Description
Indulge in a freshly baked Easter Cream Cheese Babka, a rich and sweet braided bread filled with creamy goodness, perfect for celebrating the holiday.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup whole milk
warmed
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter
softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese
softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional: Zest of 1 lemon for added flavor
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. If desired, stir in lemon zest for added flavor.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then twist to create a braided effect. Place in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a richer taste, consider adding chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling or sprinkling some on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Easter Cream Cheese Babka, babka recipe, cream cheese bread, sweet bread, Easter dessert