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    Home - bread - Chocolate Gingerbread Babka (and GIVEAWAY!)

    Published: Dec 23, 2016 · Modified: Sep 23, 2019 by Amanda Powell · Estimated time to read: About 3 minutes to read this article. · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Chocolate Gingerbread Babka (and GIVEAWAY!)

    Sweet chocolate gingerbread babka made with Chuao gingerbread chocolate bar for a truly decadent treat. This chocolate wreath is perfect for lazy Sunday mornings with family. 

    easy chocolate gingerbread babka

    There is something about a loaf of swirly bread filled with chocolate that makes me deliriously happy. I've been craving this bread for months and finally gave in to those cravings. And half the bread is gone already. No regrets though cause this chocolate gingerbread babka was worth every single calorie.

    Ack! The "c" word. I try not to use that word too much around here cause who wants to think about cal-you-know-what when you are trying to get your munch on, ammiright?

    chocolate gingerbread babka recipe

    The inspiration to make a chocolate gingerbread babka came when I received a few Chuao chocolate bars (hint: we are giving away a few at the end of this post!) and saw their chocolate gingerbread flavor.

    What I love about Chuao chocolate bars is they aren't simply a flavored chocolate bar. No, they really love playing with building up flavors with mix-ins to give the chocolate more depth and textural contrast which gives it a really nice mouth feel. The Chuao gingerbread bar had crunchy bits of gingerbread in the chocolate, and I played that up by adding a few more to the filling, plus adding fresh ginger. I also infused the babka dough with vanilla, ginger, and cinnamon so you get a lot of flavor in each bite.

    chocolate rolling gif

    Rolling out the chocolate gingerbread babka is incredibly simple, but gives the bread such a beautiful look. I've been playing around with adding different types of content to the blog and decided to make a gif of that process for you. It's not bad for only my second time, if I do say so myself.

    chocolate gingerbread babke

    You can create one large wreath like what you see here, or you can divide the dough in two and create two smaller wreaths for easier sharing.

    chuao chocolates

    GIVEAWAY TIME!

    One lucky person will be able to receive a selection of Chuao chocolates. I've tried them all, and these are some of my favorite (but its really hard to choose!) The giveaway is open to US residents 18+ and ends 12/30. To enter, Follow Chuao on Instagram (@chuaochocolatier), then comment below with your username. For additional entries: Follow Chuao on Twitter (@chuacochocoholic) and comment with your username. Follow me on Twitter (@cookiedesire) and comment below with your username. You can also comment below sharing your favorite candy!

    easy chocolate gingerbread babka

    Chocolate Gingerbread Babka

    Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups all purpose flour
    • vanilla bean seeds
    • 4 teaspoons ground ginger
    • 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 4 large eggs, room temperature
    • ½ cup milk, room temperature
    • 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
    • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

    Filling

    • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
    • oz Chuao chocolate gingerbread bar
    • 2 tablespoons crushed gingerbread
    • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
    • ¼ cup heavy cream
    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • ⅓ cup cocoa powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    1. In a mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the flour, vanilla bean seeds, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, sugar, yeast, and salt together and stir to combine.
    2. Mix in the eggs until combined. Mix together the milk and vanilla extract and then add to the dough. Mix until it just starts to come together.
    3. Beat the dough on low and add the butter one tablespoon at a time. Beat until that tablespoon of butter is incorporated before adding another tablespoon of butter. Repeat until all the butter is incorporated.
    4. Once the butter is incorporated, bring the speed up to medium and beat for 8 minutes.
    5. Lightly grease a bowl and add the dough to the bowl. Spray plastic wrap and place over the bowl.
    6. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, dry area for about 2 hours, or in the refrigerator overnight.
    7. While the dough is rising, make the filling.
    8. Add all the ingredients for the filling to a small saucepan and heat on low. Stir constantly until the mixture is melted and fully incorporated. Set aside to cool slightly. It may firm up a bit when cool, so you may carefully reheat until it is spreadable when you are ready to use it,
    9. Place the dough onto a floured surface and roll out until it is a long rectangle.
    10. Spread the chocolate filling over the dough and roll the dough lenghtwise. Cut the dough in half, leaving a small bit of the dough attached at the top. Turn the cut pieces so the cut part is facing up. Twist the two pieces together, then bring the ends together to touch and form a wreath.
    11. Carefully place on a parchment lined baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
    12. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    13. Uncover the dough and take the egg and water for the egg wash and brush over the dough. Bake for about 30 - 35 mins or until a golden brown. .

    Did you make this recipe?

    I'd love to see how it turned out! Tag me @acookienameddesire and use the hashtag #acookienameddesire Don't forget to purchase the Cozy Baking eBook!!

