Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Pumpkin Chocolate Babka Buns
ChocolateMedium

Pumpkin Chocolate Babka Buns

Recipe by Tabetha Miranda

From the Blog Author

This Pumpkin Chocolate Babka Buns is one of my favorites because it reminds me of cozy autumn mornings after a long winter. I love the way the warm spices and sticky pumpkin sit perfectly inside the soft, yeasty dough, then erupt into a chocolate swirl that feels like a chocolate‑candy shop in a loaf. What I love most is how easy it is to flip smoky cocoa and sweet pumpkin into one irresistible treat. The breadbunch is airy, the chocolate drizzle melts in your mouth, and the pumpkin puree keeps it moist without feeling heavy. A splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of ground nutmeg amplify the earthy notes, while a dusting of powdered sugar gives a gentle sweetness that balances the ganache’s richness. A practical tip I learned the first time I baked these: let the dough rise in a slightly warm spot but not in direct heat. If you’re in a draft‑free unit, wrapping it in a towel works great. Also, before you bake, give those chocolate chunks a quick brush with melted butter—this prevents them from sticking. If you make these pumpkin chocolate babka buns, I’d love to hear about your experience—just send an email and tell me how it turned out, the video you took, or the little tweaks you made.
Prep Time
45 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 340 g Pumpkin Puree
  • 60 g Whole Milk
  • 60 g Water
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 18 g Instant Yeast
  • 25 g Vegetable Oil
  • 60 g Brown Sugar
  • 10 g Salt
  • 5 g Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 730 g Bread Flour
  • 100 g Butter
  • 100 g Dark Chocolate
  • 30 g Cocoa Powder
  • 50 g Icing Sugar
  • 90 g Sugar
  • Pumpkin Seeds

Directions

1

Prepare the dough and flatten it into an even rectangle on a greased tray.

2

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

3

Melt the chocolate and butter together.

4

Stir in the remaining dry ingredients.

5

Roll the refrigerated dough out on a lightly floured surface to a 15x25 inch rectangle.

6

Spread the filling evenly over the dough and fold the dough in thirds along the width.

7

Roll the folded dough out slightly to ensure it is even.

8

Cut the dough lengthwise into 10 strips.

9

Twist each strip and loosely coil it onto a parchment-lined baking tray.

10

Ensure the end of each twisted strip is tucked securely under the bun.

11

Proof the buns until they have doubled in size.

12

Prepare the syrup by simmering 100g of sugar with 50g of water until dissolved.

13

Bake at 350°F for 20-23 minutes.

14

Brush the baked buns with the warm syrup and garnish with pumpkin seeds.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
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3
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• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the dark chocolate in these Pumpkin Chocolate Babka Buns?

While the recipe calls for dark chocolate for a rich flavor profile, you can substitute it with semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer a slightly sweeter bun. Ensure you melt the substitute chocolate with the 100g of butter as directed for the filling.

How can I prevent my babka dough from drying out during the long refrigeration time?

To prevent the dough from drying out during the 1-hour refrigeration period, ensure you cover the greased tray tightly with plastic wrap after shaping. This traps moisture and allows the yeast to work slowly without the surface hardening.

What is the best way to store leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Babka Buns to keep them fresh?

Once cooled, store leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Babka Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and reheat briefly before serving.