Cinnamon Chocolate Babka Recipe

In a bowl - combine the milk, cream, yeast, and honey - set aside for 3 minutes.

Then add the eggs, melted butter, and cinnamon.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the hook attachment, combine flour and salt.Tip - if you don't have an electric mixer you can knead the dough by hand in a mixing bowl.

Add the yeast mixture. Combine well on medium-high speed.

Once all the flour is well incorporated, knead on medium for 3 minutes.Tip - avoid the temptation to add more flour. We want soft, light, and fluffy rolls, and this is only possible when the dough is soft, elastic, yet slightly sticky.

When the dough is soft, shiny, but still slightly sticky shape into a ball.

Place the dough in an oiled bowl seam side down. Coat the surface with oil to prevent drying. Cover with a clean kitchen cloth or plastic wrap.

In a microwave-safe bowl or double-boiler melt the chocolate, butter, and cream. Set asideTip - a double boiler means placing a bowl with chocolate over a saucepan with simmering water on medium heat. Make sure the bowl does not touch the pan or the steam does not go in the chocolate.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Roll out the dough on to about &frac18 inch thick. About 15 x 10-inches long

Using an off-set spatula spread the cooled chocolate mixture onto the surface of the dough leaving ½ inch all around to seal.

Roll like a jelly roll - seam side up.

Cut the roll in the middle dividing it into two lengthways. This is a bit messy so work carefully.

Pleat the two parts into each other. (see pictures below)

Place into a greased 9 x 4-inch loaf pan or 9-inch round cake pan

Cover with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm place for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Preheat the oven at 180 C / 360 F

When almost doubled in volume - brush the babka with the egg wash and bake for 20 minutes

After 20 minutes - Brush with sugar syrup - this will keep it moist and prevent the chocolate from burning.

Continue baking for another 10 minutes until lightly golden on top. About 30 to 40 minutes of total baking time.

When baked completely - cool for 10 minutes in the pan.

While still warm Invert on to a serving platter. Tip - Once the chocolate cools it might be difficult to get it out of the pan

Enjoy!