The Base: Buttery Brioche Dough

The base of any great babka is its dough, and for Nutella Babka, we use a buttery brioche dough. Brioche is a rich, soft, and slightly sweet bread made with butter, eggs, and milk, which gives it its signature tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor. The richness of the brioche complements the Nutella filling beautifully, making each bite melt in your mouth.

Making the dough for Nutella Babka requires a bit of patience, but the result is absolutely worth the effort. The dough is first proofed to develop flavor and structure, and then it is kneaded until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly shiny. This process is key to achieving the perfect texture—pillowy, light, and soft, with just the right amount of fluffiness. The addition of butter makes the dough especially tender and enhances its flavor, creating the ideal backdrop for the Nutella filling.

The Nutella Filling: A Chocolate Hazelnut Dream

Nutella is the star of the filling in Nutella Babka. This iconic chocolate hazelnut spread brings a velvety, creamy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. When spread over the dough and rolled up, Nutella creates the signature swirls that are visually appealing and delicious to eat.

The Nutella filling is simple to prepare, as it only needs to be gently melted to achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency. Once the Nutella is spread on the dough, it is rolled tightly, and the two ends are sealed to lock in all the chocolatey goodness. As the babka bakes, the Nutella filling melts slightly into the dough, creating decadent pockets of chocolate hazelnut flavor in every bite. This filling is not only the highlight of the recipe but also gives the babka its irresistible aroma as it bakes.

Shaping the Babka: The Art of Twisting

One of the most striking features of Nutella Babka is its beautiful twist. The process of shaping the dough into a twist is what gives the babka its signature look, with the golden, swirled layers of Nutella visible as the bread bakes. After spreading the Nutella filling over the dough and rolling it into a log, the dough is sliced in half lengthwise, revealing the beautiful layers of Nutella. The two halves are then twisted together, forming a spiral shape that bakes into a beautiful, show-stopping loaf.

The twisting process not only creates an aesthetically pleasing presentation but also ensures that each slice of babka has an even distribution of Nutella filling. When you slice into the baked babka, you’ll see the perfect swirls of Nutella surrounded by the soft, buttery brioche dough. The contrast of textures—flaky dough and smooth Nutella—creates an indulgent and satisfying eating experience.

Proofing the Dough: The Key to a Soft and Fluffy Babka

Proofing is a crucial step in making Nutella Babka, as it allows the dough to rise and develop the right texture. Once the dough has been kneaded and shaped, it is left to rise either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for an extended period. The dough needs to double in size, which ensures that it will be soft, airy, and light once baked.

Proofing the dough properly allows the yeast to work its magic, creating a light and fluffy texture. While the dough is proofing, it also develops flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the babka. The second proofing, after the dough has been shaped and twisted, ensures that the babka rises to its full potential before being baked. This process helps achieve that perfect, soft texture, making each bite of babka melt in your mouth.

Baking the Babka: The Golden Brown Perfection

Baking the Nutella Babka is where all the magic happens. As the dough bakes in the oven, it turns golden brown, creating a crispy crust that contrasts with the soft, buttery interior. The Nutella filling becomes slightly melted, giving the babka its signature gooey texture. The aroma that fills the kitchen as the babka bakes is nothing short of heavenly, with the smell of warm, buttery dough and chocolate hazelnut wafting through the air.

Baking the babka for the right amount of time is essential to achieving the perfect balance between a golden crust and a soft, fluffy interior. Depending on your oven, it may take between 35 to 40 minutes to bake, and it’s important to keep an eye on the babka to ensure it doesn’t over-brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the babka with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent burning.

The Sweet Finish: Syrup for a Touch of Shine

An optional but delightful addition to Nutella Babka is the syrup. The syrup, made from water, sugar, and lemon juice, is brushed over the hot babka once it comes out of the oven. The syrup adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful shine to the babka, enhancing its golden crust and giving it a glossy finish. The lemon juice in the syrup provides a slight tang, which helps balance the richness of the Nutella and the buttery brioche.

This glaze also adds to the texture of the babka, making it slightly sticky and giving the exterior a little extra sweetness. The syrup can be prepared while the babka bakes and applied as soon as it comes out of the oven. It’s a small step that elevates the overall flavor and appearance of the babka, making it even more irresistible.

The Versatility of Nutella Babka

While Nutella Babka is a fantastic treat on its own, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste. You can experiment with different fillings, such as cinnamon, cocoa, or fruit preserves, for a twist on the classic recipe. Adding a sprinkle of nuts, such as chopped hazelnuts or walnuts, to the filling can provide extra texture and flavor.

Nutella Babka is perfect for sharing, whether it’s a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert for a dinner party. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for a brunch spread. For an even more indulgent treat, you can drizzle extra Nutella or a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice.

Serving and Storing Nutella Babka

Nutella Babka is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when the swirls of Nutella are still warm and gooey. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The babka can also be sliced and frozen for later enjoyment. Simply wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat the slices in the oven for a few minutes to restore the softness and warmth.

The babka also makes a great gift for family and friends. Its beautiful presentation and delicious taste are sure to impress anyone who receives it. Whether you’re gifting it for a special occasion or just because, Nutella Babka is a thoughtful and indulgent homemade treat.

Conclusion: An Indulgent Treat for Any Occasion

Nutella Babka is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of buttery brioche and rich, chocolate hazelnut spread. This decadent pastry brings together a soft, fluffy dough with the sweetness of Nutella, making each bite a delightful experience. The swirling layers, golden crust, and optional syrup glaze add to its beauty and flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday celebration, a special brunch, or just as a treat for yourself, Nutella Babka is sure to become a favorite. The ease of preparation and the delightful results make it a must-try recipe for any baker. The combination of sweetness, richness, and texture makes Nutella Babka a truly special dessert that will leave everyone asking for more.