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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 decadent sweet bread featuring a soft, fluffy honey-infused dough topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfasts, brunches, or desserts, this recipe combines rich honey flavors with tender texture and luscious frosting for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Creamy Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins & Variations

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans for nutty crunch
  • Chocolate spread to swirl inside
  • Gluten-free flour blend as substitute
  • Coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese for vegan frosting
  • Cinnamon or cardamom to spice the honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk slightly (around 110°F/43°C), then dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in it to activate. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Slowly add the milk-yeast mixture, eggs, honey, and melted butter, mixing until combined. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
  2. Roll and Fill: Once risen, transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle. If using, spread chocolate spread evenly or sprinkle chopped nuts over the dough. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log lengthwise into two even strips to expose filling layers.
  3. Twist and Shape: Twist the two dough strips around each other carefully, keeping the cut sides facing up to showcase the filling. Place the twisted loaf into a greased loaf pan. Cover with a towel and allow it to rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
  4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown on top and fully cooked through. Remove from oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
  5. Make the Creamy Frosting: While the babka cools, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled babka for a rich finish.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast.
  • Knead dough thoroughly for 8-10 minutes to develop ideal texture.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter to promote even rising.
  • Check baking early to avoid overbaking and keep bread moist.
  • Only frost the babka once it is completely cooled to prevent frosting melting.
  • Wrap leftover babka tightly to maintain freshness and softness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Babka, Creamy Frosting, Sweet Bread, Breakfast Bread, Dessert Bread, Honey Bread

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