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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.
2 and 1/2 pounds Glicks Flour (7 and 3/4 cups or 1 kilogram)
1 and 1/2 cups (3 sticks) margarine (use soy-free, if needed), or 1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine + 1 cup oil
2 ounces (56 grams) fresh yeast, activated in a small bowl with 1/2 cup water + 1 teaspoon sugar
1 and 3/4 cups water
1 and 1/2 teaspoons Gefen Vanilla Sugar
1/2 tablespoon Gefen Salt
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs + 2 egg yolks (save the 2 extra whites for your egg wash)
1 cup Gefen Cocoa Powder
1 box Osem instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1 egg
1 cup (2 sticks) margarine (use soy-free, if needed), or 1 cup oil
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine (use soy-free, if needed)
1 cup Glicks Flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 loaf pan (available at dollar store)
metal knife (available at dollar store, 2 for $1)
piece of newspaper
personalized ribbon
Place all dough ingredients in the bowl of your mixer. Mix well. (The dough will be sticky till after it rises.)
Cover and let it rise for one hour, then divide into four to six equal parts. Allow to rise an additional half hour.
In a separate bowl, combine filling ingredients and mix well.
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.
Meanwhile, mix the topping ingredients in a separate bowl.
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.
Yields 4 large (11-inch/28-cm) or 6 medium (9-inch/23-cm) babkas.
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.)
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.
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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.
Make this filling with my challah dough to make Babka! Comes out delicious!
can this recipe be halved?
is it possible to prepare with dry yeast? if so, how much?
Yes, about 2 1/14 tsp. or one packet.
tnx!
Freeze? Can these be made in advance and frozen?
Yes, bake them first and then freeze them cooked.
Sticky dough My dough was way too sticky to roll out and then roll up.. It ended up more like a blob in the loaf pan but now that it’s baked it looks ok. I want to make it again but I’m wondering if there’s any way I can make the dough less sticky or if I did something wrong? It was totally impossible to work with. Thank you
Hi! If you are saying the dough was too stick maybe I would try to add less water next time. I would gradually add water until it reaches the consistency that you want. Also- another trick when the dough is very sticky if that you can add some extra flour or you can coat your hands and the dough with oil and it helps make it more manageable.
Came out heaven beyond!! Super easy to follow and a lot of fun! First time i made Babka and don’t regret it!!!!
best Babka Yum!