The Ultimate Nutella Babka Recipe: A Sinfully Rich Delight

What is babka?

Babka is a sweet braided bread (or double twisted) bread made by the Jewish communities in Poland and Ukraine.

• It is a rich, buttery dough typically baked in a high loaf pan.
• The traditional filling is of course chocolate. But you can use almost anything from fruit fillings, and curds, to sauces and creams.
• The unique thing about babka is that is brushed with sugar syrup at the end of the cooking time. This ensures it says moist long after it is baked.

This Nutella babka recipe stands out from the crowd because of its perfect balance of ingredients, exceptional texture, generous Nutella filling, and foolproof instructions.

What is Nutella?

Nutella is a beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread that’s been a staple in the pantries of many households for decades. It was created in the 1940s in Italy, and since then it has become an iconic and globally-recognized staple. Nutella is known for its smooth, creamy texture and indulgent flavor that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a snack. Its versatility also makes it a great ingredient in a variety of dishes like cakes, crepes, cookies, and more. From breakfast to dessert, Nutella is a must-have for any household.

Why is this the best recipe

• First and foremost, this recipe’s careful balance of ingredients ensures that the babka is sinfully rich and indulgent. The combination of butter, sugar, and Nutella creates a luscious, sweet, and decadent bread. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
• Moreover, the texture of this babka is truly exceptional. The addition of whole milk and Greek yogurt adds a creamy richness to the dough, resulting in a moist and tender bread that practically melts in your mouth. The large egg, which acts as a binding agent, gives the babka its structure and contributes to its softness. You won’t find any dry or crumbly bits here—just pure, pillowy goodness.
• Another reason this recipe reigns supreme is the sheer amount of Nutella used. While some recipes may skimp on the delicious hazelnut spread, this Nutella babka pulls out all the stops. Generously slathering Nutella throughout the dough ensures that every bite is filled with that irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor. It’s an indulgence that Nutella lovers won’t be able to resist.
• Furthermore, the detailed instructions provided in this recipe guarantee success, even for novice bakers. From the precise measurements to the step-by-step guidance, everything is laid out clearly, ensuring that you achieve the perfect babka every time. This recipe takes the guesswork out of the process, allowing you to confidently create a show-stopper dessert that will impress everyone lucky enough to taste it.

Ingredients and substitutes

• Ideally, you want to use rich European butter for the best flavor. For those who follow a vegan lifestyle or have dairy allergies, fret not! You can easily replace the butter in this recipe with vegan butter or margarine. These alternatives provide the same rich and creamy texture without compromising on flavor. Additionally, you can opt for almond milk or soy milk as a substitute for regular milk, ensuring your babka remains indulgent and delicious.
• We use white granulated sugar. But if you’re watching your sugar intake, there are alternatives for that too. Instead of using regular granulated sugar, you can use coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index. This will give your babka a slightly different flavor profile, adding a subtle hint of caramel. Alternatively, you can try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to your desired level of sweetness.
• Of course, bread flour is always the secret to making any type of bread. But, for those looking to add a touch of nuttiness to their babka, consider swapping out the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will not only enhance the flavor but also increase the fiber content of your babka. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as chopped almonds or pecans, to add a crunchy texture to the filling.
• If you’re in the mood for a fruity twist, you can incorporate jam or preserves into the Nutella filling. Whether raspberry, strawberry, or even apricot, the combination of Nutella and fruit will create a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.

Tips for baking perfect babka

To ensure your Nutella babka comes out perfectly every time, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.

• First and foremost, make sure to properly proof your yeast. This means activating it in warm water with a pinch of sugar, allowing it to bubble and froth before adding it to the dough. This step is crucial for ensuring a light and airy babka.
• When it comes to kneading the dough, don’t rush the process. Take your time and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This will help develop the gluten, resulting in a better texture for your babka.
• Another important tip is to generously grease your loaf pan. This will prevent the babka from sticking to the sides when it bakes, making it easier to remove and keeping it intact.
• As you assemble the layers of Nutella and any additional fillings, be sure to spread them evenly across the dough. This will ensure a uniform distribution of flavors throughout the babka. When rolling up the dough, make sure it is tightly sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
• While baking, it’s a good idea to tent the top of the babka with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent it from getting too brown. This will help maintain a golden crust without risking burnt edges.
• Finally, be sure to let your baked babka cool completely before slicing into it. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and the bread to set, ensuring a perfect texture and taste.

Creative ways to serve and use leftover babka

Nutella Babka is a delicious treat that combines the rich flavors of Nutella with the delightful texture of a traditional babka. Here are some creative ways to serve Nutella Babka that will make it even more enjoyable:

• Babka French Toast: Slice the Nutella Babka into thick slices and use them to make French toast. Dip the pieces in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then cook them on a hot grill until golden brown. Top with a drizzle of Nutella and powdered sugar for an indulgent breakfast or dessert.
• Nutella Babka Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice the Babka horizontally and place a scoop of your favorite ice cream (such as vanilla or hazelnut) between the layers. Press gently to make a delicious ice cream sandwich with warm and cold, soft, and creamy textures.
• Babka Bread Pudding: Cube the Nutella Babka as a delectable bread pudding base. Mix the cubes with a custard mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Bake until set, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Babka Bread Crumbs: Toast slices of babka until they are dry and crunchy. Then, pulse them in a food processor to create Babka bread crumbs. Use these crumbs as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or sprinkle them over pancakes and waffles.
• Fondue: Cut it into bite-sized pieces and use them as dippers for a luscious Nutella fondue. Warm Nutella in a small fondue pot and dip the babka pieces with fruits like strawberries, bananas, and marshmallows for a delightful dessert experience.
• Babka Trifle: Create layers of cubed Babka, Nutella spread, whipped cream, and fresh berries in a trifle dish. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with a generous whipped cream dollop and a Nutella drizzle. Chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
• Nutella Babka S’mores: Slice the Babka into thin slices and use them to replace traditional graham crackers in a s’mores recipe. Roast marshmallows, place them between two slices of babka, and add a piece of chocolate. Enjoy a gooey, Nutella-infused twist on this classic campfire treat.
• Babka Affogato: Brew a strong shot of espresso or prepare a small cup of coffee. Serve a slice of warm Nutella Babka alongside the coffee and let guests pour the coffee over the babka. The coffee, Nutella, and bread mix will create a unique and delicious dessert experience.