Name: Chocolate Babka
Cook time: 1 hr
Total time: 6 1/2 hr
Yield: Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients: 3/4 cup warm milk (105–115°F); 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar; 3 teaspoons active dry yeast (from two 1/4-oz packages); 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting; 2 whole large eggs; 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/4 sticks (10 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tablespoon heavy cream or whole milk; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, well softened; 2 (3 1/2- to 4-oz) bars fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (no more than 60% cacao if marked), finely chopped; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 8 3/4- by 4 1/2- by 2 3/4-inch loaf pans; 1 parchment paper; a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment; 2 (8 3/4- by 4 1/2- by 2 3/4-inch) loaf pans; parchment paper

Image may contain Food Bread Burger and Bun

Photo by Romulo Yanes

Laden with chocolate, butter, and old-world charm, this babka is luscious served as dessert, with coffee, or as breakfast. While baking, the rich dough becomes incredibly tender, so it pulls apart in buttery pieces that melt in your mouth.

Cooks' note:

Babkas keep, wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, frozen 3 weeks.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

113 of Our Best Bread Recipes
Savory or sweet, 3-day project or 1-hour quick loaf, whatever kind of bread you want to bake, it's here.
100 Recipes We Wouldn't Attempt Without a Stand Mixer
Were there meringues before stand mixers? Sure. But they weren't half as much fun to make.
Easter Around the World
An international guide to Easter traditions, including customs in Germany, Guyana, Peru, and Poland.
How to Eat Chocolate For Breakfast
Forget coffee, chocolate is the best way to start the day.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.

Recipe notes

113 of Our Best Bread Recipes

100 Recipes We Wouldn't Attempt Without a Stand Mixer

Easter Around the World

How to Eat Chocolate For Breakfast