2 Ingredient Chocolate Braided Bread Recipes

CHOCOLATE BRAIDED SWIRL BREAD (BABKA) RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Combine the yeast and warm milk and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
• In large mixing bowl, add the egg, egg yolks, vanilla, sugar, and honey and whisk to combine.
• Add in the milk and yeast mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
• Gradually add in the flour and mix until fully incorporated.
• Gradually add in the butter and mix until fully incorporated.
• Cover with a towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
• Bring out the dough onto floured work surface and knead until smooth.
• Divide the dough into two equal parts and place in bowls and cover each with plastic wrap. Let the dough sit at room temperature for at least two hours, or when it has doubled in size.
• Preheat oven to 375˚F (190˚C).
• For the chocolate sauce, combine bittersweet chocolate, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, espresso powder, and turbinado sugar in a medium sized mixing bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes. Stir to combine and set aside.
• Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer to a floured work surface and roll both pieces of dough into a rectangle roughly 10x15-inches.
• Cover the dough with half of the chocolate sauce leaving an ½ inch - 1 inch of room on all sides.
• Gently roll the dough up and repeat with second piece of dough and remaining chocolate sauce.
• Using a bench scraper or a knife, carefully cut each log vertically in half making sure the seam is side down.
• Lay one piece of dough horizontally and lay another piece over it vertically so you have a rough 'plus sign'.
• Lay another piece horizontally over the vertical piece and above the other horizontal piece.
• Lay the final piece vertically on the right of the other vertical piece having it go over the top horizontal piece but weaving it under the lower horizontal piece.
• Starting with the bottom vertical piece on the right side, bring it to the left layering it over the other vertical lower piece.
• Follow this method around the dough clockwise.
• Once returned to the bottom lower vertical pieces. Take the original piece you crossed over (the lower left vertical piece) and cross that over to the right layering it over the last piece you used. Continue this counterclockwise until back at the bottom or you are unable to layer the dough anymore.
• Tuck in the excess pieces of dough under the bread.
• Transfer the bread into a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
• Bake for 35-45 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through.
• Enjoy!

2-INGREDIENT CHOCOLATE BRAIDED BREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F and set aside large baking sheet. Set cut parchment paper or silicone mat on flat surface and lightly flour.
• Start with one can of dough (use instructions on can to open) and gently roll out flat onto surface. Pinch and press together the perforated edges to create a long rectangle. You can also form a ball with the dough and roll it out from that stage as well. Try to get about a 12" rectangle.
• Using spatula, cover rectangle with 1/4 cup of the chocolate spread, leaving about a 1" perimeter of dough with no chocolate-if you spread all the way to the edges, the chocolate will escape out go all of your dough. Chocolate should also be slightly warmed to easily spread, but not liquid!
• Gently roll the dough using your palms and thumbs. Once you've created a long dough log, transfer dough on the parchment paper or mat onto baking sheet and place in freezer for 5-10 minutes. During the chilling time you can start on your second dough and repeat, using another 1/4 cup of the chocolate spread.
• Once the dough has chilled, staring about 1/2" from the top of the log, use a sharp knife to cut all the way through the middle of the dough. You'll want to keep one end attached.
• Lifting up the two ends of the dough pieces, separate them gently and turn/overlap the dough so the chocolate strips are facing outward and you've created a braid. If making a ring, gently transfer second braid to a single baking sheet, curving the two braids to make a circle, and pinch dough together to connect.
• Brush ring in beaten egg wash to achieve golden brown edges, then bake for 22-25 minutes, until edges of ring are golden.
• Allow braided bread to cool on pan about 10 minutes, then sprinkle with confectioners sugar if you're feeling fancy. Transfer chocolate braided bread to serving plate, and enjoy!