Name: Nutella Babka Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 13 h 10 min
Cuisine: Eastern European Jewish
Ingredients: 1 cup Nutella; ½ cup whole milk; 2 ¼ teaspoons dry active yeast (one package); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 4 ½ cups all purpose flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 eggs; 10 tablespoons salted butter, softened, plus extra for the pans; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup water; 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

There is something truly magical about a Nutella Babka Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a stunningly beautiful and irresistibly delicious bread. This chocolate-filled braided brioche is a classic Eastern European Jewish treat, featuring soft, fluffy dough swirled generously with creamy Nutella, creating rich ribbons of chocolate in every bite. Perfect for a festive breakfast or a standout dessert, this Nutella Babka Recipe combines time-honored techniques with a modern favorite flavor to bring the warmth and joy of homemade bread straight to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two woman's hands rolling up a sheet of light beige dough spread with a thick, smooth layer of dark brown chocolate or hazelnut spread. The dough is rolled from the bottom edge toward the top, creating a tight, even spiral. The surface under the dough is a white marbled texture with faint markings and text. The lighting softly highlights the creamy texture of the spread and the pliable softness of the dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, everyday ingredients is the first step toward that perfect balance of tender, buttery dough and luscious chocolate swirls. Each one plays a vital role in crafting the texture, flavor, and golden color that makes this Nutella Babka Recipe so special.

1 cup Nutella: The star of the show, bringing creamy, rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor to the bread.
½ cup whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, ensuring a soft crumb.
2 ¼ teaspoons dry active yeast (one package): The essential leavening agent that helps the dough rise beautifully.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right for a balanced flavor.
4 ½ cups all purpose flour: Provides structure to the dough while keeping it tender.
2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a delicate aroma and depth of flavor.
4 eggs: Contribute richness and help create that brioche-like texture.
10 tablespoons salted butter, plus extra for the pans: Adds richness and moisture, creating a tender crumb and golden crust.
For the syrup glaze:
½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the tart lemon and gives a shiny finish.
½ cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar for the glaze.
2 tablespoons lemon juice (juice of ½ lemon): Adds brightness and a subtle zing to the syrup glaze.

How to Make Nutella Babka Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature, which is essential for mixing the dough smoothly. Warm the milk gently until it feels warm but not hot to the touch—this is critical for activating the yeast without killing it. Combine the yeast with warm milk and sugar, then wait about 10 minutes until it gets foamy and fragrant, signaling that your yeast is alive and ready.

Step 2: Mixing Ingredients

Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the flour, salt, sugar, vanilla extract, and the foamy milk-yeast mixture. Add in the eggs one at a time to keep the dough perfectly emulsified. Slowly incorporate half of the softened butter, mixing for several minutes until the dough starts to come together before adding the rest of the butter.

Step 3: Kneading and Rising

Once the butter is fully mixed in, check the dough’s consistency. If it’s too sticky, add flour by the tablespoon until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl but remains soft. Transfer the dough to a buttered bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about two hours—don’t expect it to double but watch for a noticeable puffing. Punch it down, re-cover, and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to develop flavor and ease handling.

Step 4: Rolling and Filling the Dough

Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a thin rectangle on parchment paper, roughly 10 by 18 inches and about ⅛ inch thick. It will be a bit stiff, so don’t shy away from a firm, even roll. Spread half a cup of Nutella evenly up to the edges to ensure every slice will have sweet swirls.

Step 5: Shaping the Babka

Roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, pinching the edges to seal the Nutella inside. Chill the rolled logs in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm them up, which makes them easier to braid. Then, slice each log lengthwise down the middle to reveal the luscious chocolate layers.

Step 6: Braiding and Final Rise

Carefully intertwine the two halves by twisting them together, then place the braid into a well-buttered loaf pan. Repeat with the second half of the dough. Cover both pans and allow the loaves to rise warm and cozy for another 1 to 2 hours until puffy and nearly doubled.

Step 7: Baking and Glazing

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the babkas for 25 to 30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. While baking, prepare the syrup by simmering sugar, water, and lemon juice until it thickens slightly. Right after the babkas come out of the oven, brush the warm syrup generously over the tops for a shining, tender crust that locks in moisture and adds a subtle tangy sweetness.

How to Serve Nutella Babka Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a golden-brown cinnamon roll in a shiny silver baking pan. The roll has a thick, soft layer of dough that is lightly browned on top with swirls of darker cinnamon filling visible inside. The texture looks soft and slightly shiny, likely from a glaze or butter. The roll fills the pan closely, with some bubbling around the edges where the glaze or butter has melted. The pan sits on a black stovetop, but the main focus is the warm, freshly baked cinnamon roll. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts can make your Nutella Babka look festive and add a delicate crunch. Fresh berries also pair beautifully, offering a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate and buttery bread.

Side Dishes

This babka pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or tea for breakfast. For dessert, consider serving it alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the Nutella’s creamy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the babka into thick, generous pieces and arranging them on a wooden board surrounded by fresh fruit and nuts to create an inviting dessert platter. For brunch, serve individual slices with a smear of cream cheese or mascarpone for a delightful treat that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Nutella Babka tastes just as wonderful the next day. Store the leftover babka in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature to keep it soft and fresh for up to three days.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the babka and freeze the pieces individually wrapped in plastic and foil. This way, you can thaw out exactly what you need without any waste, and enjoy the nutty, chocolate goodness anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will refresh the crumbs and make the Nutella swirls perfectly gooey all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While the Nutella Babka Recipe shines with its signature hazelnut chocolate flavor, you can substitute any creamy chocolate spread you love. Keep in mind that texture and sweetness may vary slightly depending on your choice.

Is it okay to use less sugar in the dough?

You can certainly reduce the sugar a bit if you prefer a less sweet bread, but remember the sugar also feeds the yeast and contributes to browning, so don’t remove too much to maintain that perfect rise and color.

Why does the dough need to rest overnight in the fridge?

Chilling the dough overnight slows down fermentation, allowing the flavors to deepen and the dough to develop a tender, buttery texture that’s easier to work with when rolling and braiding.

Can I make this babka without eggs?

Eggs are key in creating the rich, brioche-like texture of this babka. Omitting them will result in a very different loaf, so it’s best to follow the recipe as is for authentic results.

How do I know when my babka is done baking?

Look for a golden-brown crust and a fragrant, slightly caramelized aroma. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F if you want to be precise. The bread should spring back lightly when touched.

Final Thoughts

Tackling the Nutella Babka Recipe is such a rewarding experience—I promise, the warm, chocolatey scent alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery. Whether you’re sharing it at brunch, gifting it to a friend, or indulging in a sweet breakfast, this babka recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines tradition and irresistible flavor. Give it a try and watch how quickly this loaf becomes a beloved favorite in your household.