Cookwith

Name: Sea Salt Chocolate Babka
Prep time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 2/3 cup whole milk, lukewarm; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling); 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling); 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for filling); 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt; 1 egg (for egg wash)

Sea Salt Chocolate Babka

miradugm

This Sea Salt Chocolate Babka is a showstopper: a pillowy, buttery dough swirled with a rich chocolate filling and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Inspired by the bakery display case, this babka balances sweet, salty, and bitter notes, while the tender crumb and gooey chocolate ribbons offer irresistible texture. The beautiful twisted shape makes it perfect for sharing at brunch, gifting, or elevating your afternoon coffee break. Each slice is visually striking with its marbled chocolate swirls, and the sea salt brings out the complexity of the chocolate for a bakery-quality treat at home.

Ingredients

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Add lukewarm milk, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla. Mix on low until a dough forms, then knead (by mixer or hand) for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
Meanwhile, make the filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
Punch down dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 12x16 inch rectangle.
Spread chocolate filling evenly over dough, sprinkle chocolate chips and flaky sea salt on top.
Roll up tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice in half lengthwise to expose layers.
Twist the two halves together, keeping cut sides up, and transfer to a greased loaf pan.
Cover and let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush loaf with beaten egg and bake 35-40 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Sprinkle with extra sea salt before serving.