Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the warmth and richness of chocolate with the soft, pillowy texture of traditional Eastern European povitica. The stunning chocolate swirl is not only beautiful to look at but also indulgent to eat. With its combination of a buttery dough and cocoa filling, it’s the perfect treat for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to slice through the layers and reveal the gorgeous spiral of chocolate and nuts.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. - Make the Dough
Add the melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. - Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. - Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts (if using) until smooth and spreadable. - Roll the Dough
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12×20 inch rectangle. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough. - Shape the Loaf
Roll the dough tightly from the short side into a log. Coil or fold the log to fit into a greased loaf pan. - Second Rise
Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, until it has puffed up. - Bake the Loaf
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool the Bread
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once fully cooled.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 10 slices
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Variations
- Optional Glaze: For added shine, you can brush the cooled loaf with a light sugar syrup or icing.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the walnuts or pecans from the filling for a smoother texture, or substitute them with other ingredients like dried fruit or chocolate chips.
- Additional Flavoring: Add a dash of espresso powder to the filling for a mocha twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the povitica wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze slices for longer storage.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before and allow it to rise overnight in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before baking the next day.
Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?
Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together, then increase to medium speed until smooth and elastic.
Can I make this recipe with a different filling?
Yes, you can experiment with different fillings like cinnamon sugar, fruit preserves, or a combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
This recipe takes some time, but the steps are straightforward and manageable. If you’ve made bread or rolls before, you’ll find it easy to follow.
Can I freeze the unbaked dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has been shaped into the log but before the second rise. Thaw in the fridge overnight and allow it to rise before baking.
What type of flour should I use?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. If you use a different type of flour, the texture may vary slightly.
Can I use dark chocolate cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate cocoa powder if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor. It will give the filling a slightly richer taste.
Do I have to add nuts to the filling?
No, the nuts are optional. They add a bit of crunch and flavor, but the bread is just as delicious without them.
Can I add more chocolate to the filling?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate to the filling for extra richness and texture.
How do I know when the povitica is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown on top, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. If it looks pale, bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion
Chocolate Swirl Povitica is a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate with a tender, buttery dough. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in something delicious, this loaf will impress with its beautiful swirl and indulgent taste. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you’ll have a treat that’s as impressive as it is tasty. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea and savor every bite!
Chocolate Swirl Povitica
Chocolate Swirl Povitica is a stunning dessert with layers of soft dough and a rich cocoa filling. This Eastern European-inspired treat features a beautiful chocolate swirl, making it perfect for any occasion. Its combination of chocolate, nuts, and buttery dough creates an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add the melted butter, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts (if using) until smooth and spreadable.
- Roll the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a 12×20 inch rectangle. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough.
- Shape the Loaf: Roll the dough tightly from the short side into a log. Coil or fold the log to fit into a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes, until it has puffed up.
- Bake the Loaf: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once fully cooled.
Notes
Optional Glaze: For added shine, you can brush the cooled loaf with a light sugar syrup or icing.
Nut-Free Version: Omit the walnuts or pecans from the filling for a smoother texture, or substitute them with other ingredients like dried fruit or chocolate chips.
Additional Flavoring: Add a dash of espresso powder to the filling for a mocha twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
