Chocolate Yeast Bread – Vegan version

👨‍🍳 Method

For the Dough base

1. 1
   Dissolve the yeast and the sugar in the lukewarm water and leave about 10 minutes, until the mixture foams.

   💡If the mixture doesn't foam in that time, the yeast is no longer active, or the water was too hot. Start over with fresh yeast and body-temperature water.
2. 2
   Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.

   Bowl
3. 3
   Add the yeast mixture, the unsweetened soy milk, the flax egg and the oil and Knead about 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, pliable and doesn't stick to your hands.

   ⚙ KneadingBowlStand mixer

   💡For yeast dough, use the windowpane test: a small piece stretches into a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, and that's the sign the kneading is done. Add flour only by the tablespoon, and only if the dough is still sticky after a few minutes: too much flour makes a tough dough.
4. 4
   Cover and Let rise about an hour in a warm place, until the dough doubles in size.

   ⚙ ProofingPlastic wraporKitchen towel

   💡Let rise in a warm, draft-free spot. The dough is ready when it has doubled, and a gentle finger press leaves a dent that fills back slowly; if it springs right back, wait longer.

For the Pastry Filling

1. 5
   Mix the melted chocolate, butter, cocoa powder and sugar into a smooth paste.

   💡Spread the filling at room temperature: too warm, it runs off the dough as you roll; too cold, it's hard and tears the dough.
2. 6
   Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the filling over it.

   ⚙ Rolling Out DoughRolling pin

   💡Roll from the center outward and give the dough a quarter turn between rolls: this keeps it even in thickness and stops it sticking to the counter. If it springs back, cover for 10–15 minutes and try again.
3. 7
   Roll into a log, cut it in half lengthwise and twist the two strips together, cut side up.

   Knife

   💡Twist with the cut side up: the layers of filling stay exposed, and they give the cake its marbled pattern.
4. 8
   Roll into a tight log.

   ⚙ ProofingPlastic wraporKitchen towelBaking pan
5. 9
   Beat the flax egg and brush the cake with it.

   ⚙ BakingOvenLoaf pan

   💡Check by the cue (until…), not just the clock: every oven bakes a little differently.