Buttery Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Recipe for Sunday Bliss

Chocolate challah bread swirled with rich, decadent cocoa offers a delightful twist on traditional Jewish baking.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen as you knead this silky dough.

Soft spirals of chocolate peek through each delicate layer, promising pure indulgence.

Weekend bakers can easily master this elegant bread with simple techniques.

Warm, freshly baked slices invite morning celebrations or afternoon tea moments.

Chocolate lovers will find pure comfort in every tender, buttery bite.

Prepare to impress your closest companions with this irresistible homemade treat.

Chocolate Challah Bread With Rich Swirls in Every Slice

• Quick Weekend Project: Prepare this delightful challah in just 3-4 hours, including rising time. Weekend mornings become magical with minimal active cooking, letting you enjoy relaxed family time while bread bakes.
• Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Transform bread-making into a fun family activity where children can help roll and swirl doughs. Creates delicious memories and introduces young ones to baking techniques without complicated steps.
• Versatile Serving Sensation: Enjoy as a decadent breakfast treat, elegant brunch centerpiece, or impressive dessert accompaniment. Pairs wonderfully with coffee, hot chocolate, or as a sweet alternative to traditional bread.

Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread What Goes In

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps with browning and flavor development.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps ingredients combine smoothly.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and creates the bread's foundation.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with bread moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread soft and prevents dryness.

• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, comforting background flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Creates the chocolate swirl and adds deep, rich color.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy bread removal.
• Cooking Oil: Used for greasing bowls and preventing dough from sticking.

Swirled Chocolate Challah Braiding and Baking Instructions

Step 1: Activate Yeast Magic

Wake up the yeast by combining it with sugar and warm water.

Let the mixture bubble and become frothy for about 5 minutes.

This is where the bread’s journey begins!

Step 2: Craft Two Distinctive Doughs

• Honey
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Egg
• Flour
• Salt

Mix the activated yeast with these ingredients and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms.

• Cocoa powder

Step 3: Nurture Dough Growth

Lightly oil two separate bowls and place each dough inside.

Cover with plastic wrap and let them rest in a warm spot until they double in size (about 1-2 hours).

This is where patience becomes your secret ingredient!

Step 4: Create Artistic Dough Layers

Dust your work surface with flour.

Roll out both doughs into equal-sized rectangles.

Carefully place the plain dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Develop Mesmerizing Swirl Pattern

Gently layer the chocolate dough on top of the plain dough.

Roll the doughs together like a gorgeous cinnamon roll.

Fold the rolled dough in half and twist the sides to create a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 6: Final Rise and Preparation

Transfer the twisted dough into a parchment-lined loaf pan.

Allow it to rise for 45-60 minutes, letting the dough become puffy and full of promise.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Slide the loaf into the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top and a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen.

The bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Chocolate Bread Braiding Tips with Swirl Perfection

• Ensure water is lukewarm (110-115°F) to help yeast bloom without killing it, creating a more active and flavorful bread.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate taste that complements the challah's soft texture without overpowering.
• Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven with the light on to help it rise consistently and evenly.
• Generously oil bowls and use parchment paper to ensure easy dough handling and smooth bread removal after baking.
• Roll doughs gently and evenly to create beautiful, distinct chocolate and plain dough layers without mixing too much.

Save Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread

• Store leftover challah bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and preventing it from drying out.
• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to preserve for 2-3 months, ensuring maximum flavor and texture when stored properly.
• Warm slices at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring the bread's original softness and bringing back its delightful fresh-baked taste.
• Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds to quickly revive the bread, but be careful not to overheat and make it tough.

Swirled Chocolate Challah Bread Pairings

• Pair with Creamy Coffee Delight: Brew a rich, smooth latte with vanilla or hazelnut syrup to complement the chocolate swirls and enhance the bread's sweet complexity.
• Match with Berry Bliss Jam: Spread a tart raspberry or strawberry preserve alongside the challah, creating a delightful contrast between the chocolate bread's richness and the jam's bright acidity.
• Combine with Nutty Cream Cheese Spread: Whip cream cheese with chopped toasted almonds and a drizzle of honey, offering a creamy, crunchy accompaniment that balances the bread's soft texture.
• Enjoy with Chocolate Wine Pairing: Select a sweet dessert wine likePort or a chocolate-forward red wine to echo the cocoa notes and create a decadent tasting experience.

Chocolate Challah Bread with Swirl Additions

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Challah: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using almond and rice flour. Add xanthan gum for better structure and texture.
• Vegan Chocolate Swirl Bread: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and select dairy-free chocolate powder for the cocoa dough.
• Low-Sugar Version: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use dark cocoa powder to reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
• Whole Wheat Chocolate Challah: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and nutty undertones. Add extra honey to balance the wheat's robust taste.

FAQs

• Is this challah bread difficult to make?

Not at all! While it looks fancy, the recipe is beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and you just need basic baking skills to create this beautiful swirled bread.

• Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can easily knead the dough by hand. Just mix ingredients in a large bowl and knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. It might take a bit more effort, but totally doable.

• How do I know if my yeast is active?

Check for bubbles and foam after 5 minutes of mixing yeast with warm water. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast might be old or the water was too hot or cold. Fresh yeast should become frothy quickly.

• What's the best way to check if the bread is fully baked?

Use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C). Alternatively, tap the bottom of the bread – it should sound hollow when fully baked.