Indulge in the delightful flavors of traditional Polish Easter bread, also known as babka. This recipe takes a classic sweet bread and elevates it with a rich, creamy cheese filling, making it a festive treat perfect for celebrating the holiday with loved ones. The crumbly almond topping adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
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When preparing this recipe, you may need to visit the supermarket for a few special ingredients. Look for active dry yeast in the baking aisle, and don't forget the orange liqueur for a hint of citrus flavor. Ensure you pick up fresh cream cheese and make sure you have almonds on hand for the crumb topping.
Ingredients For Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread (Babka)
white sugar: Provides sweetness to the dough, filling, and crumb topping.
warm water: Activates the yeast for the dough.
active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
butter: Used in the dough and adds flavor and tenderness.
egg yolks: Enrich the dough and filling, adding color and texture.
salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
all purpose flour: The main structure for the dough and crumb topping.
cream cheese: The star of the filling, providing a creamy texture.
orange liqueur: Adds a subtle citrus flavor to the filling.
orange zest: Infuses the filling with fresh citrus notes.
vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
cold butter: Used in the crumb topping to create a crunchy texture.
almonds: Adds crunch and nuttiness to the crumb topping.
egg white: Helps the crumb topping adhere to the loaves.
One reader, Cyndia Joe says:
This cheese-filled Easter Polish bread is absolutely delightful! The creamy filling and crumbly almond topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a bit of a labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. Perfect for a festive holiday treat!
Techniques Required
How to activate yeast: Mix 1 teaspoon sugar, water, and yeast together in a small bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
How to heat milk: Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to bubble.
How to knead dough: Add flour to the mixture and knead the dough until shiny and elastic.
How to prepare filling: Combine cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks, orange liqueur, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
How to make crumb topping: Mix sugar and flour together in a bowl. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives. Stir in almonds.
How to roll dough: Roll dough into a rectangle ⅛-inch thick. Spread filling over the dough, fold in the short ends, and roll up tightly like a jelly roll.
How to bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake loaves in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 190 degrees F.
How To Make Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread (Babka)
Traditionally served for Easter, this Polish bread is filled with orange-infused cream cheese and topped with a buttery crumble baked until golden.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ⅓cupwhite sugar,divided
- 2tbspwarm water,(110 degrees F)
- 3½tspactive dry yeast
- ⅔cupmilk
- 6tbspbutter,softened
- 2egg yolks,beaten
- ⅔tspsalt
- 3⅓cupsall purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 8ozcream cheese,(3 packages) softened
- 1cupwhite sugar
- 2egg yolks
- 1tbsporange liqueur,such as Grand Marnier®
- ½orange,zested
- 1tspvanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½cupwhite sugar
- 6tbspall purpose flour
- ¼cupcold butter,cubed
- ½cupalmonds,thinly sliced
- 1egg white,beaten
Instructions
Dough:
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Mix 1 teaspoon sugar, water, and yeast together in a small bowl. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
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Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Pour into a large bowl.
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Stir in 6 tablespoons butter until melted. Let mixture cool to 110 degrees F for about 5 minutes.
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Mix remaining sugar, yeast mixture, egg yolks, and salt into the milk mixture. Add 3⅓ cups flour, then knead the dough until shiny and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat both sides. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let rise until doubled for 1 to 2 hours.
Filling:
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Combine cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks, orange liqueur, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
Crumb Topping:
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Mix ½ cup sugar and flour together in a bowl. Cut in ¼ cup cold butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives. Stir in almonds.
To Bake:
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Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans and line the bottom with parchment paper.
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Punch down dough and divide in half. Roll 1 half into a rectangle ⅛-inch thick. Keep the other half covered.
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Spread ½ of the cream cheese mixture over the dough. Fold in the short ends of the dough and roll up tightly like a jelly roll.
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Transfer to a prepared loaf pan. Repeat with the remaining dough and cream cheese mixture.
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Brush beat egg white over the loaves, then sprinkle the almond topping evenly on top.
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Cover loaves with greased plastic wrap and let rise for about 1 hour until dough reaches above the rim of the pans.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Bake loaves in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 190 degrees F.
