Name: Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup warm water (110°F/43°C); 1/2 cup whole milk, warm; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp heavy cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 egg (beaten, for brushing); 1 tbsp water

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If you’re a fan of freshly baked bread, then this Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread is going to steal your heart! Imagine biting into soft, slightly sweet, braided bread with rich pockets of decadent chocolate swirled throughout. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the smell of this bread baking will fill your home with the most inviting aroma. Trust me, this will be a new favorite, and it might even become your go-to indulgence when you need a little sweetness in your life!

Why You’ll Love Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread

This bread is everything you want in a loaf—and more:

Sweet, Chocolatey Goodness

The chocolate swirls are soft, gooey, and irresistible. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of rich chocolate and fluffy, slightly sweet bread.

Soft, Pillowy Texture

Challah is known for its rich, tender crumb, and when you combine that with the chocolate, it’s pure comfort in every slice. It’s light yet satisfying, the kind of bread you’ll want to savor.

A Showstopper

The braiding technique creates a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for special occasions. Whether it’s for a brunch, holiday, or just a lazy Sunday, this bread will look impressive on any table.

Versatile

You can enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or even drizzled with a little extra melted chocolate on top. This bread pairs wonderfully with coffee, milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients, with a delicious twist thanks to the chocolate!

For the Dough:

All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your dough, creating that perfect, soft texture.
Sugar: A bit of sugar adds a slight sweetness to the dough that complements the chocolate.

Active Dry Yeast: The secret to making this bread rise beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Eggs: Eggs make the dough rich and soft.

Milk: Adds moisture to the dough.
Butter: For richness and tenderness.
Honey: A little honey enhances the dough’s sweetness and gives it a subtle floral note.

Vanilla Extract: For flavor depth.

For the Chocolate Filling:

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: You want chocolate that melts beautifully and adds a smooth, creamy texture when swirled into the dough.
Cocoa Powder: For that extra depth of chocolate flavor.

Sugar: A bit of sweetness to balance the cocoa.
Butter: Helps create a smooth, spreadable chocolate paste.

(Note: Full measurements are in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into making this beautiful Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread!

Prepare the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and stir to combine. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together to form a dough.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to do this step.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Make the Chocolate Filling:

Prepare the Chocolate Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, cocoa powder, sugar, and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until everything is melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Shape the Dough:

Divide and Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rectangle, about 10-12 inches wide.
Spread the Chocolate: Spread an even layer of the chocolate filling over each rectangle of dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll and Braid: Roll each rectangle tightly into a log, sealing the edges. Now, take the three logs and braid them together, pinching the ends to seal.

Bake the Bread:

Second Rise: Place the braided loaf onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, allowing the dough to puff up again.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg wash (optional for a golden finish), and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf should come out clean.

Cool and Serve:

Cool and Slice: Allow the bread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will help it set and make it easier to cut.

Serve and Enjoy:

Savor the Bread: Slice the bread and enjoy it warm, with a cup of coffee or a drizzle of melted chocolate if you want to go all-out! It’s a perfect way to treat yourself or impress your guests.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10-12
Calories per serving: 280
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)

How to Serve Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread

This Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread can be enjoyed in so many ways:

Warm with Butter: A warm slice of this bread, buttered and served with a cup of tea or coffee, is comfort in a bite.
As French Toast: If you have leftovers, this bread makes incredible French toast. Just dip the slices in an egg mixture and cook until golden brown.

With a Glass of Milk: The chocolatey swirls pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk for a delightful treat.
As Dessert: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle it with extra melted chocolate for an indulgent dessert.

Additional Tips

Add More Swirls: If you want even more chocolatey goodness, sprinkle some extra chocolate chips inside the rolls before you braid the dough.

Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise overnight in the fridge, and braid and bake it in the morning for fresh, warm bread.
Storing Leftovers: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A1: Yes! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it melts smoothly.

Q2: Can I make this bread without yeast?
A2: This recipe relies on yeast for its soft texture and rise, so I wouldn’t recommend skipping it. However, you can try using a different type of yeast, such as instant yeast, which doesn’t require proofing.

Q3: How do I store the bread?
A3: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days at room temperature. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Q4: Can I make this bread into individual rolls?
A4: Yes! Instead of braiding the dough, divide it into smaller portions and roll each into a bun shape. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

Q5: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
A5: Absolutely! Chopped nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts would make a great addition to the chocolate filling. Just sprinkle them on before rolling the dough.

Q6: Can I use a bread machine to make the dough?
A6: Yes, you can use a bread machine for mixing and kneading the dough. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dough-making and proceed with the chocolate filling and baking steps.

Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Yes, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but you may need to adjust the recipe slightly. Make sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute that includes xanthan gum.

Q8: Can I make this without butter?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.

Q9: How do I know when the bread is done?
A9: The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It should also sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Q10: Can I make this ahead of time?
A10: Yes! You can prepare the dough the day before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake it the next day. It’s perfect for prepping in advance.

Conclusion

This Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread is everything you could want in a sweet, indulgent treat—soft, fluffy, chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, it’s a bread that will surely leave everyone wanting more. So, grab your ingredients and start baking—this delicious loaf will be the star of the show!

Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread