Chocolate Babka

Directions

1. 1
   .Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and salt; set aside.
2. 2
   In a medium bowl, beat the butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy.
3. 3
   Change the mixer speed to medium, and beat in the vanilla extract.
4. 4
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
5. 5
   With the mixer on low speed, alternately beat the flour mixture and sour cream into the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. 6
   Beat only until just blended.
7. 7
   For the topping: In a small bowl combine the chocolate chips, pecans, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to make a crumb mixture.
8. 8
   Spread half of the batter in the bottom of the prepared pan.
9. 9
   Sprinkle with half of the crumb mixture.
10. 10
    Pour in the remaining batter, and sprinkle with the remaining crumb mixture; press the crumbs in lightly so they adhere to the batter.
11. 11
    Quickly, but gently cut through the batter and crumbs in an up and down motion with a knife.
12. 12
    Lightly rap the pan once against a hard surface, to settle the batter.
13. 13
    Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.