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Delightful Pareve Babka: A Sweet and Swirled Treat - American recipe
Babka, a beloved sweet bread with roots in Eastern European Jewish traditions, has made its way into American kitchens with a twist. This swirled loaf, often filled with chocolate or cinnamon, is a testament to the art of baking, combining rich flavors with a soft, airy texture. Perfect for any occasion, whether a festive gathering or a casual afternoon tea, babka invites you to savor each intricate swirl of sweetness. As you perfect your babka-making skills, consider exploring other Jewish delicacies like challah or rugelach, which also celebrate the beauty of bread and pastry. Crafted with care, this pareve recipe ensures everyone at your table can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.
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Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1 cup water warm
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips pareve
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Topping
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast. Add warm water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Make the Filling
  1. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. Stir in the vegetable oil until the mixture is crumbly.
Assemble the Babka
  1. Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
  2. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  3. Roll the dough tightly into a log, then twist it into a spiral form and place into a greased loaf pan.
Prepare the Topping
  1. Mix sugar, flour, and oil until crumbly. Sprinkle over the babka.
Bake the Babka
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake the babka for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the babka cool slightly before removing from the pan.

Notes

Store leftover babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a variation, try adding nuts or dried fruit to the filling.
Nutrition Facts
10 servings per recipe
Serving size 1 serving
Calories 290
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 150mg 7%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 6g 12%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.