Babka with a Bow

When it comes to babka, I often think of Goldilocks (that’s right, the one with the three bears). You see, somehow it’s always hard to get the babka “just right.” Sometimes it’s too doughy, at other times too chocolaty, and the perfect balance seems so hard to find. A few years ago I got this recipe from my good friend Shaini. I’m sure you’ll agree with me that the only complaint you’ll hear will be “Someone’s been eating my piece…”

 

Watch this babka come to life on Shortcuts by Family Table.

Yields 4 large (11-inch/28-cm) or 6 medium (9-inch/23-cm) babkas.

3h 20m 40
Medium Parve Freezer-Friendly

Contains: Wheat, Egg, Gluten

Directions

Make the Dough

  1. Place all dough ingredients in the bowl of your mixer. Mix well. (The dough will be sticky till after it rises.)

  2. Cover and let it rise for one hour, then divide into four to six equal parts. Allow to rise an additional half hour.

For the Filling

  1. In a separate bowl, combine filling ingredients and mix well.

Make the Babka

  1. Roll out each part of dough into a rectangle. Smear filling on the dough. Roll up like a jelly roll, then fold in half and twist two to three times. Place in loaf pans. Let rise an additional 15–20 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, mix the topping ingredients in a separate bowl.

  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Combine egg whites with a drop of water and smear on babka. Sprinkle the crumbs on top. Bake 40–45 minutes.

Wrap the Babka

  1. Line the loaf pans with Gefen Parchment Paper before putting the babka dough inside. (It is not necessary to use parchment paper for this recipe. I used it here because I didn’t want the babka to touch the newspaper.)

  2. After the babka cools, remove babka from pan and place the piece of newspaper under the baking paper. For a finishing touch, tie a knife on to the cake with a personalized bow. Wrap in cellophane.

Tips:

Personalized ribbons are a great idea to enhance any package, and they are so convenient as no additional labels are needed.

Notes:
Browse our kosher recipe collection, with lots of classic kosher recipes for every occasion.

Suggested Recipes

Explore

babka babke bobka cakes chocolate decorative dessert table Esther Ottensoser freezer-friendly Jewish cuisine jewish food kiddush desserts
Did you make this recipe yet?

What Cooks Are Saying

5.0 out of 5

8 global ratings

5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

Photos from Our Community

See how these recipes turned out in real kitchens. Photos from home cooks will appear here as they're shared.

Tell Us How It Went: Share Your Experience

9 Comments

Miriam Krauss

This recipe is amazing!! was wondering anyone have an idea how to make it dairy for shavuos?

Raquel Malul Kosher.com Team
Reply to Miriam Krauss

Here is a great recipe https://www.kosher.com/recipe/cheese-babka-2437/

Rena

This bobka is all time perfect recipe. Easy to work with dough. Perfect balance of dough and chocolate filling. Slices beautifully and I’ve even made individual in parchment muffin cups. Came out gorgeous and delicious. Rave reviews every time I make.

R. S

Make this filling with my challah dough to make Babka! Comes out delicious!

M H

can this recipe be halved?

fr

is it possible to prepare with dry yeast? if so, how much?

Avigael Levi Kosher.com Team
Reply to fr

Yes, about 2 1/14 tsp. or one packet.

fr
Reply to Avigael Levi

tnx!