How to Make Chocolate Espresso Weave Bread at Home

Rich Chocolate and Espresso Filling in a Delicious Bread

This bread is quite similar to a chocolate babka. In this recipe, however, I added a couple of twists to the traditional recipe: I made my own chocolate filling, and I also incorporated a rich espresso flavor into the mixture.

Like traditional babka, this chocolate espresso weave bread has a swirl on the inside. It is the perfect snack or dessert to enjoy with the family after a weekend dinner. It would be lovely for a family breakfast on Christmas morning, too!

The Ingredients

As usual, to make bread, you have to start with the dough. To make the dough, I started with a yeast mixture with warm milk. I used all-purpose flour, though you could also use bread flour if you wish.

The chocolate filling is a combination of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, butter, turbinado sugar, white granulated sugar, and espresso morsels. My husband loves anything that's coffee-flavored, so I thought why not add it in with the chocolate filling? My baking experience has taught me that coffee actually accentuates the flavor of chocolate.

The Weave

I decided to go with a freestyle weaving technique. You don't need to worry about making this bread look perfect!

The bread is delicious whilst it's warm. It's perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. I hope you will try to make this at home and enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients

For the yeast mixture:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature (I used salted butter)
• 2 eggs yolk plus 1 whole egg, room temperature
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the chocolate filling:

• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup espresso morsels
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar
• 3/4 cup butter

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a pitcher or bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let the mixture dissolve and set aside for 5 minutes.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the egg, egg yolks, vanilla, sugar, and honey. Whisk to combine.
3. Add in the milk and yeast mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add in the flour and mix until it's roughly incorporated.
5. Gradually add in the butter and mix until it's roughly mixed.
6. With a hook attachment, start mixing the dough until it's fully incorporated.
7. Transfer the dough onto a baking mat to shape it into a ball.
8. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover with cling wrap and keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Combine dark chocolate chunks, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate chips, espresso morsels, and turbinado sugar in a medium-sized, microwave-safe mixing bowl.
2. Microwave for 1-2 minutes. Stir to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Apply Filling

1. Divide the dough into two equal-sized balls.
2. Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough ball into a 16-inch square.
3. Using a spatula or a knife, spread the chocolate filling in an even layer over the dough square (see photo tutorial below).
4. Starting at the long edge, tightly roll up each dough square jelly-roll style into a tight log. Repeat with the second piece of dough and the remaining chocolate sauce.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut the logs in half crosswise.

Step 4: Make the Weave

1. Place one piece of dough horizontally and place another over it vertically so you have a rough plus sign. Place another piece horizontally over the vertical piece and above the other horizontal piece. (See photo tutorial below).
2. Cover the loaf with a cling wrap or towel and let it stand in a warm place until they double in size (about 90 minutes).
3. Preheat oven to 375°F.
4. Brush the top with an egg wash. Bake the loaf in the center of the oven for about 45 minutes or until a tester inserted comes out clean. Let them cool slightly.
5. Optional step: Brush the warm bread with melted butter, and let stand until set.
6. Slice the bread and enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Photo Tutorial

In a large mixing bowl, add the egg, egg yolks, vanilla, sugar, and honey. Whisk to combine.

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© 2021 Liza