Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon saffron ( optional )
10 tablespoons butter , room temperature
4 egg yolks , room temperature
5 cups flour , sifted
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
1 lemon , zest of
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1 1 cup dried cherries ( soaked in hot apple juice , rum or vodka for 15 minutes and drained ) or 1 cup dried cranberries ( soaked in hot apple juice , rum or vodka for 15 minutes and drained )
1/3 cup almond cookie , crushed into fine crumbs
1 egg , beaten
1/4 cup sliced almonds
8 ounces cream cheese , softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 lemon zest
1 pinch saffron ( optional )
1 1/4 cups milk , scalded and cooled to lukewarm
Cheese Babka is a popular Jewish pastry that originated in Eastern Europe. It is a yeast-based sweet bread filled with cream cheese and other ingredients. This recipe makes it easy to enjoy this rich and delicious dessert by using a bread machine. Cheese babka is often served during holidays and special occasions. It is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. This recipe takes advantage of the bread machine to make the process easy and stress-free. The dried cherries or cranberries in the recipe add a pop of tartness, while the sliced almonds on top give the babka a nice crunch. Whether you're hosting a gathering with friends or need a special treat for your family, this cheese babka recipe is sure to impress.

Instructions

1.In the bread machine pan, add the ingredients into the pan in the order suggested by the manufacturer.
2.Select dough cycle and press start.
3.Once the dough cycle has finished, remove the dough and divide it into two equal parts.
4.Roll out each part to a rectangular shape about 9 inches wide and 12 inches long.
5.In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, lemon zest, and saffron (if using) until well combined.
6.Spread half of the mixture over each rectangle of dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges free.
7.Sprinkle the dried cherries or cranberries over the cream cheese mixture.
8.Roll the dough up from the long edge, pinching the seam closed and tucking the ends underneath.
9.Place each babka in a greased bread pan.
10.Brush the top of each babka with beaten egg and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
11.Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 30-60 minutes.
12.Preheat the oven to 350°F.
13.Bake the babkas for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
14.Cool the babkas in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing and serving.

PROS

This cheese babka is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
It’s easy to make in a bread machine and is sure to impress your guests.

The saffron adds a unique flavor and a beautiful golden color to the babka.

The cream cheese filling is smooth and rich, while the dried cherries or cranberries add a pop of tartness.

The sliced almonds on top give the babka a crunchy texture.

CONS

This recipe takes some time and effort to make, especially if you are baking the babka in a bread machine.

The cream cheese filling can be messy to work with, so be sure to leave enough space around the edges when spreading it on the dough.

The dried fruit can be substituted with other fruits or nuts.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this cheese babka is not the healthiest food, it can be enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation.
The almonds on top are a good source of healthy fats and protein.
The saffron has been linked to promoting mood balance and reducing inflammation.
The dried fruit adds natural sweetness and fiber to the babka.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.