Vegan Babka Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Fluffy Guide

If you have a sweet tooth and love indulging in rich, beautifully braided breads, then this vegan babka recipe is about to become your new favorite baking project. Babka, a traditional Eastern European sweet bread, is known for its soft, fluffy texture and luscious swirls of filling.

This vegan version captures all the magic without any animal products, making it perfect for plant-based diets or anyone looking to try a dairy- and egg-free alternative. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this babka combines a tender dough with a delicious cinnamon and chocolate filling that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Baking this vegan babka is a rewarding experience — it’s not only about the taste but also the process of rolling and twisting the dough into those iconic swirls. The result is a show-stopping loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or sharing with friends.

Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home, even if you’re new to bread baking. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a vegan delight that everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan babka recipe blends traditional flavors with modern plant-based ingredients, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this classic treat. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, enriched with almond milk and a touch of maple syrup instead of eggs and dairy.

The filling features a decadent combination of cinnamon and melted vegan chocolate that makes every bite heavenly. You’ll love how the bread turns out moist, tender, and beautifully layered with swirls of chocolatey goodness.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap the filling for other favorites like nut butter, fruit preserves, or even a savory twist.

This babka also freezes well, so you can bake ahead and enjoy it anytime. Plus, if you want to explore more vegan baking, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another sweet treat that’s equally satisfying.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• For the filling:
• ½ cup (100g) vegan chocolate chips or chopped vegan chocolate
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (60g) vegan butter, melted

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• Rolling pin
• Baking loaf pan (9×5 inch recommended)
• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
• Small bowl for filling mixture
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm almond milk, maple syrup, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much.
4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix melted vegan butter, cocoa powder, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped vegan chocolate. Stir until combined into a spreadable paste.
6. Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
7. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the chocolate-cinnamon filling over the rolled dough, leaving about a ½-inch border on all sides.
8. Shape the babka: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise into two equal halves.
9. Twist and place in pan: Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up, to reveal the swirls. Carefully place the twisted dough into the greased loaf pan, tucking the ends underneath.
10. Second rise: Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
11. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
12. Cool and serve: Remove the babka from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For an extra glossy finish, brush the babka with a simple sugar syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated until dissolved) once it’s cooled slightly. This adds shine and a touch of sweetness.

Variation: Mix chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the filling for added crunch. Alternatively, swap the chocolate filling for a mix of cinnamon sugar and chopped dried fruit for a fruity twist.

Make it nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of coconut oil, and ensure the chocolate is nut-free to accommodate allergies.

If you enjoy vegan baking, you might also want to explore our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to expand your homemade bread repertoire.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan babka is divine served warm with a cup of plant-based milk or your favorite coffee. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.

For an elevated dessert, serve slices with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce.

You can also pair it with fresh fruit or a fruit compote for a balanced treat. If you’re hosting a brunch, babka slices alongside a spread of vegan cheeses and fresh juices will impress your guests.

For more ideas on plant-based spreads, check out our Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese Recipe for Fresh Spreads.

Conclusion

This vegan babka recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic, decadent bread without any animal products. The combination of soft, tender dough and the rich, cinnamon-chocolate filling makes it an irresistible treat for any time of day.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this recipe offers clear, easy-to-follow steps to create an impressive loaf that tastes amazing and looks stunning.

Not only does it satisfy sweet cravings, but it also fits perfectly into a vegan lifestyle, proving that plant-based baking can be just as delicious and comforting as traditional versions. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and explore more vegan delights like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for your next culinary adventure.

Happy baking!

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