Chocolate Braided Bread (Babka)





Ingredients

For the dough:

 • 3 1/4 cups of wheat flour

 • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

 • 1/2 teaspoon salt

 • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

 • 1/2 cup of warm milk

 • 2 eggs

 • 1/4 cup butter, softened

For the chocolate filling:

 • 1 cup melted chocolate (dark or semisweet)

 • 1/4 cup melted butter

 • 2 tablespoons of sugar

Instructions

1.Prepare the dough:

 • Mix flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a bowl.

 • Add the warm milk, eggs and butter. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.

 • Cover and let rest for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2.Prepare the filling:

 • Mix melted chocolate, butter and sugar until completely combined.

3.Form the braid:

 • Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle.

 • Spread the chocolate filling on the dough.

 • Roll the dough like a log, cut it lengthwise and intertwine the two halves with the cut side facing up.

4.Let it rest and bake:

 • Place the braid in a greased mold and let it rest for 30 minutes.

 • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

5.Cool and serve:

 • Let cool slightly before cutting and serving. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea!