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+ servings
CHRISTMAS BABKA

Irresistible Christmas Babka: A Festive Sweet Delight

Delight in the festive flavors of Christmas Babka made with cranberries and warm spices, perfect for sharing.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Proofing Time 4 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Christmas
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 large Eggs or egg substitute
  • 250 ml Milk or plant-based milk
  • 100 g Caster Sugar or granulated sugar
  • 50 g Honey or maple syrup
  • 500 g Strong Flour or all-purpose flour
  • 25 g Fresh Yeast or instant yeast
  • 10 g Salt
  • 100 g Butter melted or dairy-free butter
For the Filling
  • 50 g Unsalted Butter or dairy-free butter
  • 75 g Light Brown Sugar or brown sugar/coconut sugar
  • 2 tbsp Christmas Spice Mix or cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
  • 150 g Dried Cranberries or raisins/dried cherries
For the Syrup
  • 100 ml Water
  • 100 g Caster Sugar

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small saucepan
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking tin
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Combine large eggs, milk, caster sugar, and honey in a mixing bowl. Gradually mix in strong flour; prepare fresh yeast by dissolving it in warm water, then add to the bowl.
  2. Knead for 2 minutes, then add salt and continue kneading for another 2-3 minutes. Incorporate melted butter until the dough is elastic.
  3. Shape the dough into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl to prove for 4-5 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
  4. Melt unsalted butter for filling in a saucepan over low heat. Combine with light brown sugar and spice mix until it becomes paste.
  5. Once dough has risen, punch it down, divide in half and roll each into a rectangle. Spread filling and sprinkle cranberries on top.
  6. Roll each rectangle tightly into logs and freeze for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Slice logs in half lengthwise, twist together, and shape into wreath. Place in greased tin.
  8. Cover and allow to proof for 2-3 hours until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 155°C (311°F) and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  9. Prepare syrup by heating water and caster sugar until dissolved. Brush over warm babka after baking and allow to cool.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with coffee or tea. Allow proofing time for best texture.

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