Description
Honey Babka with Creamy Frosting is a soft, rich, and irresistibly delicious bread combining golden honey-infused dough twisted with sweet layers and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Ideal for brunch, dessert, or any indulgent moment, this recipe balances natural sweetness, tender texture, and creamy richness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm Milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 tsp Salt
Filling and Optional Add-ins
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened
- Optional: ground Cinnamon, chopped Nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Creamy Frosting
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and a tablespoon of honey in a bowl to activate the yeast. After about 5-10 minutes when foamy, add flour, eggs, salt, and softened butter. Mix until a smooth dough forms, then knead thoroughly until elastic and smooth. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Roll and Fill the Dough: Once risen, roll the dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread a thin, even layer of honey and softened butter over the surface. If desired, sprinkle cinnamon or chopped nuts for additional flavor and texture. Carefully roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other to create a log.
- Twist and Shape: Slice the rolled dough lengthwise, exposing the filling swirls. Gently twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up to showcase the layers. Transfer the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and allow it to rise again for about 45 minutes.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Let the babka cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Creamy Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. When the babka is cool but still slightly warm, spread the frosting generously on top, allowing it to soften into the crevices for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure easier mixing and better dough texture.
- Don’t rush the rise times; proper proofing creates the light, airy crumb characteristic of babka.
- Handle the dough gently to avoid over-kneading, which can make the babka tough.
- Brush the babka with melted butter right after baking for extra shine and richness.
- Apply frosting when the babka is warm, not hot, to prevent it from melting completely and to keep a creamy layer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Honey Babka, Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting, Sweet Bread, Honey Bread, Yeast Bread, Holiday Bread, Brunch Bread