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Cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Run a knife along the sides to loosen; let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 239.25kcal
- Fat: 10.58g
- Saturated Fat: 5.35g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.87g
- Carbohydrates: 32.27g
- Fiber: 1.12g
- Sugar: 16.61g
- Protein: 4.19g
- Cholesterol: 48.14mg
- Sodium: 106.55mg
- Calcium: 33.75mg
- Potassium: 81.46mg
- Iron: 1.13mg
- Vitamin A: 87.01µg
- Vitamin C: 1.45mg
Technique Tip for Making Cheese-Filled Babka
When kneading the dough, ensure it becomes shiny and elastic by using the windowpane test: stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, it's ready. This ensures proper gluten development for a light and airy bread.
How to Save Time on Making Babka
Prepare the filling: Make the cream cheese mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This will save you time on baking day.
Use a stand mixer: Knead the dough with a stand mixer to save time and ensure it becomes shiny and elastic faster.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients before you start. This will streamline the process and reduce preparation time.
Double the recipe: Make two loaves at once and freeze one for later. This way, you only need to bake once but enjoy twice.
Quick rise: Place the dough in a warm oven (turned off) to speed up the rising process.
Substitute Ingredients For Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread (Babka) Recipe
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
warm water - Substitute with warm milk: Warm milk can help activate the yeast and add a richer flavor.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients without needing to be activated in water first.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a subtle coconut flavor.
egg yolks - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg yolk, making it a vegan alternative.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can add a slightly different mineral flavor and is less processed.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the dough denser.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese provides a similar creamy texture but is lighter and less tangy.
orange liqueur - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice provides the citrus flavor without the alcohol content.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.
cold butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a non-dairy alternative to butter.
almonds - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
egg white - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) can be whipped to replace egg whites, making it a vegan option.
Best Way to Present This Polish Bread
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the cheese-filled babka into elegant, bite-sized pieces to ensure each guest gets a perfect taste of the rich flavors without overwhelming their palate.
Use decoration: Garnish each slice with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar and a few zest curls of orange to enhance the visual appeal and hint at the citrus notes within.
Plate with contrast: Place the slices on a dark-colored plate to make the golden-brown babka stand out. The contrast will highlight the beautiful crumb topping and the creamy filling.
Add a sauce: Drizzle a light orange liqueur glaze around the plate to complement the filling and add a touch of sophistication. This will also tie in the flavors of the orange liqueur used in the filling.
Incorporate texture: Sprinkle a few toasted almonds around the plate to add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft, creamy cheese filling and the tender dough.
Use fresh elements: Add a small sprig of mint or a couple of fresh berries beside each slice to introduce a fresh, vibrant element to the presentation.
Highlight layers: When slicing the babka, ensure that the layers of dough and cheese filling are clearly visible. This will showcase the intricate work and the delicious filling inside.
Serve with a side: Pair the babka with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, rich bread.
Create height: Stack two or three slices slightly offset on the plate to create visual interest and height, making the dish look more dynamic and appealing.
Finish with a flourish: Just before serving, lightly brush the top of each slice with a bit of melted butter to give it a glossy finish and enhance the aroma.
Best Tools for Making Babka
Small bowl: Used to mix the sugar, water, and yeast together to activate the yeast.
Saucepan: Needed to heat the milk until it begins to bubble.
Large bowl: Used for mixing the milk, butter, sugar, yeast mixture, egg yolks, salt, and flour to form the dough.
Electric mixer: Helps to beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks, orange liqueur, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth for the filling.
Pastry blender: Used to cut in the cold butter with the sugar and flour for the crumb topping.
Knives: An alternative to the pastry blender for cutting in the cold butter.
Rolling pin: Needed to roll the dough into a rectangle.
Loaf pans: Two 9x5-inch loaf pans are required to bake the babka.
Parchment paper: Used to line the bottom of the loaf pans to prevent sticking.
Plastic wrap: Greased plastic wrap is used to cover the dough while it rises.
Pastry brush: Used to brush the beaten egg white over the loaves before baking.
Instant-read thermometer: Ensures the internal temperature of the babka reaches 190 degrees F for proper doneness.
