Easy & Best American Babka
Introduction
American Babka is a bread that is enriched with active yeast and originates from Eastern European Jewish, where it has undergone some changes and developed into a rich dessert made of bread halves with either chocolate, ground cinnamon or some other sweet fillings. In this variation, a rich and buttery dough is prepared, which is then rolled out, spread with filling, twisted into a special braid and baked to a golden brown ready state. In contrast to the “Babka” that borrowed from the traditional old world recipes that are found in many other European’s simpler, the American babka in most cases is much more filled with different tastes and even has a strezal or syrup glaze over it. Due to its beautiful swirl pattern and great flavor, it is a common inclusion for a special breakfast or brunch, or even during festive periods.
Recipe
How much time can it take
Ingredients
For the dough:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
3/4 cup whole milk, warm
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tsp salt
For the filling:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the syrup:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Method
1. Warm some milk and pour it into a large mixing bowl, adding in a little bit of yeast and some sugar. Allow it to sit for a period of 10 minutes or until bubbles begin to appear.
2. Then, put the flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and salt in the yeast mixture. Knead the dough until a soft ball forms and allow the dough rise in a greased bowl up to 1-2 hours or until double in size.
3. Shape the dough into a rectangular shape. Now brush the dough with melted butter and add chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar on top. Roll the dough and cut it in the center lengthwise. Take the two parts and twist them together as a braid and place it in a greased loaf tin.
4. Allow it to proof for about 30 minutes. Set the temperature of the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and place the bread in the oven for 35-40 minutes.
5. To make syrup, dissolve sugar in boiling water. After baking the babka, brush it with warm syrup
Notes
So, since Babka dough is enriched, and since patience with rising is the key to the fluffy texture, one must bow down and wait.
For an additional crunchy texture, chop nuts or any streusel and top them before baking.
While the syrup glaze helps in retaining moisture in the babka and giving it a shiny exterior, it can be omitted if you like your bread less sweet
Conclusion
Babka is a dish that is traditional and extravagant at the same time, therefore, it is definitely a people pleaser. The decadent spiced butter dough filled and layered with sweet chocolate makes this bread not only pretty but scrumptious to taste as well. With its complicated designs, every slice of babka is a sight to behold but thanks to the syrup glaze the babka remains fresh and tasty for many days. Be it a celebratory brunch, or a mere cup of coffee, this sweet bread is warm and homely, making any feast more enjoyable. And that cheery celebration in the form of food is – banh, it’s fat and sweet, solid and creamy.
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