The Irresistible Chocolate Pecan Pie Babka Recipe Everyone Loves

Sweet, twisted chocolate pecan pie babka represents the ultimate fusion of classic dessert traditions.

Rich, buttery dough swirls with decadent chocolate and crunchy pecan fragments, creating a mesmerizing texture that tantalizes every sense.

Traditional Eastern European bread-making techniques enhance ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Soft, pillowy layers intertwine with deep, complex flavors that promise pure indulgence.

Bakers who embrace creative techniques can master this sophisticated pastry with surprising ease.

Nutty pecans and smooth chocolate elevate the classic babka into a realm of pure comfort and luxury.

Each slice tells a delicious story of cultural heritage and innovative baking passion.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Babka Flavor Features

• Swirl Spectacular: Indulge in the mesmerizing chocolate and pecan spiral that creates a stunning visual and flavor explosion with every slice of this babka.
• Texture Adventure: Experience the perfect balance between soft, pillowy bread and rich, crunchy pecans that deliver a delightful contrast in every single bite.
• Weekend Baking Bliss: Transform an ordinary morning into a gourmet experience with this impressive yet approachable recipe that turns home bakers into pastry champions without requiring professional skills.

Ingredients You Need for Pecan Pie Babka

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture to the babka dough.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for creating rise and developing flavor in the bread.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps control yeast activity.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and helps create a tender dough.
• Large Egg, Large Egg Yolk: Provide richness, color, and help bind the dough together.
• Egg White: Used for brushing the top of the babka for a golden, shiny finish.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with yeast activation.
• Light Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness to the chocolate filling.
• Light Corn Syrup: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, glossy filling.
• Bittersweet Chocolate: Creates a rich, intense chocolate flavor for the filling.
• Pecan Halves: Adds crunch, nutty flavor, and texture to the babka.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds aromatic depth.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Babka

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station

Grab an 8.5-inch loaf pan and lightly coat it with softened butter. Set your stand mixer ready with the dough hook attachment.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar

Mix these ingredients in a cup and let them get bubbly for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Dough

• Yeast mixture
• Remaining sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Whole egg
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract
• Kosher salt

Mix until you have a soft, smooth dough. If it feels super sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour. The dough will look puffy and relaxed.

Step 5: Whip Up the Chocolate Filling

• Bittersweet chocolate
• Unsalted butter

• Light brown sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Kosher salt

Whisk everything together.

Step 6: Prep for Assembly

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roughly chop pecans, saving a tablespoon for topping.

Step 7: Roll and Fill

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 10×12 inch rectangle. Spread chocolate filling, leaving a small border. Sprinkle chopped pecans.

Step 8: Shape the Babka

Roll the dough into a tight log. Slice lengthwise, expose the layers, and twist the halves together like a beautiful braid.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Place the twisted dough in the prepared pan. Brush with egg white and sprinkle reserved pecans on top.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness with a skewer or thermometer (210°F).

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Let the babka rest in the pan for 20 minutes, then remove and cool for another 10 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious chocolate pecan babka!

Expert Tips for Braided Babka Success

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure water is warm (not hot) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a soft, risen dough.
• Knead with Patience: Mix dough until smooth and elastic, avoiding over-mixing which can make the babka tough and dense.
• Control Moisture Wisely: Add flour sparingly if dough feels sticky, preventing a dry or heavy final texture.
• Twist Technique Matters: When creating the spiral, keep layers exposed to showcase beautiful chocolate and pecan swirls.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow babka to rest in the pan and on the rack to help structure set and prevent crumbling when slicing.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Babka

• Refrigeration: Store leftover babka wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Room Temperature: If planning to consume within 1-2 days, leave babka loosely covered at room temperature. Ensure it's placed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or restore crispness by placing in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the delicate layers.

What to Pair with Chocolate Babka

• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair this decadent chocolate pecan babka with a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that highlights the dessert's nutty and chocolatey notes. The smooth, balanced coffee will complement the sweet and complex flavors of the babka.
• Elevate with Sweet Wine Harmony: Serve alongside a glass of tawny port or a sweet Madeira wine. These fortified wines bring out the chocolate's depth and provide a luxurious counterpoint to the babka's rich, buttery texture.
• Create a Nutty Beverage Match: Enjoy with a creamy hazelnut latte or almond milk chai. The nutty undertones in these drinks will beautifully echo the pecan's warmth and enhance the babka's overall flavor profile.
• Dessert Plate Perfection: Garnish the serving plate with a few fresh raspberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These subtle additions will brighten the dish and provide a fresh contrast to the babka's intense richness.

Sweet and Nutty Babka Variations

• Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts, adding a different nutty crunch and flavor profile to the classic babka.
• Maple Chocolate Version: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup and sprinkle cinnamon into the chocolate filling for a warm, rich taste sensation.
• Berry Chocolate Fusion: Mix dried cranberries or cherries into the chocolate filling, creating a tangy contrast against the sweet chocolate and rich dough.
• Salted Caramel Spin: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the baked babka and sprinkle flaky sea salt for an elevated sweet-savory experience.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Babka Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chocolate pecan pie babka weaves together rich chocolate, toasted pecans, and swirled bread in a delightful fusion of American and Eastern European baking traditions. Spiraled layers of sweet dough and nutty chocolate create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 ½ ounces (42 grams) bittersweet chocolate
• 1 large egg white

Sweeteners and Syrups:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) light corn syrup

Fats and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter or margarine
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the loaf pan by coating it with softened butter, ensuring even coverage.
2. Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm water and a pinch of sugar, allowing it to become frothy and aromatic.
3. Create the dough by combining the yeast mixture with softened butter, remaining sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla, and salt in a stand mixer. Knead until a smooth, elastic texture develops, adding minimal extra flour if needed.
4. Let the dough rest and rise in a warm environment until it becomes puffy and slightly expanded, approximately one hour.
5. Craft the chocolate filling by gently melting chocolate and butter together, creating a silky smooth base.
6. Incorporate brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt into the melted chocolate mixture, whisking until fully integrated and glossy.
7. Preheat the oven and prepare the work surface with a light dusting of flour.
8. Roll the dough into a thin, rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness throughout.
9. Spread the chocolate filling across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Generously scatter chopped pecans over the chocolate layer, reserving a small portion for topping.
11. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, sealing the edges to prevent filling from escaping.
12. Slice the log lengthwise, revealing the intricate layers within.
13. Twist the two halves together, creating an elegant spiral pattern that showcases the filling.
14. Transfer the twisted dough into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring it is centered and secure.
15. Brush the surface with beaten egg white and sprinkle the reserved pecans on top for added texture and visual appeal.
16. Bake in the preheated oven until the babka turns a rich golden brown and feels firm to the touch.
17. Allow the babka to cool in the pan for twenty minutes, then remove and rest for an additional ten minutes before slicing.
18. Serve and enjoy the decadent layers of chocolate and pecan-infused bread.

Notes

• Activate the yeast carefully by using warm water to ensure proper rising and a soft, airy texture.
• Maintain a soft dough consistency by adding flour gradually to prevent a tough, dry babka.
• Create layers by twisting the dough halves, which helps develop a beautiful, intricate spiral pattern.
• Check doneness with a skewer or thermometer to guarantee a perfectly baked, moist interior.
• Allow the babka to cool completely before slicing to help it set and prevent crumbling.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 284
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 1mg