oven, brush this syrup over the top. Trust me—this step locks in moisture and adds a subtle sweet shine you’re going to love.

How to Serve Chocolate Nutella Babka Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar right before serving for that extra touch of prettiness. Toasted hazelnuts or even a light drizzle of melted chocolate makes it feel a bit more special if you’re sharing at a brunch or party.

Side Dishes

Pairing the babka with a simple cup of coffee or tea is my go-to, but if I’m serving more formally, a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side works beautifully. Fresh berries also add a nice pop of color and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or birthdays, I’ve twisted two babka loaves together to make a festive centerpiece bread braid—guests always get curious and are wowed by the presentation. You can also cut the loaf into thick slices and serve toasted with extra Nutella spread on top for a fancy yet simple treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I usually let the babka cool completely and then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and fresh. If you notice it’s getting a bit firm, it still tastes great when lightly toasted.

Freezing

I freeze babka all the time for busy mornings or unexpected guests. Slice it first, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It stays great for up to 2 months and thawing is quick—you can pop slices straight into the toaster or oven for a warm slice in minutes.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I recommend reheating in a toaster oven at low heat or in a microwave for 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. This helps revive that fresh-baked feel without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Nutella Babka Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both impressive and approachable. Baking it always brings me joy—whether I’m sharing it with family, gifting it to friends, or sneaking slices for myself. I really hope you give it a try and find the same happiness in every warm, chocolate-filled bite. You’ll enjoy how this babka turns an ordinary day into something deliciously memorable.

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