If you’re looking to impress with both beauty and flavor, Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread is a showstopper that wins hearts every time. This dreamy loaf weaves tender, pillowy challah dough with a generous ribbon of silky chocolate, wrapping every bite in a swirl of delight. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, gifting a friend, or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, this bread offers the perfect balance of sweet, rich, and irresistible. The best part? It’s actually easier than you think and makes your kitchen smell like a bakery!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread brings its own magic, creating a soft crumb, golden crust, and indulgent chocolate filling. Gather these staples, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create from such straightforward pantry basics.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives the bread its structure and signature pillowy texture.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness in the dough to balance the rich chocolate swirl.
- Active dry yeast: The rising star that lifts your challah into a light, airy loaf—don’t skip those initial bubbles!
- Salt: Essential for depth and enhancing all the flavors throughout the bread.
- Warm water (110°F): The gentle warmth wakes up your yeast and helps the dough come together smoothly.
- Vegetable oil: Gives moisture and tenderness, ensuring every slice stays soft even after baking.
- Eggs: Two eggs add richness and color to the dough, while an extra for the shiny golden crust brings bakery-style beauty.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon gives a subtle aroma that complements the chocolate flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted and cooled): The star of the swirl—deep, melty, and slightly bittersweet for the perfect balance.
- Cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate ribbon and adds a lush color contrast.
- Sugar (for chocolate filling): Sweetens the swirl so it stands out against the soft dough.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): That final, glossy finish which makes your loaf look straight out of a bakery window.
How to Make Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by stirring warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until you see a creamy, bubbly foam—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. It’s a small step that makes a world of difference to the rise and flavor of your Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add in your flour, sugar, salt, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Stir until a loose dough forms, then knead it on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes smooth, elastic, and just a bit springy to the touch—this is how you get that classic challah texture!
Step 3: First Rise
Pop the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it up. Let it rise in a cozy, draft-free spot for about 1–1.5 hours. Watch as it puffs up and doubles in size—the anticipation is half the fun! This gentle rise gives your bread its soft, airy crumb.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Filling
While the dough is rising, melt your chocolate chips and let them cool slightly. Mix in cocoa powder and sugar until you have a glossy, spreadable chocolate filling. This luscious mixture is what will create those gorgeous swirls running through each slice of Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Dough
Punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then split it in half. Roll each piece into a rectangle—about 10×12 inches. Gently spread the chocolate filling over each rectangle, being careful not to tear the dough. This step gets a little messy but is oh-so-rewarding!
Step 6: Roll, Twist, and Braid
Starting from the long side, carefully roll each chocolate-covered rectangle into a tight log. Place the two logs side by side, twist them together, and then tuck the ends under to form a neat, braided loaf. This classic shape looks stunning once baked and reveals the beautiful swirl when you slice in.
Step 7: Second Rise
Transfer your braided loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover it loosely. Let it rise again for 30–45 minutes. This second rise ensures your Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread emerges fluffy, light, and picture-perfect out of the oven.
Step 8: Egg Wash and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the entire loaf with a beaten egg for that golden, glossy finish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until your loaf is a deep golden brown and makes a hollow sound when you tap it. Resist the urge to slice it right away—the aroma will tempt you, but letting it cool gives the crumb time to set!
How to Serve Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread
Garnishes
Give your Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread the finishing touch it deserves! After brushing with egg wash, you can sprinkle a handful of mini chocolate chips or turbinado sugar over the loaf for extra sparkle and crunch. Once baked and cooled, a dusting of powdered sugar also makes it feel positively celebratory.
Side Dishes
This bread stands beautifully on its own but also pairs well with brunch favorites. Serve thick slices alongside fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped ricotta, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Don’t underestimate how heavenly it is with a cup of coffee or steaming hot cocoa!
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, try slicing the loaf on a diagonal to showcase those dramatic chocolate swirls. Arrange slices on a platter with fresh berries for color, or use the bread as a base for indulgent French toast the next morning. You can also braid the dough into smaller individual loaves for adorable, sharable treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow resist eating the whole loaf in one sitting, tuck your Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread into an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days—though it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
Want to savor this treat bit by bit? Allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for a fresh-baked taste anytime you crave it.
Reheating
For that straight-from-the-oven feel, warm leftover slices in a toaster or oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. It revives the softness and gently melts the chocolate, making every bite just as dreamy as the first.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. Just keep an eye on the dough; it may rise a little faster, so check it earlier than the stated time.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate chips for the filling?
A gentle double boiler or even 20-second intervals in the microwave works wonders. Just make sure to stir frequently and let the chocolate cool slightly before spreading so it doesn’t soften the dough.
Can I add other fillings besides chocolate?
Yes! Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread is delicious as-is, but you can get creative by adding nuts, cinnamon sugar, or even dried fruit to the filling for more texture and flavor.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Look for a deep golden color and listen for a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of the loaf. If you have a food thermometer, the center should read about 190°F when done.
Is it possible to make this bread vegan?
Yes, with a few swaps! Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs, use non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy), and opt for vegan chocolate chips and plant-based oil. The texture will be slightly different, but still satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Baking Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread is a true labor of love with a reward that’s doubly sweet—gorgeous, chocolatey slices to share (or, honestly, to keep all for yourself). I hope you give it a try and add your own flair. There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly-baked challah swirling through your home. Enjoy every bite!
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Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread. A soft and sweet bread with a delicious chocolate filling, perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat anytime.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Filling:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Add flour, sugar, salt, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1-1.5 hours.
- Make the Chocolate Filling: Mix melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar until smooth.
- Shape and Bake: Divide dough, roll into rectangles, spread filling, roll, braid, and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool before slicing.
Notes
- This bread tastes best fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the filling before rolling.
- It also makes fantastic French toast the next day.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
