Honey Babka with Creamy Frosting

Honey Babka with Creamy Frosting

This Honey Babka is a soft, buttery, and beautifully swirled bread filled with sticky honey goodness and topped with a luscious creamy frosting. It’s like a cross between sweet challah and cinnamon rolls, with the irresistible aroma of honey and vanilla filling your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup warm milk

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

For the Honey Filling:

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

• Pinch of salt

For the Creamy Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1-2 tbsp milk or cream (as needed)

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

   • In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

   • Add warm milk, butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms.

   • Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

   • Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled.

2. Prepare Honey Filling:

   • Mix honey, softened butter, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth.

3. Assemble the Babka:

   • Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 10×16 inches).

   • Spread the honey filling evenly over the dough.

   • Roll up tightly from the long side.

   • Slice the log lengthwise, twist the two halves together, keeping the filling exposed.

   • Place into a greased loaf pan or in a ring shape on a baking sheet.

   • Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.

4. Bake:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

   • Cool slightly.

5. Make the Frosting:

   • Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.

   • Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach desired consistency.

   • Drizzle or spread over the warm (not hot) babka.

6. Serve:

   • Slice and enjoy the soft, sticky, and creamy honey delight!

Tips:

• For extra shine, brush baked babka with a little warm honey while still warm.

• Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the filling for crunch.

• It’s also amazing served slightly warmed up with coffee or tea.

Would you also like a chocolate honey babka version?
If yes, just say “Yes, chocolate twist!” 🍫🍯