Heavenly Jam-Filled Babka Delight Recipe: Sweet Swirls of Joy

Swirling with rich, buttery layers and a decadent jam-filled babka that promises pure indulgence, this beloved Eastern European pastry brings comfort straight to your kitchen.

Golden-brown braids of soft dough weave through pockets of luscious fruit preserves, creating a stunning visual and flavor experience.

Each slice tells a story of tradition and warmth, inviting you to savor every delectable bite.

The delicate texture melts in your mouth, balancing sweetness with a subtle complexity.

Traditional techniques meet modern baking passion in this irresistible recipe.

Soft, pillowy dough embraces fruity jam in a dance of culinary magic that will transport you to cozy bakeries and cherished family gatherings.

Get ready to master a pastry that turns ordinary mornings into extraordinary moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

What Goes into Jam-Filled Babka

• Raspberries: Provides vibrant fruity base with natural sweetness and beautiful color.
• Sugar: Balances tartness and helps create smooth, glossy jam consistency.
• Cornstarch: Thickens jam and creates perfect spreadable texture.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps preserve jam's freshness.
• Water: Helps combine ingredients and prevent burning during cooking.

• Flour: Provides structural foundation for soft, elastic bread texture.
• Yeast: Enables dough rising and develops signature airy, tender crumb.
• Milk: Adds richness, moisture, and helps activate yeast.
• Eggs: Contributes richness, structure, and golden color to dough.
• Butter: Enhances flavor and creates tender, flaky texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens gluten development.

• Sugar: Creates sweet glazing that adds shine and extra sweetness.
• Water: Dissolves sugar and creates smooth, pourable glaze.

Tools That’ll Help Swirl Your Babka Perfectly

• Stand Mixer or Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for kneading the dough smoothly and efficiently.
• Dough Hook: Perfect attachment for mixing and developing the babka dough's elastic texture.
• Small Saucepan: Crucial for cooking down the raspberry jam to the right consistency.
• Rolling Pin: Key tool for rolling out the dough into a perfect rectangular shape.
• 8-inch Loaf Tin: Necessary for giving the babka its classic bread-like form.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes removing the babka a breeze.
• Blender (Optional): Useful for creating a smoother jam texture if desired.
• Whisk: Handy for mixing glaze ingredients and ensuring smooth sugar dissolution.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing and twisting the dough log.

How to Make Jam-Filled Babka Soft and Lovely

• Raspberry Jam Creation

Simmer fresh raspberries with sugar in a saucepan, creating a luscious fruity mixture. Cook until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, glossy texture. Let the jam cool completely before using.

• Dough Preparation

Combine flour, yeast, and other dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, allowing it to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. The soft, pillowy dough will become the foundation of your delectable treat.

• Babka Shaping

Gently roll out the risen dough into a beautiful rectangular canvas. Spread the cooled raspberry jam generously across the surface, leaving a small border. Roll the dough into a elegant log, then carefully slice and twist it into a stunning swirled pattern.

• Baking Magic

Transfer the shaped babka to a prepared loaf pan. Let it rise once more, then bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of sweet, warm bread.

• Sweet Finishing Touch

Create a simple sugar glaze by dissolving sugar in water. Once the babka emerges from the oven, drizzle the glaze over the top, adding a glistening finish to this spectacular pastry.

Tips to Keep Jam From Overspilling Your Babka Swirls

• Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or pistachios inside the dough for delightful crunch and extra texture.
• Knead until smooth and elastic, adding flour gradually if too sticky. Warm environment helps dough rise beautifully.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and optimal dough development. Cold ingredients can slow rising process.
• Prepare dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor development and convenient baking.

Serving Slices of Babka Baker

• Serve Warm and Fresh: Slice the babka when it's still slightly warm to enjoy the most incredible texture and release of jammy goodness. The soft, pillowy bread paired with the warm raspberry filling creates an irresistible treat.
• Pair with Morning Beverages: Complement this delightful babka with a steaming cup of coffee or a smooth cappuccino. The sweet-tart raspberry notes beautifully balance the rich, bold coffee flavors.
• Create Decadent Dessert Platter: Arrange slices of babka alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience. Sprinkle some fresh raspberries or toasted almond slivers for extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Gifting and Sharing: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper for a charming homemade gift. Pack in a beautiful box with a ribbon for a thoughtful present that showcases your baking skills and love.

Saving Babka That Still Tastes Fresh Tomorrow

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooled babka wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain soft texture and delightful flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Slice babka, wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags, and store up to 3 months for quick, delicious treats anytime you crave a sweet bite.
• Revive Refrigerated Slices: Warm chilled babka in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven to restore its original soft, tender consistency.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Cut babka into thick slices and serve alongside morning coffee or afternoon tea for a delectable dessert experience that'll impress family and friends.

Swirled Babka Bliss Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delectable Polish jam-filled babka delights home bakers with rich, swirled pastry perfection. Warm bakery aromas and heritage flavors invite you to savor each luxurious, tender slice of this traditional Eastern European treat.

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Ingredients

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• ⅔ cup (165 ml/grams) dairy-free milk, warm
• 2 ½ – 3 cups (315 – 375 grams) all-purpose plain flour, or bread flour
• ½ cup (112 grams) vegan butter, room temperature
• 3 tbsps (40 grams) granulated sugar, or coconut sugar
• 1 tbsp (10 grams) instant dry yeast
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 cup (110 grams) fresh or frozen raspberries
• 3 tbsps (40 grams) granulated sugar, or liquid sweetener to taste
• 2 tbsps (14 grams) cornstarch / corn flour
• 1 squeeze of lemon juice, optional
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 grams) water

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Instructions

1. Compote Creation: Meld raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 7-10 minutes until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick jam. Optionally, puree for a smoother consistency. Cool completely.
2. Dough Preparation: Warm milk to lukewarm. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, eggs, and butter in a stand mixer with dough hook. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes silky and elastic, pulling away from bowl sides. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-75 minutes until volume doubles.
3. Dough Shaping: Generously flour a work surface. Roll dough into a 10×8 inch rectangle. Spread cooled raspberry compote evenly, leaving a small border. Carefully roll into a tight log from the longer side. Slice the log lengthwise, creating two halves.
4. Braiding and Rising: Twist the dough strands together to form an intricate braid. Transfer to a parchment-lined loaf pan. Allow a second rise for 45-60 minutes in a draft-free area until puffy and pan-filling.
5. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, tenting with foil if top browns too quickly. Simultaneously, create a sugar glaze by dissolving sugar in water over medium heat until transparent and slightly thickened.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove babka from oven and immediately brush with sugar glaze, allowing it to penetrate the warm crumb. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling, letting flavors meld and texture set.

Notes

• Compote Consistency Check: Ensure the raspberry compote thickens to a jam-like texture, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, smooth finish.
• Dough Rising Secrets: Choose a warm, draft-free spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on to help the dough rise perfectly.
• Precision Rolling Technique: Use a ruler to measure the dough rectangle accurately, ensuring even spread of filling and consistent babka texture.
• Glaze Application Pro Tip: Brush the hot sugar glaze immediately after baking to create a shiny, delectable crust that locks in moisture and adds extra sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg