Description
Indulgent blueberry cream cheese babka weaves a delightful story of sweet, tangy flavors dancing through enriched dough. Rich swirls of creamy filling and juicy blueberries promise pure comfort you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk (warmed to 100-110°F / 37-43°C)
- 3 cups blueberries
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
Filling and Sweeteners:
- 3/4 cup sugar (for blueberry filling)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for cream cheese filling)
- 1/3 cup sugar (plus 1 teaspoon)
- 1/3 cup sugar (for syrup)
Additional Ingredients:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened and cubed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant blueberry syrup by simmering blueberries with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan for approximately 15 minutes until thickened. Refrigerate to cool completely.
- Awaken the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk with a touch of sugar. Allow the mixture to bloom for 5-10 minutes until frothy and activated.
- Create a rich dough base by whisking eggs, vanilla, sugar, and salt. Gradually fold in the yeast mixture and flour, mixing until a cohesive dough develops.
- Integrate softened butter into the dough, kneading meticulously until smooth and elastic. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm environment for 1-1.5 hours, expanding to double its original size.
- Gently roll the risen dough into a thin rectangular shape. Spread a luxurious layer of sweetened cream cheese across the surface, then generously distribute the cooled blueberry preserves.
- Transform the dough by rolling it into a tight log. Slice the log lengthwise, then intertwine the halves to create an intricate twisted pattern. Transfer to a greased loaf pan for a final rise of one hour.
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Bake the babka for 40 minutes, monitoring until it achieves a golden-brown exterior.
- Simultaneously prepare a light sugar syrup by dissolving sugar in water over high heat, stirring until completely incorporated and slightly thickened.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, generously brush the hot babka with the prepared sugar syrup. Allow the babka to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth dough mixing and consistent texture.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a soft and stretchy babka with better rise.
- If blueberries are out of season, substitute with frozen berries or alternative fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry for variety.
- Enhance the cream cheese filling by adding a hint of lemon zest or vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg