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Chocolate Babka

Babka, (Yiddish for “little grandmother”), is one of the most iconic Jewish sweets there are. Considered part bread, part cake, babka is traditionally baked in a loaf pan, but can also be braided into a wreath shape (called a krantz). The secret to making a great babka is making sure there are lots of sugary twists, turns, and layers.

chocolate babka

Babka In History

Old forms of babka are said to have been similar to an Italian pannetone, and were much larger and higher than their modern equivalent. Culinary historians credit Polish cooks with Babka’s creation.  Traditional babka was sweetened and decorated with honey and dried or candied fruits, with chocolate being a much later evolution.

chocolate babka

Babka’s Evolution

Some of the very first babka may have crept onto the scene as early as the 1800s. When making challah, Jewish housewives filled the scraps with cinnamon or jam, rolled it, and baked it for a treat. When Ashkenazi families emigrated to America, they discovered luxurious ingredients unseen in their homeland. Here, in the States, is where chocolate, hazelnut spread, and almond paste got incorporated into babka making.

chocolate babka

Seinfeld And Babka

Babka was cemented in pop culture in the now infamous early 1990s episode of Seinfeld in which Jerry and Elaine camp out at Royal Bakery to wait their turn to buy a chocolate babka to bring to a dinner party. But when they reached the front of them, they learned the bakery was out of chocolate babka. Jerry is then convinced by the attendant to purchase a cinnamon babka instead, which Elaine deems a “lesser babka.” Today, babka of any variety is considered a quintessential offering on dessert tables at all Jewish celebrations.

chocolate babka

Making of Buying Babka

I’ll be completely honest, making babka is not a recipe for beginners. It is a time-consuming process, but well worth it if you’re willing to give it a try. It has taken me a while to develop this babka recipe I (and my babka-loving boys) are proud of it.

chocolate babka

Raised in NYC, I grew up eating Zabar’s chocolate babka, not the homemade kind, so that is my go-to for babka gifting. But Russ & Daughters is another great choice as well should you find yourself too impatient to bake a babka yourself.

chocolate babka

About the Author

Andrea Potischman

I am a professionally trained NYC chef turned CA mom and food blogger. I post about real food, with doable ingredient lists that are family friendly.

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