Chocolate Babka Recipe with Rich Cocoa Filling and Citrus Syrup

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 eggs

• 2¼ cups water

• 2 tablespoons dry yeast

• 2 packets vanilla sugar

• 1 kg (8 cups) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• ⅔ cup sugar

• A pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Filling

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 cup cocoa powder

• ½ cup water

• ¼ cup vegetable oil

For the Citrus Syrup

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups water

• 1 slice of orange or clementine

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. Using the dough hook attachment of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and vanilla sugar in the mixing bowl.

2. Add the eggs, oil, water, and salt.

3. Knead for about 10 minutes, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 1 hour.

5. Gently deflate the dough by pressing it down around the edges. Avoid kneading it heavily.

6. Cover again and let it rise for another hour.

Prepare the Filling

1. Mix together the sugar, cocoa powder, water, and oil until smooth.

Shape the Babkas

1. Lightly flour your work surface.

2. Divide the dough into 6 equal balls.

3. Work with one ball at a time, keeping the others covered.

4. Roll the dough into a very thin rectangle. Make sure the length is no longer than the loaf pan you'll be using. The width can be as wide as desired.

5. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin, dust generously with additional flour.

6. Spread a thin layer of the chocolate filling over the entire surface. Avoid making it too thick to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

7. Roll the dough tightly into a log.

8. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise into two strips.

9. Twist the two strips together to form a braid.

10. Transfer the braided loaf to a greased loaf pan.

11. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

12. Allow the shaped babkas to rise until noticeably puffed and nearly doubled in size.

Prepare the Syrup

1. Combine the water, sugar, and orange (or clementine) slice in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly.

Bake

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature, about 180°C (350°F).

2. Bake the babkas for approximately 40 minutes, or until well-risen and golden brown.

Finish

1. Remove the babkas from the oven.

2. Immediately pour or brush the warm citrus syrup over the hot cakes.

Tip

If you plan to freeze the babkas, freeze them without the syrup. When ready to serve, thaw the cakes, warm them in the oven, prepare a fresh batch of syrup, and pour it over the warm babkas. The result will taste just like freshly baked babka.