Chocolate Hazelnut Babka

Step 1

Mix the warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Mix together and let it activate for 10 minutes.

Step 2

Add the flour, sugar, and a teaspoon of salt to a bowl and mix.

Step 3

Next, add the milk/yeast mixture to the bowl and mix using a spoon.

Step 4

Add the eggs one by one and mix until incorporated. Mix well with the spoon to make sure there are no lumps.

Step 5

Next add the butter (cut into small pieces at room temperature). Mix rigorously!

Step 6

Continue mixing until completely mixed and your dough starts to get elastic. This is the gluten starting to activate!

Step 7

Cover the bowl with a damp dish towel and let it rise for an hour and a half in a warm place. The dough should double in size.

Step 8

After an hour and a half, gently hit the dough with your hand to let out the air.

Step 9

Cover with plastic wrap and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 10

Roughly chop the hazelnuts using a knife.

Step 11

Grease a loaf pan with butter and cover with parchment paper.

Step 12

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. It should have gotten slightly hard. Place it on a work surface covered with flour.

Step 13

Form a ball and then roll it out to form a large rectangle. The dough will be sticky which is normal. This means it will be fluffy and moist.

Step 14

Spread a layer of the chocolate-hazelnut spread and then the chopped hazelnuts. Be very delicate so you don't pierce the dough!

Step 15

Using your hands, carefully roll into a log.

Step 16

Cut the log in half lengthwise.

Step 17

Press together the two pieces on one end and then twist the dough, pressing the other ends together when you finish.

Step 18

Delicately place the twisted dough into the loaf pan. Sprinkle with some extra hazelnuts.

Step 19

Bake for 40 minutes at 160°C.

Step 20

After removing from the oven, make a syrup by bringing equal parts sugar and water to a boil for 2 minutes.

Step 21

Brush the top of the babka with the syrup. Cut into slices and enjoy!