If you've ever thought about trying your hand at baking something really delicious, babka is where it's at. This sweet bread is not just any old treat; it's a swirl of flavors that'll make your taste buds dance! From classic chocolate to trendy matcha, there's a babka recipe for everyone. Curious about how to whip up these tasty variations? Let's explore the five best babka recipes that'll have you impressing family and friends in no time!
Classic Chocolate Babka
Classic Chocolate Babka is a rich and indulgent bread that combines a soft, buttery dough with a luscious chocolate filling. This Eastern European treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert, and its beautiful twisted shape makes it a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
While it may seem complex, the process is straightforward and well worth the effort, resulting in a warm, flaky, and chocolatey delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, softened butter, and eggs until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread the cocoa powder and chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it in half lengthwise.
Twist the two halves together and place in a greased loaf pan.
Allow it to rise again for about 30-45 minutes, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Extra Tips:
When making chocolate babka, it's crucial to be patient during the rising times to guarantee a light and airy texture.
If your kitchen is cool, consider preheating your oven slightly and then turning it off, using the warm space for the dough to rise.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as cinnamon sugar or fruit preserves, to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate and let the babka cool completely before slicing for neat pieces.
Enjoy your delicious creation!
Cinnamon Swirl Babka

Cinnamon Swirl Babka is a delightful and rich yeast bread that's perfect for breakfast or dessert. This indulgent treat features layers of sweet, buttery dough woven with a cinnamon-sugar filling, creating a beautiful swirl pattern.
While it may seem intimidating to make, the process is quite rewarding, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can impress your family and friends with this homemade babka that's sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast, allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Add the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. In a separate bowl, mix the cinnamon, brown sugar, and walnuts (if using). Spread the cinnamon mixture over the dough, roll it tightly, and cut it in half lengthwise.
Twist the two halves together, then shape the twisted dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush the top with the beaten egg and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool before slicing.
Extra Tips:
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and rising.
If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the dough. For a shinier crust, you can brush the loaf with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water after baking.
Don't rush the rising time; it's essential for achieving a light and fluffy babka. Finally, this babka can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days or wrapped tightly and frozen for longer storage, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat!
Nutty Hazelnut Babka
Nutty Hazelnut Babka is a delightful twist on the traditional sweet bread that combines a rich, buttery dough with a luscious hazelnut filling. This indulgent treat is perfect for brunch, dessert, or as a special gift for friends and family.
With its soft, pillowy texture and irresistible nutty flavor, this babka will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup hazelnut spread
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
After the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle, spread the hazelnut spread evenly, and sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts on top.
Roll the dough tightly into a log, slice it down the middle lengthwise, and twist the two halves together. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the babka to cool before dusting with confectioners' sugar.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make certain your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing, as this helps to create a smoother dough.
If you prefer a more intense hazelnut flavor, feel free to add a bit of hazelnut extract to the filling. Additionally, you can experiment with different nut toppings or even incorporate chocolate chips for a richer treat.
Don't rush the rising times; allowing the dough to rise properly will guarantee a fluffy and tender babka. Enjoy your baking!
Raspberry Cream Cheese Babka

Raspberry Cream Cheese Babka is a delightful twist on the traditional sweet bread, combining the tangy flavor of fresh raspberries with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese. This decadent treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special dessert.
With its beautiful twisted shape and delicious filling, it's sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this recipe to create a stunning and mouthwatering babka that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until you have a smooth and elastic dough.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle, spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, and then scatter the raspberries on top.
Roll up the dough tightly and cut it lengthwise. Twist the two pieces together and place them in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the babka for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Brush the top with the egg wash made from the egg yolk and water before baking for a beautiful finish.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your babka has the perfect texture, make sure your ingredients, particularly the butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature before mixing.
Additionally, if you prefer a sweeter babka, feel free to increase the amount of sugar in the cream cheese filling.
For an extra burst of flavor, you can also mix in some lemon zest with the raspberries.
Finally, let the babka cool completely before slicing to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too crumbly.
Enjoy your delicious creation!
Matcha Green Tea Babka
Matcha Green Tea Babka is a delightful twist on the traditional Eastern European sweet bread, infused with the vibrant flavor of matcha green tea. This beautiful loaf is swirled with a rich matcha filling and topped with a sweet glaze, making it not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Perfect for brunch or as a treat with your afternoon tea, this babka is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique flavor and striking appearance.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, eggs, and softened butter until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, roll the dough out into a rectangle.
In a small bowl, mix the matcha powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, then spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it in half lengthwise.
Twist the two halves together and place in a greased loaf pan.
Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the babka for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Allow it to cool slightly before glazing with a mixture of powdered sugar and milk.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, make sure to use high-quality matcha powder.
If you find the dough too sticky, add a bit more flour until it's workable, but be careful not to overdo it.
When twisting the dough, be gentle to avoid tearing it.
For an extra touch, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Ultimately, this babka can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days, or it can be frozen for up to a month, making it a fantastic make-ahead option!