Description
Delicate, fluffy, and packed with swirls of rich chocolate, this Chocolate Swirl Milk Bread is a dream for bread and dessert lovers alike. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a light dessert, this bread is as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s bake something special today!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, heavy cream, and egg. Gradually pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until it comes together. Add the softened butter and continue kneading for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder, sugar, melted butter, and milk until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts.
- Roll out one piece of dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Spread half of the chocolate filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the shorter side to form a log. Repeat with the other half of the dough and filling.
- Place the logs side by side and twist them together to form a braid. Transfer the braided dough to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 45-60 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with a little milk or an egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: This ensures the bread is soft and fluffy.
- Use Good-Quality Cocoa Powder: The better the cocoa, the richer the chocolate flavor.
- Seal the Edges: When rolling the dough, pinch the seams to prevent the chocolate from leaking out.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid squishing the soft interior.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 2-3 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American