Description
This vegan chocolate babka features rich, swirled layers of chocolate in a fluffy plant-based dough. A modern, indulgent twist on the classic Eastern European treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup almond milk, warmed
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: Zest of one orange
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm almond milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Mix and knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- To make the filling, melt chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and maple syrup in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Punch down the dough and roll into a 10×12 inch rectangle.
- Spread the chocolate filling evenly, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with cinnamon and orange zest if using.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge. Pinch to seal.
- Cut the roll in half lengthwise and twist the two halves together. Place in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, use warm (not hot) almond milk to activate the yeast. For a glossy finish, brush with simple syrup after baking. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks during baking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan babka, chocolate babka, plant-based dessert, vegan baking
