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Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting

A rich, tender honey-swirled babka topped with tangy cream cheese frosting for an elegant homemade sweet bread.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 0.5 cup warm milk
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs large
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Honey Filling
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp milk or cream

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Loaf pan
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Activate yeast in warm milk and sugar until foamy.
  2. Mix flour and salt, then add yeast mixture, eggs, honey, and vanilla.
  3. Knead in softened butter until smooth and elastic.
  4. Let dough rise until doubled, about 1½–2 hours.
  5. Roll dough, spread honey filling, and shape into twisted babka.
  6. Place in loaf pan and let rise again until puffy.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until golden.
  8. Cool completely, then drizzle with cream cheese frosting.

Notes

Ensure babka is fully cooled before frosting for best texture.