If you have a soft spot for rich, sweet, and beautifully braided breads, you are going to fall head over heels for this Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe. It combines the tender, slightly sweet texture of traditional challah with the irresistible charm of chocolate swirls running through every slice. This loaf is the perfect centerpiece for a festive breakfast or an indulgent snack that feels wonderfully homemade. The delightful balance of cocoa and sweet dough creates a treat that’s both comforting and impressively elegant, guaranteed to become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in developing the dough’s tender crumb, the rich chocolate filling, and that gorgeous golden crust you’ll be proud to pull from the oven.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and creates a soft but sturdy bread base to hold the chocolate swirls perfectly.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the dough and the filling.
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast: The secret to a light, fluffy rise that gives challah its signature airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness for a complex taste profile.
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together smoothly.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to every bite of the bread.
- 2 large eggs (room temperature): Enrich the dough and provide the rich color on the crumb and crust.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a sweet, aromatic note that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- For the chocolate filling: ½ cup mini chocolate chips, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter create that luscious, gooey swirl inside.
- For the egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water to brush on top for a shiny, golden finish.
How to Make Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the flour, sugar, active dry yeast, and salt in a large bowl or your stand mixer’s bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead this dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and bounces back when pressed. This step is crucial because it develops the gluten network that gives challah its perfect chewy yet tender texture. Then, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
While the dough rises, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and softened butter in a small bowl. Mix them into a smooth paste that will spread easily over the dough later. Keep the mini chocolate chips to sprinkle on top of this luscious spread. This filling is where the magic of the “swirl” happens, marrying rich chocolate with buttery sweetness inside every bite.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Bread
Once your dough has twice its original size, give it a gentle punch to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the chocolate paste evenly across this dough, making sure to cover every inch. Then sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top, adding delightful pockets of melted chocolate. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise down the center to reveal the beautiful swirls inside. Twist the two halves together carefully with the cut sides facing up, and pinch the ends closed to seal.
Step 4: Final Rise and Bake
Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, depending on your preferred shape. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F during this time. Before baking, brush the top with the egg wash for that unmistakable, shiny golden crust. Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Let it cool slightly before slicing to fully appreciate the swirls and soft crumb.
How to Serve Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is such a showstopper on its own, but topping it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add an extra touch of elegance. Some fresh berries or a sprinkle of crushed nuts create lovely contrasts in texture and flavor that complement the smooth chocolate swirls perfectly.
Side Dishes
Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or a spread of creamy mascarpone and fresh fruit for breakfast. It’s equally delicious alongside a cup of strong coffee, rich hot cocoa, or even a chilled glass of milk to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, slice the bread thick and serve it as part of a brunch board featuring cheeses, nuts, and seasonal fruits. You can also transform it into chocolate challah French toast by soaking slices in an egg custard and frying them until golden for a decadent weekend treat that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay perfectly soft and flavorful for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy over multiple breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to keep the bread longer, freezing is your best friend. Slice the loaf first, then wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. This way, you can pull out just what you need and keep the rest safely stored for up to three months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your bread, thaw frozen slices at room temperature or pop them straight into a toaster or oven for a few minutes. Reheating brings back the lovely softness and intensifies the chocolate aroma, making each bite taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute whole wheat flour in the Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add more fiber and a nuttier flavor, but keep in mind it may make the bread a bit denser. To maintain softness, consider adding a little extra liquid or an additional egg.
Is it possible to use dark chocolate instead of mini chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopping up dark chocolate bars into small chunks makes an excellent alternative and adds a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Just be sure the pieces are roughly the size of mini chips to ensure even distribution and melting.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, to make a dairy-free version, swap the unsalted butter in the chocolate filling with a vegan butter or coconut oil. The rest of the recipe is naturally free of milk products, so this tweak works well without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe?
Not at all! While a stand mixer can make kneading quicker and easier, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s a satisfying process that lets you connect with the dough beautifully.
How can I add a cinnamon twist to the chocolate filling?
Simply stir 1 to 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon into the cocoa powder mixture before spreading it on the dough. This adds warmth and complexity to the chocolate swirl, creating a spiced, cozy version of the Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe that’s perfect for cooler months.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about pulling a warm loaf of Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe from the oven and sharing it with loved ones. It’s a comforting, beautiful bread that elevates any occasion or ordinary day. Whether you enjoy it fresh, toasted, or transformed into a creative treat, this recipe is bound to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret bringing this delicious chocolate swirl wonder into your kitchen and heart.
Print
Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread is a delightful twist on traditional Jewish braided bread, featuring rich chocolate filling and chips intertwined within a soft, slightly sweet dough. Perfect for holidays or special breakfasts, this recipe combines the tender crumb and shiny crust of challah with a luscious chocolate swirl that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Filling
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Egg Wash
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare Chocolate Filling: While the dough rises, mix the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter together until a smooth paste forms. Set the mini chocolate chips aside.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle.
- Add Filling and Roll: Spread the chocolate paste evenly over the dough rectangle. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Create the Swirl: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough lengthwise down the center to expose the chocolate swirls inside. Twist the two halves together with cut sides facing up, and pinch the ends to seal.
- Second Rise: Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the loaf gently with the beaten egg wash to create a glossy, golden crust.
- Bake Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- This bread is best enjoyed warm or toasted to enhance the chocolate flavor and soft texture.
- Leftovers can be stored wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a flavor twist, consider adding cinnamon or espresso powder to the chocolate filling.
