Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
Babka is a deliciously sweet, twisted bread that brings joy to any holiday gathering. This festive Christmas Babka is perfect for celebrating the season. With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, it is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of warm spices, sweet dried cranberries, and a soft, fluffy texture makes this treat irresistible. Making this Babka will not only fill your home with delightful aromas but also create happy memories around the dining table.
How to Make Irresistible Christmas Babka
Ingredients
- 4 large Eggs (or egg substitute)
- 250 ml Milk (or plant-based milk)
- 100 g Caster Sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 50 g Honey (or maple syrup)
- 500 g Strong Flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 25 g Fresh Yeast (or instant yeast)
- 10 g Salt
- 100 g Butter (melted or dairy-free butter)
- 50 g Unsalted Butter (or dairy-free butter)
- 75 g Light Brown Sugar (or brown sugar/coconut sugar)
- 2 tbsp Christmas Spice Mix (or cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg)
- 150 g Dried Cranberries (or raisins/dried cherries)
- 100 ml Water
- 100 g Caster Sugar
Directions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by warming the milk slightly and dissolve the yeast in it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the strong flour, caster sugar, and salt.
- Add the eggs, honey, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Pour the milk and yeast mixture into the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If using instant yeast, you can add it directly to the flour.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle.
- Spread the unsalted butter evenly on the dough, then sprinkle the light brown sugar and Christmas spice mix all over.
- Evenly distribute the dried cranberries on top.
- Roll the rectangle tightly into a log. Slice the log in half lengthwise to expose the filling.
- Twist the two halves together and shape it into a spiral or braid. Place it in a prepared loaf tin.
- Let the Babka rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the Babka cools, mix caster sugar and water to create a simple syrup. Brush it over the warm Babka for a lovely shine.
How to Serve Irresistible Christmas Babka
Serve warm slices of the Christmas Babka dusted with a little extra icing sugar or with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or even as a festive dessert.
How to Store Irresistible Christmas Babka
Once completely cooled, store the Babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
Tips to Make Irresistible Christmas Babka
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Experiment with different dried fruits or nuts if you want a change in flavor.
- Let the Babka cool completely before slicing for clean, even pieces.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips or Nutella spread for a rich and decadent twist. Simply spread it onto the dough before rolling for a delightful surprise.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes, plant-based milk, and dairy-free butter to make a delicious vegan version of this Babka.
How long does it take to prepare the Babka?
The total time may be around 3-4 hours, including rising time. The actual hands-on time is around 1 hour.
Can I use different spices or fillings?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the Christmas spice mix with your favorite spices or use different fruits or nuts to customize your Babka.
Christmas Babka
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the yeast in it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine strong flour, caster sugar, and salt.
- Add eggs, honey, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Pour in the milk and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle.
- Spread unsalted butter evenly on the dough, then sprinkle light brown sugar and Christmas spice mix over it.
- Evenly distribute dried cranberries on top.
- Roll the rectangle tightly into a log and slice it in half lengthwise to expose the filling.
- Twist the two halves together and shape into a spiral or braid. Place in a prepared loaf tin.
- Let it rise again for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While cooling, mix caster sugar and water to create a simple syrup. Brush it over the warm Babka for a shine.