Chocolate Babka
This Sourdough Babka is a delightful treat combining a tender crumb with a rich chocolate filling, enhanced by tangy sourdough flavors. Perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups sourdough starter, active and bubbly
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chocolate spread your choice
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Start by combining your active sourdough starter, milk, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Once mixed, add the softened butter and eggs, whisking until smooth.
- Gradually add in the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Kneading and Rising
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it's smooth and elastic.
- Place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Babka
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread your chocolate filling of choice evenly over the dough, and sprinkle chocolate chips if desired.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log.
- Twist the log gently and place it into a greased loaf pan.
Final Rise
- Cover the loaf pan and let the twisted dough rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the babka has risen, bake it for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
If your sourdough starter isn’t super bubbly, give it more time to ferment. You can also add nuts or dried fruit to the filling for variation. Remember, the first slice always goes to the baker!