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Easter Cream Cheese Babka

Easter Cream Cheese Babka: Brighten Your Brunch Table

This Easter Cream Cheese Babka recipe offers a colorful, delightful centerpiece for your brunch, perfect for celebrating the holiday.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Easter
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese ensure it's softened
  • 1/2 cup Sugar can substitute with powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract use fresh vanilla bean for stronger flavor
  • 1/2 tsp Almond Extract can substitute with vanilla extract
  • Food Coloring gel food coloring recommended
For the Brioche Dough
  • 4 cups All-Purpose Flour no direct substitutions
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 cup Milk use warm (100-110°F)
  • 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast instant yeast can be used without proofing
  • 3 large Eggs preferably at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened and cubed
For the Sugar Syrup Finish
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Water use equal parts with sugar

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Stand mixer
  • Loaf pans
  • wire rack
  • oven

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easter Cream Cheese Babka
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Divide mixture into four bowls, tint with food coloring, and chill.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. In a stand mixer, combine warm milk with yeast and let it foam for about 5 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, and dry ingredients, then knead for 8-10 minutes, adding softened butter until a sticky dough forms. Allow to rise until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  3. Roll out the risen dough into a 12” x 16” rectangle, spread one portion of cream cheese filling, roll tightly, slice in half, and twist the two halves. Repeat with the second half of the dough.
  4. Place the twisted loaves into greased loaf pans, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until puffed.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 185-190°F. Brush tops with sugar syrup for a glossy finish.
  6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve. Leftovers can be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for 1-2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 7gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. The dough should be sticky but manageable.

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