Description

Honey Babka with Creamy Frosting is a sweet, rich pastry combining honey-infused fluffy dough with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy mornings or special occasions, this visually stunning and delicious treat can be customized with nuts, chocolate, or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup honey
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
¾ cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon

Filling Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup honey
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional additions: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans or ¼ cup melted dark chocolate/spread

Creamy Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Activate the active dry yeast by mixing it in warm milk with a pinch of sugar until foamy (about 5 minutes). In a large bowl, combine flour, eggs, honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough either by hand for 8-10 minutes or using a stand mixer until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Mix the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, honey, and cinnamon until well combined. If using nuts or chocolate, fold them into the filling mixture now.
Roll and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log and seal the edges.
Shape the Babka: Slice the rolled log lengthwise into two halves. Twist the two halves around each other with the cut sides facing up to show the filling spirals. Place the twisted babka into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Monitor closely toward the end to avoid over-browning.
Prepare the Creamy Frosting: While the babka cools slightly, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth and spreadable.
Frost and Serve: When the babka is warm (not hot), spread the creamy frosting generously across the top. Serve slices or the whole loaf as desired.

Notes

Use warm milk (around 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten for a chewy texture.
Allow the dough to rise fully for best fluffiness and flavor.
Fresh yeast and high-quality honey improve the bread’s taste significantly.
Cool the babka slightly before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting excessively.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 to 1.5 hours rising)
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Eastern European / Jewish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Honey Babka, Babka recipe, cream cheese frosting, sweet bread, honey pastry, homemade babka, festive bread