Super Easy Chocolate Babka is that magical treat you whip up when your sweet tooth strikes but you’d rather not wait hours for a yeasted dough to rise. This shortcut recipe delivers all the hypnotic swirls and gooey chocolate goodness of traditional babka, but with a fraction of the fuss. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, alongside a hot cup of coffee, or letting it steal the show at your next brunch, every bite is a showstopper—melty, decadent, and impossibly easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Dough:
- 1 (16 oz) package refrigerated pizza dough or crescent dough sheet
Filling:
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Additional:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make Super Easy Chocolate Babka
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures an even bake and a beautiful golden finish. While your oven warms up, line a loaf pan with parchment paper—the babka’s swirls will stay perfectly intact and lifting it out is a breeze.
Step 2: Roll and Fill the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, unroll your refrigerated pizza or crescent dough into a rectangle about 9×14 inches. Gently spread your chocolate hazelnut spread all over, leaving a half-inch border to keep the filling from escaping during baking. Sprinkle those mini chocolate chips evenly across the top, making sure every bite gets a little chocolatey punch.
Step 3: Shape the Babka
Now, the magic happens. Starting at the long edge, roll up the dough tightly into a log—cinnamon roll style. Grab your sharpest knife and slice the log lengthwise, all the way through, exposing those luscious chocolate layers. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides up for gorgeous swirls, then gently lift your babka into the lined loaf pan.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Brush the top of your braided loaf with the beaten egg. This step gives your Super Easy Chocolate Babka its picture-perfect shine and rich golden color once baked.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the babka is deeply golden and cooked all the way through. There’s nothing quite like the aroma that fills your kitchen! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer your loaf to a wire rack. For a dreamy look and extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Super Easy Chocolate Babka
Garnishes
A generous dusting of powdered sugar makes every slice of Super Easy Chocolate Babka look utterly irresistible. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle a few toasted hazelnuts or even some extra mini chocolate chips over the top right after baking. If you’re serving it at a brunch, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can add a dramatic flourish.
Side Dishes
This babka shines alongside a strong cup of coffee or a hot latte, making it perfect for breakfast or lazy weekend mornings. It’s also wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or paired with a fresh fruit salad for a lighter contrast. If you like, offer some whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side for both adults and little ones to enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your babka thickly and serve it on a pretty platter with extra powdered sugar for a bakery-style feel. For special occasions, cube the babka and serve it fondue-style with melted chocolate, or toast the slices and use them as the base for an over-the-top French toast. It even makes an adorable edible gift—just wrap it in parchment and a ribbon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Super Easy Chocolate Babka fresh by wrapping it well in foil or placing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay soft and moist at room temperature for up to two days. After that, you may want to refrigerate it to maintain freshness, though it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later for peak flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, simply wrap your cooled babka tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature. A quick warm-up in the oven will bring back that freshly baked taste and irresistible aroma.
Reheating
To make your leftover Super Easy Chocolate Babka taste just-baked, pop slices in a 300°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds until gently warmed and the chocolate just starts to melt. Avoid overheating, as that can dry out the dough. Enjoy it warm for a super comforting treat!
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! While the point of Super Easy Chocolate Babka is to keep things fuss-free, feel free to substitute your favorite homemade dough recipe if you have time. Just roll it to the same size and follow the filling and braiding instructions.
What other fillings can I use?
Get creative! Swap in almond butter with dark chocolate chips, or try a cinnamon-sugar filling for a twist. Even fruit preserves paired with white chocolate chips can make for a delightful variation. Babka is wonderfully versatile, so let your imagination run wild.
Can I prepare the babka in advance?
Yes! You can assemble your babka (including the braiding step) and keep it covered in the fridge for several hours before baking. This makes it a dream for entertaining—just pop it in the oven whenever you’re ready.
Why did my babka come out doughy in the center?
This usually means it needed a little extra time in the oven. Ovens can vary, so always check that the babka is deeply golden and cooked through before removing it. If it browns too quickly, cover the top loosely with foil and continue baking until done.
How do I keep my babka from unraveling?
After braiding, make sure to tuck the ends under slightly when placing it in the pan. As it bakes, the dough will expand and hold the shape. Parchment paper also helps by keeping everything snug and supported.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about serving up a warm, chocolate-swirl loaf that comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying babka for the very first time, Super Easy Chocolate Babka packs maximum joy with minimal effort. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bake a loaf, slice it up, and share the love (and the chocolate) with someone today!
Print
Super Easy Chocolate Babka Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of this Super Easy Chocolate Babka recipe. With a simple twist on traditional babka, this quick and delicious treat is perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 (16 oz) package refrigerated pizza dough or crescent dough sheet
Filling:
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Additional:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 9×14-inch rectangle.
- Add Filling: Spread chocolate hazelnut spread over the dough, leaving a border. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
- Roll and Twist: Roll the dough into a log, slice lengthwise, twist halves together, and place in the pan.
- Bake: Brush with beaten egg and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice, and serve.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts inside the filling.
- This shortcut babka is best served slightly warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