    © Amanda Powell

     

     

    About Amanda Powell

    Baker, photographer, and sometimes world traveler behind A Cookie Named Desire. Obsessed with helping people live life sweetly with delicious food to share with the special people in your life and creating lasting memories.

    Previous Post: « Spiced Gingerbread Man Cookies
    Next Post: Gingerbread Bundt Cake »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. sara says

      December 24, 2016 at 6:48 am

      I follow Chuao on Instagram.

      Reply
    2. sara says

      December 24, 2016 at 6:51 am

      I follow Chuao on Twitter too.

      Reply
    3. sara says

      December 24, 2016 at 6:52 am

      My favorite candy is a dark chocolate with mint.

      Reply
    4. sara says

      December 24, 2016 at 6:53 am

      I follow cookiedesire on twitter too.

      Reply
    5. Starla says

      December 24, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      This looks and sounds so delicious. I follow on insta: _ifancythat

      Reply
    6. Starla says

      December 24, 2016 at 12:11 pm

      I follow Chuao on Twitter. @mmstarla

      Reply
    7. Starla says

      December 24, 2016 at 12:12 pm

      I follow you on Twitter! @mmstarla

      Reply
    8. Liz S. says

      December 25, 2016 at 7:13 am

      I follow Chuao on Instagram. My username is @liznoveggiegirl .

      Reply
    9. Liz S. says

      December 25, 2016 at 7:13 am

      I follow Chuao on Twitter. My username is @liznoveggiegirl .

      Reply
    10. Liz S. says

      December 25, 2016 at 7:14 am

      I follow you on Twitter. My username is @liznoveggiegirl .

      Reply
    11. Liz S. says

      December 25, 2016 at 7:15 am

      My favorite candy is white chocolate.

      Reply
    12. Doris Evon says

      December 25, 2016 at 10:25 am

      I followed Chuao on Twitter and Instagram. I followed you on Twitter. My user name is bellablackwell9.

      Reply
    13. Sharon says

      December 25, 2016 at 10:25 am

      I follow Chuao on instagram @rusthawk1.

      Reply
    14. Sharon says

      December 25, 2016 at 10:26 am

      I follow Chuao on twitter @rusthawk.

      Reply
    15. Sharon says

      December 25, 2016 at 10:26 am

      I follow you on twitter @rusthawk.

      Reply
    16. Sharon says

      December 25, 2016 at 10:27 am

      My favorite candy is pecan pralines.

      Reply
    17. Kelly @ Kelly Lynn's Sweets and Treats says

      December 25, 2016 at 10:45 am

      I followed you and Chuao on Twitter!! My user name @kellylynnssweet
      And my favorite candy is chocolate peanut butter cups!

      Reply
    18. Elizabeth Tarlow says

      December 25, 2016 at 1:39 pm

      I follow Chuao on [email protected] This looks delicious!

      Reply
    19. Elizabeth Tarlow says

      December 25, 2016 at 1:41 pm

      Following Chuao Chocolatier on Twitter @beesis26

      Reply
    20. Elizabeth Tarlow says

      December 25, 2016 at 1:43 pm

      Following Cookie Named Desire on Twitter 🙂 @beesis26

      Reply
    21. Stephanie Schiltz says

      December 25, 2016 at 2:43 pm

      I have been wanting to make this for years. You've given me confidence to try. Thanks!

      Reply
    22. Stephanie Schiltz says

      December 25, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      I am following Chuao on twitter. My user name is sjschiltz1

      Reply
    23. Auntiepatch says

      December 25, 2016 at 4:22 pm

      I follow you on Twitter (Auntiepatch)

      Reply
    24. Auntiepatch says

      December 25, 2016 at 4:23 pm

      I follow Chuao on Twitter (Auntiepatch).

      Reply
    25. Auntiepatch says

      December 25, 2016 at 4:25 pm

      I'm drooling over the Rocky Road!

      Reply
    26. Susan Christy says

      December 25, 2016 at 11:52 pm

      Follow Chuao on Instagram as susitravl

      Reply
    27. Susan Christy says

      December 25, 2016 at 11:53 pm

      Follow Chuao on Twitter as susitravl

      Reply
    28. Susan Christy says

      December 25, 2016 at 11:53 pm

      Follow you on Twitter as susitravl

      Reply
    29. Jennifer Essad says

      December 26, 2016 at 1:05 am

      My favorite candy is my dad's Divinity. He makes chocolate, black walnut, peppermint, most Christmas'

      Reply
    30. Jennifer Essad says

      December 26, 2016 at 1:06 am

      I follow Follow Chuao on Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/4jessad/ )

      Reply
    31. Jennifer Essad says

      December 26, 2016 at 1:07 am

      I Follow me on Twitter (@cookiedesire) - @4jlessad

      Reply
    32. Jennifer Essad says

      December 26, 2016 at 1:08 am

      I Follow Chuao on Twitter ( @4jlessad )

      Reply
    33. Sarah L says

      December 26, 2016 at 2:33 am

      Follow Chuao on Instagram: slehan3
      Thanks for the contest.

