Ingredients
2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
1/4 c. granulated sugar
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 pinch granulated sugar
3/4 c. warm milk
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
3 c. all-purpose flour
Coarse salt
1 stick unsalted butter
1 large egg
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate
1/2 c. granulated sugar
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 c. confectioners sugar
2 tbsp. confectioners sugar
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
3 tbsp. unsalted butter
Preparation
Step 1Make the cake: Sprinkle yeast and a pinch of granulated sugar over milk in a medium bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.Step 2Whisk together remaining 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, the egg, and yolk. Whisk into yeast mixture.Step 3Combine flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a mixer. Add egg mixture. Beat on low speed until almost fully combined, about 30 seconds. Switch to the dough-hook attachment. Add butter. Beat until smooth, soft, and slightly sticky, about 10 minutes.Step 4Butter a large bowl. Turn out dough onto a floured surface; knead a few times until smooth. Place in bowl, turn to coat, and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand in a warm place until doubled in volume, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.Step 5Make the filling: Combine chocolate, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or rub in with your fingers until combined.Step 6Punch down dough. Transfer to a floured work surface. Let stand for 5 minutes. Roll out to an 18-inch square (about 1/8 inch thick). Brush edges with egg wash. Spread filling over dough, reserving 1/2 cup and leaving a 1-inch border. Tightly roll dough like a jelly roll. Pinch seam to seal, and fold in half to bring ends together to form a U. Twist 2 or 3 times to "braid." Butter a 5- by 10-inch loaf pan, and line with parchment, leaving 1-inch overhangs; butter parchment. Transfer dough to pan. Brush top with egg wash.Step 7Make the crumb topping: Combine confectioners sugar, flour, and butter. Sprinkle topping and reserved 1/2 cup filling over cake.Step 8Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Drape plastic wrap over dough. Let stand in a warm place until risen by half, 20 to 30 minutes.Step 9Remove plastic wrap, and bake, rotating halfway through, until golden, about 55 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Bake until deeply golden, 15 to 20 minutes more (cover with foil if top gets too dark). Transfer pan to a wire rack. Let cake cool. Looking for more dessert ideas? Check out our homemade chocolate chip cookie recipes, apple pie recipes, and chocolate cake recipes.
