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Chocolate Swirl Povitica

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A stunning fusion of Eastern European povitica and coffee cake, this chocolate swirl loaf features soft, sweet dough spiraled with a rich cocoa filling. Every slice reveals beautiful layers, making it as eye-catching as it is indulgently delicious.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, salt, and egg. Mix well. Gradually add flour, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and chopped nuts (if using) until smooth and spreadable.
  5. Roll the dough on a floured surface into a 12×20 inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
  6. Roll tightly from the short side into a log. Coil or fold the log into a greased loaf pan to fit.
  7. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
  9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Slice and serve once fully cooled.

Notes

  • For finer swirls, roll the dough thin and evenly before adding filling.
  • Optional glaze: Brush with a sugar syrup or light icing after baking for extra shine.
  • Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
  • Chopped nuts add texture and enhance the nutty depth, but can be omitted for a smoother filling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/chocolate-swirl-povitica/