      Reply
    34. Sarah L says

      December 26, 2016 at 2:33 am

      Follow Chuao on Twitter: slehan

      Reply
    35. Sarah L says

      December 26, 2016 at 2:36 am

      I like any kind of chocolate but I'd really like to try the firecracker bar
      Sea salt, a dash of chipotle and popping candy crackle in dark chocolate.

      Your gif is very good.

      Reply
    36. Sarah L says

      December 26, 2016 at 2:37 am

      Twitter follow you: slehan

      Reply
    37. Steph says

      December 26, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      I follow on instagram @siegalpaula

      Reply
    38. Dandi D says

      December 26, 2016 at 9:27 pm

      I follow on Instagram as @fiddlindandi.

      Reply
    39. Dandi D says

      December 26, 2016 at 9:27 pm

      My favorite candy is anything dark chocolate!

      Reply
    40. Nicole says

      December 27, 2016 at 9:19 pm

      Following on twitter

      @cloudlessme

      Reply
    41. Nicole says

      December 27, 2016 at 9:20 pm

      Following Chuao on twitter

      @cloudlessme

      Reply
    42. Nicole says

      December 27, 2016 at 9:20 pm

      Following Chuao on IG

      nlbouras

      Reply
    43. David says

      December 28, 2016 at 5:31 pm

      I follow Chuao on Instagram as 1froglegs

      Reply
    44. David says

      December 28, 2016 at 5:32 pm

      I follow Chuao on Twitter as @1brisket

      Reply
    45. David says

      December 28, 2016 at 5:33 pm

      I follow you on Twitter as @1brisket

      Reply
    46. David says

      December 28, 2016 at 5:41 pm

      My favorite candy is anything that combines chocolate with something else, like caramel or peanut butter.

      Reply
    47. Judith says

      December 29, 2016 at 12:28 pm

      i follow on ig (jlrontal)

      Reply
    48. Judith says

      December 29, 2016 at 12:28 pm

      and i follow you on twitter (rontaljudith)

      Reply
    49. Juli Varvarezis says

      December 29, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      I follow Chuao on Instagram - jvarvarezis

      Reply
    50. Juli Varvarezis says

      December 29, 2016 at 1:30 pm

      I follow Chuao on Twitter - @jvarvarezis

      Reply
    51. Juli Varvarezis says

      December 29, 2016 at 1:31 pm

      I follow you on Twitter - @jvarvarezis

      Reply
    52. Angie W says

      December 29, 2016 at 9:21 pm

      My fave is probably a Crunchie bar

      Reply
    53. Angie W says

      December 29, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      IG @ngiewerner

      Reply
    54. Angie W says

      December 29, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      Twitter follow Chuao @wernie07

      Reply
    55. Angie W says

      December 29, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      Twitter follow you @wernie07

      Thanks!

      Reply
    56. laurel adelman says

      January 05, 2017 at 5:17 pm

      I can't believe I missed this as I am a chocoholic. Btw I sent you a FB message. Not sure if you got it, but wondered how you are. You might not remember me, but you were really helpful to me when I was thinking of starting a new blog. You really got me inspired!

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        January 07, 2017 at 3:50 pm

        Hi Laurel, of course I remember you! I did see your message, but I haven't had an opportunity to respond yet. I will once I have a free moment to give it the attention it deserves. I hope you are doing well! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🙂

        Reply
        • laurel says

          January 17, 2017 at 5:31 am

          Thanks for your reply! I look forward to hearing how things are going:)

          Reply
    57. Traci | Vanilla And Bean says

      January 06, 2017 at 7:28 pm

      What a delicious idea to use gingerbread chocolate in this scrumptious babka, Amanda!! It's is absolutely gorgeous... and yes, I'm craving it now.. after the holidays have long past. I'm certain this didn't last long your you home... I would have devoured it way too fast! Happy New Year my dear! Looking forward to more fabulous recipes and inspirational photography this 2017!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Amanda! I am the baker and photographer behind A Cookie Named Desire. I'm a world traveler (sometimes) with a major weakness for cookies and cheese. While I'm mostly self-taught, I recently received a degree in Food Science!

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