Chocolate Sesame Babka Bites with Crumble Topping
Individual babka bites combining rich chocolate sesame butter with tender challah dough, topped with a sweet crumble. These portion-controlled treats deliver all the swirled goodness of traditional babka in convenient muffin-sized portions. The sesame adds nutty depth while the crumble provides textural contrast. Perfect for brunch gatherings, afternoon tea, or when you want babka without committing to a full loaf. The muffin tin format ensures even baking and attractive presentation.
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 1 pound challah doughbrioche dough1:1vegetarian
rich, buttery alternative
- ½ jar chocolate sesame butternutella1:1nut-free if using seed butterdairy-free
sweeter, no sesame flavor
- ⅓ cup flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- 2
Roll out challah dough into a 17- by 10-inch square using greased rolling pin
- 3
Spread chocolate sesame butter on dough with knife or offset spatula, leaving 1/2-inch border
- 4
Cut the dough in half lengthwise with sharp knife
- 5
Roll each half into a log starting from center and rolling towards border
- 6
Cut each rolled log into eight equal pieces
- 7
Grease eight standard muffin cups with cooking spray
- 8
Place two pieces of filled dough in each muffin cup side by side, cut side facing up
- 9
Gently press the babka bites down
- 10
Combine flour, sugar, oil, and sesame seeds with fork or fingers for crumble
- 11
Sprinkle crumble onto each babka bite, pressing down to adhere
- 12
Bake for 12-16 minutes
- 13
Cool completely before removing from muffin cups
Tips
Grease rolling pin with cooking spray to prevent dough from sticking while rolling into the large rectangle
Press crumble firmly onto each bite before baking to ensure it adheres and creates a crispy topping
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days
Can be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking
Serve at room temperature or slightly warm
Common Mistakes
Don't skip greasing the rolling pin to avoid dough tearing
Press crumble firmly to prevent it from falling off during baking
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
rich, buttery alternative
FAQ
Can I freeze these babka bites?
Yes, freeze baked and cooled bites for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in oven if desired.
What if I don't have chocolate sesame butter?
Mix 2 parts chocolate spread with 1 part tahini for a similar flavor profile, or use plain chocolate spread.
How long do these keep fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.