Knife: Used to run along the sides of the loaf pans to loosen the babka after baking.
How to Store / Freeze This Easter Bread
Storing Guidelines for Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread (Babka) Recipe:
- Allow the babka to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures that the cream cheese filling sets properly and prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container.
- Wrap the cooled babka tightly in plastic wrap. Ensure there are no gaps to keep the bread from drying out.
- Place the wrapped babka in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against air and moisture.
- Store the babka at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it.
- For refrigeration, keep the babka in the airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before serving, let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven for a fresher taste.
Freezing Guidelines for Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread (Babka) Recipe:
- Ensure the babka is completely cooled before freezing. This prevents ice crystals from forming and affecting the texture.
- Wrap the babka tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring all parts are covered. For extra protection, wrap it again in aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped babka in a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag. Label the bag with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- Freeze the babka for up to 3 months. The bread will maintain its quality and flavor within this period.
- To thaw, remove the babka from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can place it in the refrigerator.
- Once thawed, you can warm the babka in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes. This will revive its fresh-baked texture and aroma.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is the optimal temperature to reheat your cheese-filled Easter Polish bread (babka) without drying it out.
- Wrap the babka in aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and ensures that the cream cheese filling remains creamy.
- Place the wrapped babka on a baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check the babka halfway through to ensure it is warming evenly. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach around 110-120 degrees F.
- If you prefer a slightly crispy crust, unwrap the babka for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in a toaster oven. Place a slice on a piece of aluminum foil and heat at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes.
- For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a slice of babka on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious, as microwaving can sometimes make the bread rubbery.
- If you want to add a touch of freshness, lightly brush the top of the babka with melted butter before reheating.
- Serve the reheated babka with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Random Fact About This Recipe
A traditional Polish babka is often enjoyed during Easter celebrations. This cheese-filled version adds a rich and creamy twist to the classic sweet bread. The use of orange liqueur and orange zest in the filling provides a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the cream cheese.
Is This Cheese-Filled Babka Economical for Home Cooking?
The cheese-filled Easter Polish bread (babka) recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, and eggs are relatively inexpensive. Specialty items like cream cheese and orange liqueur add to the cost but are used in small quantities. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 7 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD, making it a delightful yet affordable treat for special occasions.
Cheese-Filled Babka: Healthy or Unhealthy?
This cheese-filled Easter Polish bread (babka) is undeniably delicious but leans towards the indulgent side. The recipe is rich in sugar, butter, and cream cheese, making it high in calories, saturated fats, and sugars. The use of white flour adds to the glycemic load, which can spike blood sugar levels. While the almonds in the crumb topping provide some nutritional benefits like healthy fats and protein, they are overshadowed by the high sugar content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following adjustments:
- Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Replace white sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, reducing the quantity by about a third.
- Use a reduced-fat cream cheese or a Greek yogurt-based filling to cut down on saturated fats.
- Swap out some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture while reducing fat content.
- Incorporate more nuts or seeds into the crumb topping for added protein and healthy fats.
- Add a bit of grated carrot or zucchini to the dough for extra nutrients and moisture without altering the flavor significantly.
Editor's Thoughts on This Cheese-Filled Babka
This cheese-filled Easter Polish bread, or babka, is a delightful blend of rich, creamy filling and tender, buttery dough. The orange liqueur and zest add a refreshing citrus note that complements the sweetness of the cream cheese. The crumb topping, with its almond crunch, provides a perfect textural contrast. The detailed steps ensure a well-risen, beautifully golden loaf. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a festive occasion, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional babka.
Enhance Your Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread (Babka) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Babka
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for Babka
Why trust this Cheese-Filled Easter Polish Bread (Babka) Recipe:
This cheese-filled Easter Polish bread (babka) recipe has been meticulously crafted to ensure a delightful baking experience. The combination of cream cheese, orange liqueur, and vanilla extract in the filling creates a rich and flavorful center. The crumb topping with almonds adds a perfect crunch. Each step is detailed to guarantee success, from the yeast activation to the final bake. Trust this recipe for its balance of traditional techniques and modern flavors, promising a delicious and authentic babka.
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