1. Recipes

How to Make Cinnamon Babka - A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to rich, indulgent baked goods, few things can compare to the deliciousness of a homemade Cinnamon Babka. This traditional Eastern European bread is a true labor of love, but the results are well worth the effort. With its swirled layers of sweet cinnamon filling and buttery, pillowy dough, Cinnamon Babka is a favorite treat for all occasions.

Although it may seem daunting to make at first, rest assured that with a little dedication and patience, you can create a Cinnamo...

Read more

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup warm water (105 degrees F to 115 degrees F)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • cooking spray
  • ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon tap water
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon firmly packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Rise Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
  • Bake Time: 45 mins
  • Cool Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 55 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 cinnamon babka

  • Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and cinnamon in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with dough hook attachment; mix on low until combined. Add egg, warm water, butter, and vanilla; continue mixing on low until dough begins to come together, about 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and continue beating until dough is soft and smooth, about 5 minutes.
  • Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and set dough inside. Cover and let stand in a warm place (75 degrees F (23 degrees C)) until doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  • Punch down the dough, and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 9x18-inch rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Let rest, uncovered, at room temperature, about 10 minutes. Lightly spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
  • While the dough is resting, stir together sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the filling in a small bowl until combined. Stir in melted butter until mixture is smooth. If dough shrank while resting, re-roll into a 9x 18-inch rectangle. Spread filling in an even layer over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
  • Beginning with the long edge, roll dough gently into a log, pinching seam and ends to seal. Using a serrated knife, cut log in half lengthwise. With cut sides up, twist the two pieces together; tuck ends underneath and place into the prepared loaf pan. Whisk together egg yolk and 1 tablespoon water; gently brush egg wash over the dough.
  • Stir together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping in a bowl until combined. Using your fingers, work in cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle topping evenly over the loaf. Loosely cover loaf and let rise in a warm place (75 degrees F (23 degrees C)) until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until babka is a deep golden brown and a thermometer inserted in the center registers 190 degrees F (87 degrees C), about 45 minutes. After about 25 minutes, cover babka with aluminum foil so surface does not get too dark.
  • Set the pan on a wire rack and allow to cool, 10 minutes. Remove from the pan; let cool slightly, about 20 minutes more. Serve warm.

    • Nutrition

    276 cal.

    • Total Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 61mg
    • Sodium: 229mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 38g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Potassium: 64mg

    Categories

    Sweet bread recipes
    Dessert recipes
    Breakfast recipes
    Brunch recipes
    Baked goods recipes