Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of Nutella babka, a delightful twist on the traditional Jewish bread. This sweet, braided loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat any time of the day. With its soft, fluffy dough and luscious Nutella filling, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Most of the ingredients for this Nutella Babka recipe are common pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up a packet of active dry yeast if you don't have it on hand. Additionally, make sure you have a jar of Nutella ready, as it's the star of this recipe. Everything else, like all-purpose flour, sugar, milk, butter, and eggs, should be readily available in most kitchens.
Ingredients for Nutella Babka
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise, making it light and fluffy.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Butter: Adds flavor and tenderness to the dough.
Eggs: Bind the dough together and add richness.
Nutella: The star ingredient, providing a rich, chocolatey filling.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When spreading the nutella over the dough, make sure to leave a small border around the edges. This will help prevent the filling from oozing out when you roll the dough into a log.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the dough denser.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients without needing to be activated in warm liquid first.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a different sweetness and moisture, but you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
warm milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good non-dairy alternative that provides a similar texture and moisture.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a slight coconut flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) are a good vegan alternative that helps bind the dough.
nutella - Substitute with chocolate hazelnut spread: Other chocolate hazelnut spreads can provide a similar flavor and texture.
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How to Store or Freeze Your Babka
Allow the Nutella babka to cool completely before storing. This ensures that any residual heat doesn't create unwanted moisture, which can make the bread soggy.
Wrap the babka tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to keep it fresh and prevents it from drying out.
For short-term storage, place the wrapped babka in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep the babka fresh for a longer period, consider refrigerating it. Place the wrapped babka in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
To freeze the babka, first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps to prevent freezer burn.
Label the wrapped babka with the date before placing it in the freezer. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
The babka can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
For a quick thaw, you can leave the babka at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, you can refresh it by warming it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
If you prefer individual servings, slice the babka before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store them in a resealable plastic bag. This way, you can easily grab a slice or two without thawing the entire loaf.
When reheating, avoid using the microwave as it can make the babka chewy. Instead, use a toaster oven or conventional oven for the best texture and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the Nutella babka in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crust's crispiness while ensuring the Nutella filling is gooey and delicious.
For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a slice of Nutella babka on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the Nutella can become too hot and the bread might turn rubbery.
If you have a toaster oven, it's a great tool for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the Nutella babka slice directly on the rack or on a piece of parchment paper. Toast for about 5-7 minutes. This method ensures a nice balance between a crispy exterior and a warm, soft interior.
For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Place the Nutella babka slice in the skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid to trap the heat and warm for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method is great for achieving a slightly toasted texture while keeping the Nutella filling melty.
If you prefer a steam method, use a steamer basket. Place the Nutella babka slice in the basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes. This method keeps the bread moist and the Nutella filling perfectly gooey without drying out the babka.
Essential Tools for Making Babka
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the ingredients for the dough.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, and milk.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like yeast and a pinch of sugar.
Whisk: Useful for mixing the yeast with the warm milk and sugar.
Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the dough before kneading.
Stand mixer: Optional, but can be used with a dough hook to mix and knead the dough more efficiently.
Rolling pin: Used to roll out the dough into a rectangle.
Spatula: Helps in spreading the Nutella evenly over the dough.
Sharp knife: Necessary for cutting the rolled dough log in half lengthwise.
Loaf pan: The pan where the twisted dough will be placed for the final rise and baking.
Pastry brush: Useful for greasing the bowl and loaf pan.
Kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises.
Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the babka.
Cooling rack: Allows the babka to cool evenly after baking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth workflow.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can knead the dough efficiently, saving you time and effort.
Warm environment: Let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven to speed up the proofing process.
Preheat oven early: Preheat your oven while the dough is rising to save time.
Nutella spread: Slightly warm the Nutella to make it easier to spread evenly over the dough.
Nutella Babka Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- ½ cup Sugar
- ½ cup Milk Warm
- ¼ cup Butter Melted
- 2 Eggs Room temperature
- 1 cup Nutella
Instructions
- 1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- 2. Add flour, remaining sugar, melted butter, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- 3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- 4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread Nutella evenly over the dough.
- 5. Roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log in half lengthwise and twist the two halves together. Place in a greased loaf pan.
- 6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dough rise in the pan for another 30 minutes.
- 7. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.
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