Ukrainian Honey Babka Recipe

 Ukrainian Honey Babka with Creamy Frosting. Babka is a delicious sweet yeast bread, and adding honey brings an extra richness to it. The creamy frosting gives it a sweet, luscious finish. Here’s how to make it:

Ukrainian Honey Babka Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/2 cup honey

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup melted butter

2 large eggs (at room temperature)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Filling:

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Creamy Frosting:

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.

Add the yeast mixture, honey, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and optional cinnamon and lemon zest into the well. Stir everything together to form a dough.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

In a small bowl, mix together the honey, softened butter, and cinnamon (if using). This will create a thick, spreadable filling.

If you’re using nuts, chop them finely and set aside.

3. Shape the Babka:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 12×16 inches.

Spread the honey-butter filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on the edges.

Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.

Carefully roll the dough up into a log, starting from the long side.

Slice the rolled dough in half lengthwise to expose the layers. Twist the two halves together and form a spiral or braid.

Place the twisted dough into a greased 9-inch loaf pan, tucking the ends under.

4. Bake:

Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the babka in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the babka cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Creamy Frosting:

While the babka is cooling, make the frosting.

In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese until fully combined.

6. Frost the Babka:

Once the babka has cooled, drizzle the creamy frosting over the top. You can spread it out evenly or let it drip down the sides for a beautiful effect.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the babka and enjoy this sweet, honey-infused bread with a creamy frosting finish. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion!

Feel free to customize the frosting or filling as per your preferences (e.g., adding chocolate chips or dried fruit). Enjoy your homemade Ukrainian Honey Babka!