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Honey Babka with Creamy Frosting

Honey Babka with Creamy Frosting
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Honey Babka with Creamy Frosting is a delightfully sweet, soft, and fluffy bread featuring golden honey swirls and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe combines natural floral sweetness with a tender crumb and a smooth, tangy frosting finish, creating a comforting and indulgent bakery treat that’s easy to make at home and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm milk (just below body temperature)
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients

  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Creamy Frosting Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tbsp milk (optional, to thin)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk to just below body temperature. Dissolve the yeast and a pinch of sugar in the warm milk and let it activate for 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until a soft dough forms, then knead by hand or with a mixer for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. This develops the airy texture of the bread.
  3. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, mix the honey and melted butter until smooth and glossy. Prepare any variations you desire such as chocolate or cinnamon fillings.
  4. Shape the Babka: Once the dough has doubled, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the honey filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll. Slice the roll lengthwise to expose the layers and twist the two halves around each other, forming the signature spiral babka shape.
  5. Second Rise and Baking: Place the twisted dough in a greased loaf pan, cover lightly, and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time. Bake the babka for 35-40 minutes until golden on top and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Make the Creamy Frosting: While the babka cools, blend softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until smooth and creamy.
  7. Frost and Serve: Spread the frosting generously over the cooled babka. Slice and enjoy the harmonious combination of honey sweetness with the creamy frosting in every bite.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for even dough rising and better texture.
  • Do not rush the rising times for fluffier, more flavorful bread.
  • Roll the dough tightly but gently to preserve layers and fragrance.
  • Allow the babka to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Check doneness with a skewer or toothpick to avoid underbaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey babka, sweet bread, cream cheese frosting, yeast bread, breakfast, dessert, homemade babka

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/honey-babka-with-creamy-frosting/