Easter Babka Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the tradition of Polish Easter with this delectable Easter Babka—a cake-like fruit and nut bread that will surely become a family favorite. Originating from Poland, this sweet treat holds a special place in holiday celebrations. However, it’s not limited to Easter alone; my grandmother used to delight us with a similar bread throughout the year, sans frosting, featuring just plump raisins for added sweetness.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 414 per serving
- Fat Content: 20.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 259.9mg
- Sodium Content: 504.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 49g
- Fiber Content: 3g
- Sugar Content: 20.1g
- Protein Content: 10g
- Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups flour
- 1/4 cup milk (for yeast)
- 2 compressed yeast cakes
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp sugar (for yeast)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 15 oz citron
- 1 lemon rind
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/3 cup rum
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare Sponge: Scald 1 cup milk, then slowly add 3/4 cup flour while beating thoroughly. Let it cool. |
| 2 | Activate Yeast: Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm milk and mix in 1 tbsp sugar. Add to the cooled flour mixture and beat well. Let it rise until double in bulk (approximately 30 minutes). |
| 3 | Prepare Egg Mixture: Beat egg yolks until thick and lemon colored. Add sugar, vanilla, and almond extract, and continue beating. |
| 4 | Combine Mixtures: Add the egg mixture to the sponge (flour-yeast mixture), then add the remaining flour. Knead for ten minutes. |
| 5 | Incorporate Butter: Add butter and knead for another 10 minutes or until the dough no longer sticks to your fingers. |
| 6 | Add Fruits and Nuts: Mix fruit and nuts into the dough, cover, and let rise until double in bulk (approximately 60 minutes). |
| 7 | Second Rise: Punch down the dough and let it rise again for another 60 minutes. |
| 8 | Prepare Pan: Butter a fluted tube pan and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Fill with dough to cover 1/3 of the pan. Let it rise for 1 hour. |
| 9 | Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 50 minutes until golden brown. |
| 10 | Cool and Decorate: Allow the babka to cool, then decorate with lucre. |
| 11 | Prepare Lucre: Mix confectioners’ sugar, rum, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Spread over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. |
| 12 | Serve: Slice and enjoy your homemade Easter Babka with family and friends! |
Additional Notes:
- *Rising times are approximate, so keep an eye on the dough for the desired volume increase.
- Ensure the dough is covered and placed in a warm, draft-free area for optimal rising.
- This recipe yields a beautifully moist and flavorful babka, perfect for any special occasion or as a delightful treat any time of the year. Enjoy the taste of tradition with every bite!
🐰🥚🍞 #HappyEaster #PolishTradition #HomemadeGoodness 🍋🌰🎂
