Name: Soft & Fluffy Nutella Babka Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 120 g Whole milk (lukewarm); 30 g Granulated sugar; 12.5 g Fresh yeast; 1 Egg yolk (at room temperature); 1 Egg (at room temperature); 250 g Bread flour (high protein content flour); ¼ teaspoon Salt; 80 g Unsalted butter (room temperature, 82% fat content); 140 g Nutella (gently melted, but not hot); 60 g Water; 80 g Granulated sugar; 20 g Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 69 reviews

If you adore chocolatey, tender, and irresistibly soft bread, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Soft & Fluffy Nutella Babka Recipe. This classic Eastern European treat is transformed into a luscious, airy loaf swirled with decadent Nutella that melts in your mouth with every bite. Baking this babka is a delightful journey from a simple dough to a stunning centerpiece that tastes as incredible as it looks, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a special moment of happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A loaf of twisted bread with many layers of soft, golden-brown dough swirled with dark chocolate spread. The outer dough is shiny and slightly glazed, showing a crisp texture, while the inside reveals rich, gooey chocolate folds intertwined in the bread. The loaf sits on crumpled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. A silver knife with a small amount of chocolate spread rests to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Soft & Fluffy Nutella Babka Recipe lies not just in the technique, but also in how straightforward and essential the ingredients are. Each component plays a star role, from the rich butter that ensures a tender crumb to the fresh yeast working its natural magic for the perfect rise, and of course, the creamy Nutella that brings that extraordinary flavor infusion.

Whole milk (lukewarm): Helps activate the yeast and create a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for proper fermentation.
Fresh yeast: Ensures a beautiful rise with a fluffy texture.
Egg yolk (room temperature): Adds richness to the dough’s flavor and color.
Egg (room temperature): Contributes to structure and hydration.
Bread flour (high protein content): Gives the dough strength and chewiness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
Unsalted butter (82% fat, room temperature): Creates tenderness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Nutella (gently melted): The star filling bringing creamy chocolate-hazelnut goodness.
Water: Used for the syrup glaze to add moisture and sheen.
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Adds brightness to the syrup glaze.

How to Make Soft & Fluffy Nutella Babka Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start your delicious journey by mixing half of the sugar with lukewarm milk, then sprinkle fresh yeast on top. The warmth and a bit of patience will bring the yeast to life, foaming gently in about 10 minutes. This step is crucial because fresh, active yeast guarantees the dough’s fluffiness and light texture.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Transfer your bubbly yeast mixture into a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, then add the room-temperature eggs. These simple ingredients start to unite the dough, building its foundation for the delightful softness we’re aiming for.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now pour in the bread flour along with the rest of the sugar and salt. Knead just until the ingredients begin to come together—this only takes a minute or two. Patience here leads to a dough that is strong yet supple, essential for that soft and fluffy finished babka.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter for Tenderness

Slowly add your soft, room-temperature butter in chunks, allowing each piece to absorb fully before adding the next. This slow folding process followed by 10 minutes of thorough kneading transforms the dough into a smooth, elastic, and glossy masterpiece that’s soft but not sticky.

Step 5: First Rise – Overnight Rest

Place the dough in a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and let it rest overnight in the fridge for 12 hours. This slow fermentation develops incredible flavor and improves dough handling. If you’re short on time, a 1-2 hour rise at room temperature works, but the overnight rest truly elevates the texture.

Step 6: Shape Your Babka

With your rested dough chilled and ready, work quickly to roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 30 by 42 cm rectangle. Gently spread your melted—but not hot—Nutella evenly over the surface. Roll the dough tightly from the short edge into a neat log about 30 cm long, seal the edges, then chill slightly if needed.

Step 7: Twist and Assemble

Cut the roll lengthwise to reveal the beautiful layers, then stack and twist the two halves together with the filling visible on top. This braiding step creates babka’s iconic swirl pattern. Carefully transfer this twisted dough into a parchment-lined loaf pan and cover it for the second rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Bake the babka for approximately 40 minutes, watching carefully—if the top browns too quickly, tent with foil to avoid burning. The result will be an irresistibly golden loaf with a soft crumb and beautifully bubbled Nutella ribbons inside.

Step 9: Optional Syrupy Glaze

For an extra glossy finish and subtle lemony sweetness, boil water, sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice into a syrup and brush it over the hot babka right out of the oven. This little finishing touch seals in moisture beautifully and adds a lovely shine.

How to Serve Soft & Fluffy Nutella Babka Recipe

The image shows two slices of a twisted pastry on white parchment paper with a cooling rack at the edge. The pastry has three to four layers, with light golden brown dough swirled with dark chocolate filling, creating a marbled effect inside. The dough looks soft and flaky with a slightly shiny, glazed surface. There is also a small smear of chocolate spread nearby. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can add extra visual delight. Toasted hazelnuts scattered over the glaze lend wonderful crunch and enhance the Nutella flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This babka pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for breakfast or brunch. For a cozy tea time, serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai to balance the sweetness with some spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Soft & Fluffy Nutella Babka Recipe thick for a decadent French toast or use it as luscious bread pudding base. You could also cut smaller pieces and serve them as delightful finger foods at your next gathering, with a side of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover babka tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays soft and fresh for 2 to 3 days—perfect for indulging a few times over.

Freezing

You can freeze slices or the whole loaf wrapped well in cling film and foil. Frozen babka keeps beautifully for up to 1 month. Thaw it slowly at room temperature for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave to revive that fresh-baked softness. A quick 10-second zap or a few minutes under medium heat is all you need to enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth experience again.

FAQs

Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Yes! Substitute fresh yeast with about one-third of that amount in dry yeast. Just activate it in lukewarm milk the same way to get that lovely rise.

Why should the Nutella not be too hot when spreading?

If the Nutella is hot, it can melt the dough, making it sticky and difficult to roll. Gently melting it until just spreadable ensures smooth application and keeps the dough intact.

Is it necessary to chill the dough overnight?

The overnight chill is highly recommended as it develops flavor and makes the dough easier to handle. While a shorter room temperature proof is possible, the dough is much easier to shape when cold.

How do I know when the babka is fully baked?

Insert a skewer into the center and if it comes out clean, the babka is done. It should also have a beautiful golden crust and feel firm to the touch on top.

Can I use other chocolate spreads instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! Any chocolate hazelnut spread works, or you could try almond butter and chocolate combinations. Keep in mind the consistency so the filling isn’t too runny.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about baking your own Soft & Fluffy Nutella Babka Recipe. This scrumptious loaf is a perfect blend of tender, fluffy dough and rich, creamy Nutella, making every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to bake and share. So grab your ingredients, get your hands a little floury, and enjoy this beautiful baking adventure!