Sugar-Free Chocolate Babka

Indulge in the decadent layers of a *Sugar-Free Chocolate Babka*, a guilt-free twist on the classic Eastern European dessert. This rich and tender braided bread features a soft, buttery dough intertwined with a luscious cocoa and dark chocolate filling, sweetened naturally with erythritol or stevia and a touch of applesauce. Perfect for those looking to reduce their sugar intake without sacrificing flavor, this show-stopping loaf is as satisfying to eat as it is beautiful to serve. With its intricate swirls and deep chocolatey aroma, this sugar-free babka is ideal for holiday brunches, dessert spreads, or as an afternoon treat with coffee. Celebrate the harmony of wholesome ingredients and artisanal baking in every slice!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:180 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:220 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 0.75 cup Whole milk
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 0.25 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup Erythritol or Stevia (granulated)
• 0.5 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 5 ounces Dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao, chopped)
• 0.25 cup Unsweetened applesauce
• 0 Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing

Directions

Step 1

Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) and pour it into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

Sprinkle the yeast over the milk, add the honey, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 3

Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, add the room-temperature butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and mix until combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.

Step 5

Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.

Step 7

For the filling, mix together the erythritol or stevia with the unsweetened cocoa powder in a medium bowl.

Step 8

In a small saucepan, melt the chopped dark chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Step 9

Stir the melted chocolate and applesauce into the erythritol and cocoa mixture. Mix until smooth.

Step 10

Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter.

Step 11

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12x16 inches.

Step 12

Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

Step 13

Starting from a long side, tightly roll up the dough to form a log.

Step 14

Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the filling.

Step 15

Twist the two halves together in a braid-like manner, keeping the cut sides up.

Step 16

Place the twisted dough into the prepared loaf pan.

Step 17

Cover with a towel and let rise again for about 45 minutes.

Step 18

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 19

Bake the babka for about 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 20

Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1241.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3431.5

Total Fat 142.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 80.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 523.1mg	0%
Sodium 2614.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 612.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 70.5g	0%
Total Sugars 68.7g
Protein 98.1g	0%

Vitamin D 189.7IU	0%
Calcium 594.1mg	0%
Iron 57.2mg	0%
Potassium 3837.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.1%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 59.4%