Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread (Babka) Recipe

As Easter approaches, many people around the world are preparing to celebrate with traditional foods and treats. One dish that is commonly enjoyed during this time is a delicious Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread, also known as Babka. This rich and indulgent bread is perfect for serving as part of an Easter brunch or dinner, and its sweet and cheesy filling is sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Originally hailing from Poland, Babka is a sweet bread that is often enjoyed during ...

Originally hailing from Poland, Babka is a sweet bread that is often enjoyed during Easter festivities. It is typically made with a rich, brioche-like dough that is filled with a sweet cheese mixture, resulting in a decadent and satisfying treat. While there are many variations of Babka, this recipe will guide you through the process of making the classic Cheese-Filled version, perfect for celebrating the holiday.

One of the best things about making Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread is that it is a labor of love that results in a stunning centerpiece that is as delicious as it is beautiful. The process of making the dough, filling it with sweet cheese, and shaping it into a beautiful loaf is a traditional and rewarding experience that brings joy to those who bake and those who enjoy it.

Whether you are a seasoned baker or new to bread-making, this recipe will provide you with clear and easy-to-follow instructions that will help you create a masterpiece in your own kitchen. From mixing and proofing the dough to shaping and baking the final loaf, every step of the process is carefully outlined to ensure that you achieve the perfect result.

So, if you are looking for a special recipe to make this Easter, consider trying your hand at making a Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread. Your family and friends will be delighted by this flavorful and rich treat, and it will undoubtedly become a new tradition in your household. With its golden crust, tender crumb, and sweet cheese filling, this Babka will be the perfect addition to your Easter celebration. With a little time and effort, you can create a delicious and beautiful loaf of Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread to share with your loved ones. So, let's get started and make this Easter extra special with a homemade Babka!

⅓ cup white sugar, divided
2 tablespoons warm water (110 degrees F (43 degrees C))
3 ⅓ teaspoons active dry yeast
⅔ cup milk
6 tablespoons butter, softened
2 egg yolks, beaten
⅔ teaspoon salt
3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tablespoon orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier®)
½ orange, zested
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup white sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ cup cold butter, cubed
½ cup thinly sliced almonds
1 egg white, beaten

Information

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Additional Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs 55 mins
Servings: 24
Yield: 2 loaves

Mix 1 teaspoon sugar, water, and yeast together in a small bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.

Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Pour into a large bowl. Stir in 6 tablespoons butter until melted. Let mixture cool to 110 degrees F (43 degrees C), about 5 minutes.

Mix remaining sugar, yeast mixture, 2 egg yolks, and salt into the milk mixture. Add 3 1/3 cups flour; knead dough until shiny and elastic.

Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat both sides. Cover with greased plastic wrap; let rise until doubled, 1 to 2 hours.

Combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 2 egg yolks, orange liqueur, orange zest, and 1 vanilla extract in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth.

Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 6 tablespoons flour together in a bowl. Cut in 1/4 cup cold butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives. Stir in almonds.

Grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Punch down dough and divide in half. Roll 1 half into a rectangle 1/8-inch thick; keep the other half covered. Spread 1/2 of the cream cheese mixture over the dough. Fold in the short ends of the dough and roll up tightly like a jelly roll. Transfer to a prepared loaf pan. Repeat with remaining dough and cream cheese mixture.

Brush beaten egg white over the loaves; sprinkle almond topping evenly on top. Cover loaves with greased plastic wrap and let rise until dough reaches above the rim of the pans, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Bake loaves in the preheated oven until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 190 degrees F (88 degrees C), 40 to 50 minutes. Cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Run a knife along the sides to loosen; let cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition

298 cal.

Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 78mg
Sodium: 189mg
Total Carbohydrate: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 16g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 44mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 97mg

How to Make Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread (Babka) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

Information

Nutrition

298 cal.

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