Name: Chocolate Vegan Babka
Prep time: 31 min
Cook time: 73 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 3.5 cups flour ((we prefer bread, can use all-purpose or whole wheat - see post for details)); 1 package instant yeast; 1 tsp salt; 1.5 cups dairy free milk ((we like oat - can use any non-strongly flavored dairy free milk)); 0.25 cup maple syrup ((see post about other sugar source options)); 0.33 cup vegan butter (softened); 0.33 cup vegan cane sugar; 0.33 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder; 0.5 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional); 0.25 cup water; 0.25 cup vegan cane sugar

Instructions

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1

In a large bowl, whisk together flour (3.5 cups), instant yeast (1 package), and salt (1 tsp).
2

Then, add in the dairy free milk (1.5 cups) and maple syrup (0.25 cup).
3

Using a spatula, fold until mostly combined. Sprinkle a little more [flour] if needed to not be sticky and form a ball.
4

Once ball is formed, grease the same bowl mixed in and place the dough ball back into the bowl. If you are oil free, then just make sure sides of bowl are floured, or use a silicone bowl to easily get it out.
5

Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let sit for 60-90 minutes in a warm, draft free place until doubled.
6

Preheat oven for 350 degrees.
7

In a small bowl combine the vegan cane sugar (0.33 cup), brown sugar (0.33 cup) and cocoa powder (2 tbsp) together.
8

Once risen, lightly flour a surface and roll dough out until approximately 12×15 rectangle.
9

Brush the vegan butter (0.33 cup) across the entire surface.
10

Evenly sprinkle the [cocoa powder] and [vegan cane sugar] mixture across the dough. If adding, vegan chocolate chips (0.5 cup), evenly sprinkle across.
11

Starting on one side, roll the dough into a log.
12

Cut the log lengthwise carefully so there are two long pieces.
13

Starting at one end, pinch the ends together and then braid the two pieces together and pinch together again at the end.
14

Carefully place in a well greased loaf pan. If your babka is not at the top of your pan, cover it and let it rise until it is. If it is, proceed with baking.
15

Place in oven for 35-40 minutes or until done.
16

While baking, add vegan cane sugar (0.25 cup) and water (0.25 cup) to a small pot and bring to a boil.
17

Stir and let boil until all sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
18

When the bread is done, brush the [simple syrup] onto the bread. Let cool and serve.