7 Jewish Chocolate Desserts to Enjoy All Winter

From classics like rugelach to the unexpected (hello, chocolate latkes!).

Advertisement

When the weather outside is frightful, and the newspaper headlines far from delightful, seek comfort in cocoa. We’re not simply talking about the steamy brew, mind you, but cocoa as the main component in indulgent desserts.

Chocolate is a relatively new starring ingredient in the world of Jewish desserts, as dried fruit, nuts, and poppyseed (far less costly and arguably just as delicious) have been the traditional main players. In her fascinating culinary history, On the Chocolate Trail: A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes, Rabbi Deborah R. Prinz chronicles how the relationship between chocolate and Jewish food evolved, first tracing how Jewish merchants exiled from Spain in the 15th century became engaged extensively in the chocolate trade all over Europe. Prinz then outlines how immigrants from the continent in the late 1800s took advantage of their familiarity with this ingredient when establishing bakeries in the United States to secure the business of Americans who had already developed a preference for chocolate sweets. Gradually, such establishments tested substituting chocolate for prunes and poppyseeds, leading to the emergence of old-new hybrid confections.

Mouth-watering yet? We thought so. Feast your eyes on these seven chocolatey Jewish desserts, which will warm your heart and body all winter long. 

1. Chocolate Babka Bread Pudding

Maybe Elaine from Seinfeld was right: cinnamon is the lesser babka when compared to chocolate. The proof is literally in the (bread) pudding, which, when made with chocolate babka, evolves from a simple dessert often relegated to potlucks. This recipe made with challah is a terrific way to use up leftovers.

Keep the flavors of Jewish food alive.

The Nosher celebrates the traditions and recipes that have brought Jews together for centuries. Donate today to keep The Nosher's stories and recipes accessible to all.

2. Chocolate Rugelach

Photo credit Essen Bakery

Fruit and nuts are fine fillings for rugelach, but to render these rolled pastries truly decadent, stuff them with a semi-sweet chocolate paste. For those who like their chocolate with the salty-sweetness of peanut butter, these double chocolate peanut butter rugelach hit the spot. Or if you are really ready for an over-the-top rugelach experience, try this chocolate rugelach pull-apart cake from Israeli chef Lior Mashiach.

3. S’mores Rugelach

Entertaining al fresco in cold weather suddenly becomes palatable when you can offer your guests a gooey toasted treat cooked right in front of them over an open flame. But even better, arguably, are these killer s’mores rugelach, which wrap up all the classic elements (marshmallows! Chocolate! Graham crackers!) in a flaky dough.

4. Chocolate Noodle Kugel

Traditional noodle kugel may be the epitome of old-school Jewish comfort food, but, and we hate to break it to you, bubbe, the chocolate edition is just as soothing. You’ll need some chocolate linguine and a lotta buttah for this chocolate kugel dusted with crunchy sugared cornflakes.  Or keep it chunky with this version that calls for chocolate chips.

5. Kokosh Cake

Photo credit: Chaya Rappoport

Kokosh means “cocoa” in Hungarian, and this yeast baked good showcases it perfectly. Jamie Geller doubles down on the chocolate in her kokosh by interweaving cocoa powder and chocolate hazelnut spread to create a wonderfully moist rolled confection.

6. Homemade Chocolate Gelt

Rest assured, this is not the (crappy) gelt of your childhood, so chase away those visions of sad chocolate pennies! When made with high-quality chocolate and decorated with candied orange, sea salt, or dried blueberries, gelt becomes bona fide gourmet edible currency. And this four-ingredient chocolate fudge gelt is universally irresistible. Make extra during Hanukkah — you’ll need it to satisfy your chocolate cravings long after you light that last candle. 

7. Chocolate Latkes

Don’t limit yourself to potatoes when it’s time to deep-fry some carbohydrates for Hanukkah. Alice Medrich eschews potatoes altogether in her luxurious chocolate latkes bound with egg whites and shredded coconut.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Keep on Noshing

Pretzel Ice Cream Pie

I’m always looking for the simplest route to a pareve dessert and last week I had a moment of inspiration ...

Non-Dairy Pie Hacks for Thanksgiving

I’m not sure who coined the phrase, “easy as pie,” but I’m almost certain she was not familiar with baking ...

10 Halvah Recipes from Around the World

With tahini enjoying the spotlight this year as a major food trend, it’s no wonder that halvah, its sweet and candy-like ...