Inspired by: @alessiatal
Craving a rich, chocolatey, brioche-like pastry that's entirely plant-based? Look no further! This easy homemade vegan chocolate babka recipe delivers on all fronts, offering a dairy-free and egg-free twist on a classic that's perfect for anyone with dietary preferences or those simply looking to explore delicious vegan baking. It's a sweet bread that's surprisingly simple to make, especially when you follow these helpful steps.
This recipe is designed for home bakers seeking a rewarding project, a decadent treat for weekend brunch, or a show-stopping dessert for special occasions. It solves the common dilemma of finding truly indulgent vegan baked goods that don't compromise on flavor or texture. Imagine the joy of seeing your dough rise, just like alessiatal experienced, leading to a perfectly swirled, chocolate-filled masterpiece!
All the delightful ingredients for your vegan chocolate babka, neatly laid out.
Why You'll Love This Vegan Babka
This isn't just any vegan bread; it's a celebration of plant-based indulgence. Our recipe ensures a perfectly soft, airy dough with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate swirl. It’s ideal for satisfying those sweet cravings without any dairy or eggs, making it suitable for a wider audience. Plus, the delightful aroma of freshly baked babka filling your home is a reward in itself!
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm plant milk (about 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup melted vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Filling
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips or chopped vegan chocolate bar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup softened vegan butter
For the Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Loaf pan (9x5 inch or similar)
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional, but recommended)
- Small saucepan
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm plant milk and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: Add the remaining sugar, all-purpose flour, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a spoon or in a stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it's smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.
- First Rise: Lightly grease the mixing bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Chocolate Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the vegan chocolate chips and softened vegan butter together. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder and sugar until well combined. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Babka: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle (approximately 12x16 inches). Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and Twist: Tightly roll the dough from one long side into a log. If the log is too long for your pan, gently cut it in half lengthwise. Twist the two halves together, keeping the chocolate swirl visible.
- Second Rise: Carefully place the twisted dough into a parchment-lined loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise again in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until visibly puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the babka for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- Prepare Simple Syrup: While the babka bakes, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
- Glaze: As soon as the babka comes out of the oven, brush the warm simple syrup generously over the top. This adds shine, moisture, and extra sweetness.
- Cool and Serve: Let the babka cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your homemade vegan chocolate babka!
The babka, perfectly braided and ready for its golden transformation in the oven.
Variations & Adaptations
- Nutty Swirl: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the chocolate filling for added texture and flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar Babka: For a classic alternative, swap the chocolate filling for a mixture of 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon.
- Fruit & Chocolate: Mix in a handful of dried cherries or raspberries with your chocolate filling for a burst of fruity goodness.
- Gluten-Free Option: While traditional babka uses wheat flour, you can experiment with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be aware that the texture may differ slightly, and you might need to adjust liquid amounts.
Tips for Success
- Warmth is Key: Ensure your plant milk is warm (not hot!) to activate the yeast properly. A good test is to dip your finger in – it should feel like a warm bath.
- Don't Rush the Rise: The rising time is crucial for a light and airy texture. Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough. If your kitchen is cool, you can lightly warm your oven to 100°F (38°C), turn it off, and place the covered bowl inside.
- Proper Kneading: Kneading develops the gluten (even in vegan dough, you want some structure) which contributes to the babka's signature chewiness. Don't skip this step!
- Even Spreading: Spread the chocolate filling as evenly as possible to ensure a beautiful, consistent swirl throughout your babka.
Ready to bake your own magnificent babka? This recipe will guide you to a truly delightful result that's perfect for sharing (or enjoying all to yourself!).
Related Articles
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- Easy Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: If you love sweet, swirled bread, these cinnamon rolls are a must-try!
- Decadent & Easy Vegan Biscoff No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe (Dairy-Free): For another truly indulgent dairy-free dessert, check this out.
- Easy Homemade Vegan Millefoglie Recipe: Discover how to make this delightful Italian pastry, vegan style.
- Vegan New York Cheesecake Recipe: Master another classic, made completely vegan.
- Vegan Coconut Cake with Cashew Buttercream Recipe: Dive into more luscious, dairy-free baking with this incredible cake.
Share your babka creations with the abillion community! We love seeing your culinary successes and hearing about your plant-based journey.
