Swirled Chocolate Pecan Pie Babka Recipe – A Dreamy Treat

Swirling with rich chocolate and crunchy pecan pie filling, this babka recipe blends two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat.

Decadent layers of soft, buttery dough intertwine with a luscious chocolate pecan pie filling that promises pure indulgence.

Each twist and fold creates a masterpiece that’s both familiar and exciting.

Warm spices and deep chocolate notes dance together, creating a pastry that feels like a comforting hug.

The kitchen will fill with an intoxicating aroma that draws everyone near.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful fusion of flavors.

Slice into this babka and watch as golden-brown layers reveal a tempting chocolate and pecan swirl that begs to be savored.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 9

Chocolate Pecan Pie Babka Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and creates soft, tender texture for babka.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising, adds subtle fermented flavor and helps dough develop.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast, enhances browning, and balances overall sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor, creates tender crumb, and helps dough achieve silky consistency.
• Large Egg, Large Egg Yolk: Contribute richness, help bind ingredients, and provide golden color.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, comforting aroma and deepens overall flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other ingredients' tastes.

• Bittersweet Chocolate: Delivers intense, complex chocolate flavor with slight bitter undertones.
• Light Brown Sugar: Creates caramel-like depth and maintains moisture in filling.

• Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization, adds glossy smoothness to chocolate mixture.

• Pecan Halves: Introduces nutty richness, provides delightful crunch and earthy undertones.

• Egg White: Creates golden, shiny surface and helps pecans adhere to babka's exterior.

Utensils & Tools for Chocolate Babka

• Stand mixer with dough hook: Essential for mixing and kneading the soft, smooth dough.
• Liquid measuring cup: Perfect for measuring warm water and yeast mixture.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Used for melting chocolate and butter smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps combine chocolate filling ingredients evenly.
• Serrated knife: Crucial for cutting the dough log in half lengthwise.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll the dough into a thin rectangle.
• Small bowls: Needed for beating egg white and mixing various ingredients.
• Loaf pan (8 1/2-inch): Provides the perfect shape for baking the babka.
• Wire rack: Allows the babka to cool properly after baking.
• Skewer or instant-read thermometer (optional): Helps check internal temperature of the babka.

Chocolate Pecan Babka Baking Instructions

• Dough Preparation

Warm butter to room temperature and grease a loaf pan. Activate yeast by mixing it with warm water and a touch of sugar until foamy. Combine flour, eggs, vanilla, and salt in a mixer, creating a smooth, soft dough that’s not too sticky.

• Rising Time

Let the dough rest in a cozy spot, becoming puffy and relaxed. While waiting, prepare the delicious filling.

• Chocolate Filling

Melt chocolate and butter together in the microwave. Whisk in brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt until silky smooth.

• Dough Rolling

Sprinkle flour on your workspace and roll the dough into a wide, thin rectangle. Spread the chocolate mixture evenly, leaving a small border. Scatter chopped pecans across the surface.

• Twisting and Shaping

Roll the dough into a log, then slice it lengthwise. Create a beautiful spiral by twisting the two halves together, revealing stunning layers. Transfer to the prepared pan.

• Final Touches

Brush the top with egg white and sprinkle remaining pecans. Bake until golden and fragrant, around 40-45 minutes.

• Cooling

Allow the babka to rest in the pan, then transfer to a rack. Let it cool slightly before slicing to reveal the gorgeous swirled interior.

Suggestions for Filling Changes or Additions

• Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different crunch and nutty dimension in your babka.
• Mix in a dash of cinnamon, espresso powder, or orange zest to the chocolate filling for an unexpected and delightful taste twist.
• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
• Prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast treat.

Serving the Babka With Style

• Sweet Morning Companion: Pair this decadent chocolate pecan babka with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or rich hot chocolate for an indulgent breakfast treat that feels like pure comfort.
• Elegant Dessert Upgrade: Slice the babka into thin pieces and serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream for a sophisticated after-dinner dessert that will impress your guests with minimal effort.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning brunch spread by arranging babka slices on a beautiful wooden board, accompanied by fresh seasonal berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance its visual appeal and flavor profile.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a decorative ribbon, making it a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or family members who appreciate artisanal baked goods with a personal touch.

Storage Instructions for Chocolate Pecan Pie Babka

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Allow the babka to rest in the pan for 20 minutes after baking, then transfer to a wire rack for an additional 10 minutes. This technique helps maintain structural integrity and prevents crumbling during slicing.
• Refrigeration Guidelines: Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor recovery.
• Freezing Techniques: Wrap the entire babka or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen babka stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Room Temperature Care: Keep babka covered at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Place on a cake stand with a loose cover to maintain moisture and prevent staleness. Best consumed within 48 hours of baking for peak freshness and flavor intensity.

Indulgent Chocolate Pecan Pie Babka Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Merging classic Southern pecan pie with traditional Jewish babka, this chocolate pecan pie babka combines swirled enriched dough, nutty pecans, and rich chocolate. Sweet complexity awaits when bakers fold, twist, and bake this delightful cross-cultural dessert you’ll savor slice by slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1 ½ oz (42 g) bittersweet chocolate
• 1 large egg white
• ¼ cup (50 g) packed light brown sugar
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) light corn syrup
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter or margarine
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prep Pan: Lavishly coat loaf pan with softened butter for seamless release.
2. Yeast Activation: Combine yeast with warm water and sugar, allowing it to foam and bloom with aromatic potential.
3. Dough Creation: Blend yeast mixture with butter, sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla, and salt in stand mixer. Knead until transforming into a supple, elastic consistency with minimal additional flour intervention.
4. Dough Proofing: Nestle dough in warm sanctuary, permitting it to rise and expand voluminously for approximately one hour.
5. Chocolate Filling Fusion: Gently melt chocolate and butter, whisking brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt into a luxurious, glossy emulsion.
6. Dough Transformation: Roll dough into gossamer-thin rectangle, meticulously spreading chocolate mixture across surface, leaving delicate margins.
7. Layering Technique: Cascade chopped pecans over chocolate landscape, reserving a handful for crowning glory.
8. Shaping Artistry: Tightly roll dough into elegant log, sealing edges to trap decadent filling. Slice lengthwise, intricately twisting halves to create mesmerizing spiral pattern.
9. Final Preparation: Nestle twisted masterpiece into buttered pan, adorning with beaten egg white and reserved pecans.
10. Baking Ritual: Slide into preheated oven, baking until babka achieves burnished golden perfection and structural integrity.
11. Cooling Finale: Rest babka briefly in pan, then transfer to cooling rack, allowing flavors to harmonize before slicing and savoring the intricate chocolate-pecan symphony.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to avoid killing the yeast, which can prevent proper dough rising.
• Dough Consistency Check: The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky; resist adding too much extra flour during kneading.
• Rolling Technique: Use a light touch when rolling to maintain the dough’s delicate structure and prevent tough texture.
• Pecan Placement: Chop pecans uniformly to distribute flavor evenly and create a consistent texture throughout the babka.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg