Gluten-free chocolate babka

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Here’s a rich, swirled Gluten-Free Chocolate Babka recipe—soft, indulgent, and perfect for a special breakfast or dessert. It’s made with a tender gluten-free dough and filled with a luscious chocolate spread.

🌟 Gluten-Free Chocolate Babka Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast

  • ¼ cup warm milk (or dairy-free milk, ~110°F)

  • ¼ cup sugar

  • 2 large eggs, room temp

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (or dairy-free), softened

  • 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ cup plain yogurt or sour cream (or dairy-free alternative)

For the Chocolate Filling:

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder

  • ¼ cup sugar

  • 2 tbsp butter (or coconut oil)

  • Pinch of salt

Optional Sugar Syrup (for shine & moisture):

  • ¼ cup sugar

  • ¼ cup water

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast:
    In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. Make Dough:
    In a large bowl (or stand mixer), mix eggs, vanilla, remaining sugar, yogurt, and softened butter. Add the yeast mixture.

  3. Add Dry Ingredients:
    Mix in the gluten-free flour and salt. Stir or knead using the dough hook for 3–4 minutes. Dough will be sticky but should hold together.

  4. First Rise:
    Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes until puffy (GF dough won’t double, but will rise slightly).

  5. Prepare Filling:
    In a small saucepan, melt chocolate, butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly.

  6. Shape the Babka:

    • Roll dough between two greased sheets of parchment into a rectangle (~9×14 inches).

    • Spread chocolate filling evenly over dough.

    • Roll up tightly from the short side like a jelly roll.

    • Slice the roll lengthwise, then twist the two halves together, cut side up.

    • Place in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.

  7. Bake:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and cooked through.

  8. Optional Syrup:
    While baking, heat sugar and water until dissolved. Brush over hot babka right out of the oven for shine and extra moisture.

🍫 Tips

  • Make ahead: Prepare and shape the babka, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.

  • Nutty twist: Add chopped hazelnuts or walnuts to the filling.

  • Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter, milk, and yogurt.

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