Chocolate Babka

Only the best chocolate babka you will ever make! Trust me. It's that good.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar (optional). Let stand until foamy.

Step 2

Cream oil with eggs until bubbles form.

Step 3

Add sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar. Mix.

Step 4

Add yeast mixture. Mix.

Step 5

Gradually add flour, one cup at a time. Knead to form dough. Place dough in lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place.

Step 6

Mix filling ingredients. Set aside.

Step 7

Mix topping ingredients. Set aside.

Step 8

Punch down dough and divide into four pieces of equal size.

Step 9

Working one piece at a time, roll out into a thin rectangle (the thinner the better, but don't let it get break!).

Step 10

Spread 1/4 of the filling onto the dough.

Step 11

Roll up tightly, then twist into a figure-eight and place into prepared small loaf-pan (either greased or parchment paper).

Step 12

Brush rolls with beaten egg, then sprinkle crumbs on top of rolls.

Step 13

Let rise 1 hour in warm place.

Step 14

Bake at 350º for 30-40 minutes, checking at 30 and then adding time as needed until the top is golden-brown and crusty.

Step 15

Let cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes, then remove and let sit on a cooling rack.