🍫 Nutella & Nut Babka: A Delicious Adventure

👨‍🍳 By: Henry Hunter

Welcome to my babka! I’m bringing you a recipe that’s all about the rich, nutty taste of Nutella, combined with the crunch of chopped nuts and the sweetness of dried fruit. The result? A soft, tender bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just as a sweet snack. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting your feet wet, this recipe is straightforward and sure to wow anyone who tries it.

Baking babka is a hands-on experience that lets you flex your creativity in the kitchen. Rolling, spreading, and filling the dough gives you room to play with flavors and textures. And as that babka bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the warm, comforting smell of fresh bread. When it’s finally out of the oven, you’ll have a beautiful, delicious loaf that’s bound to impress your family and friends.

So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this mouth-watering babka recipe!

⏱️ Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 2 loaves (approximately 12 slices each)

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Stand mixer with dough hook (or large mixing bowl for hand mixing)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or dough scraper
• 2 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pans
• Pastry brush
• Aluminum foil (optional, for tenting)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (240 ml)
• 2 and 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (7 g)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
• 1 tsp salt (5 g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (112 g)
• 4 and 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour (560-600 g)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup Nutella (340 g)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts) (60 g)
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates) (60 g)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (2 g)
• 1 tablespoon (13 g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)

For the Topping:

• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten (for brushing the top)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling the top)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
   • Add eggs, sugar, salt, melted butter, and 2 cups (280 g) of flour. Mix well.
   • Gradually add remaining flour until dough forms a ball.
   • Knead for 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-6 minutes with stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
   • Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a small bowl, combine nuts, dried fruit, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Shape the Babka:
   • Punch down dough and divide into 2 equal parts.
   • Roll each half into a 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thick rectangle.
   • Spread half of the Nutella on each rectangle, leaving a 1/2 inch (1 cm) border.
   • Sprinkle nut mixture over Nutella.
   • Roll up from long side, jelly roll-style, and pinch edges to seal.
   • Slice each log lengthwise and braid by crossing one strand over the other.
4. Second Rise:
   • Place braided dough into 2 greased 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pans.
   • Brush with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with sugar.
   • Let rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
5. Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
   • If browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
   • Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (per slice, approximate)

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 110mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 5g

Please note that these nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Enjoy your delicious homemade babka! 🍞✨