Babka Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, Babka Coffee Cake – if you haven’t met this delightful treat yet, prepare yourself! Imagine the comforting embrace of a classic coffee cake, but with a twist of Eastern European flair and a swirly, luscious filling that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Babka is traditionally a sweet, yeast-risen bread filled with chocolate or cinnamon, but when you combine it with the crumbly, buttery goodness of coffee cake, magic happens.

• What Is Babka Coffee Cake?

  Think of it as a hybrid – the tender, yeasty dough of babka meets the crumbly, sugary, cinnamon-spiced topping of a coffee cake. It’s flaky, moist, and sweet, with swirls of filling that make every slice a feast for both eyes and taste buds.

• Why Babka Coffee Cake?

  Because it’s that perfect balance of texture and flavor! Soft dough, sweet cinnamon or chocolate swirls, and a crisp coffee cake topping that cracks beautifully when baked. Plus, it’s stunning to serve at brunch, holidays, or anytime you want to impress with something homemade but not overly complicated.

Ready to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas and your heart with joy? Let’s get into the recipe!

Babka Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is designed to be approachable yet impressive, combining traditional babka techniques with the fun of a coffee cake topping. It’s a little like crafting an edible work of art – twist the dough, layer the filling, sprinkle on the crumb topping, and bake to golden perfection.

Ingredients Needed

Alright, ingredient list time! I’m gonna break this down in sections so you know exactly what’s going into your babka coffee cake and why:

For The Dough

• All-purpose flour – the backbone, gives structure
• Granulated sugar – just enough sweetness in the dough itself
• Active dry yeast – for that perfect rise and airy texture
• Whole milk – adds richness and tenderness
• Unsalted butter – the more butter, the better – for softness and flavor
• Eggs – bind everything together and enrich the dough
• Salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• Vanilla extract – subtle aroma that uplifts the whole cake

For The Filling

• Brown sugar – deeper sweetness, a bit caramel-y
• Ground cinnamon – classic warmth and spice
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (optional) – for a chocolate babka twist
• Butter (softened) – helps the filling stay moist and spreadable
• Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) – for crunch and texture

For The Coffee Cake Topping (Crumb)

• All-purpose flour – base for crumb structure
• Brown sugar – adds moistness and caramel flavor
• Ground cinnamon – because cinnamon makes everything better
• Cold unsalted butter – cut into the flour for that perfect crumbly texture
• Salt – balances the sweetness

How To Make Babka Coffee Cake

This part’s fun and hands-on! Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking your babka coffee cake – complete with tips to nail every stage:

1. Activate the yeast: Warm the milk (not too hot!) and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it bloom for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and kicking.
2. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt. Add in the yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic – about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer. This develops the gluten and ensures a tender crumb.
3. First rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours). This is where the magic of fermentation happens – the dough puffs up and gets airy.
4. Prepare the filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder (if using), and nuts until spreadable.
5. Roll and fill: Punch down the risen dough, roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface.
6. Shape the babka: Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it lengthwise and twist the two strands together to reveal those beautiful swirls.
7. Second rise: Place the twisted dough into a loaf pan or a round cake pan. Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
8. Add the crumb topping: Mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter to form a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle generously over the top.
9. Bake: Bake at around 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes until golden brown, the crumb topping is crisp, and the dough is cooked through.
10. Cool and enjoy: Let it cool before slicing so the structure sets – then dig in with your favorite coffee or tea!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Now, let’s geek out for a moment – why do these ingredients work so well together?

• Yeast: This single-celled fungus is a powerhouse! It consumes sugars and releases carbon dioxide gas, which gets trapped in the dough’s gluten network, causing it to rise and become light and fluffy.
• Butter: Adds tenderness by coating the flour’s proteins, limiting gluten formation slightly, which keeps the crumb soft. Plus, it adds rich flavor and moisture.
• Eggs: Provide structure through their proteins, add richness, and improve the dough’s ability to trap air, making it lighter.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast for fermentation but also caramelizes during baking, giving that golden-brown crust and enhancing flavor.
• Cinnamon and Cocoa: Both contain natural antioxidants and flavor compounds that add warmth and depth, complementing the sweet dough.
• Cold Butter in Topping: Creates those flaky, irregular crumbs when baked because it melts slowly, leaving little pockets of air.

Expert Tips

You want your babka coffee cake to be show-stopping, right? Here’s how pros get it just right:

• Don’t rush the rise: Yeast dough needs patience. The slow fermentation develops flavor and texture. If your kitchen is cold, try putting the dough in an oven with just the light on for gentle warmth.
• Use fresh yeast: It makes a big difference in rise and flavor.
• Roll tightly: When rolling the dough for the swirl, keep it snug but not too tight – this helps those gorgeous layers stay defined.
• Chill your butter for crumb: Cold butter is crucial to achieving the perfect crumb topping.
• Test for doneness: Insert a skewer in the center; it should come out clean. If not, tent the cake with foil to prevent overbrowning and continue baking.
• Slice carefully: Use a serrated knife to get clean cuts without squashing the delicate crumb.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to customize your babka coffee cake:

• Chocolate Babka: Add melted chocolate or chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent treat.
• Nutella Swirl: Spread Nutella instead of cinnamon filling for a rich hazelnut flavor.
• Fruit Addition: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins, cherries, or cranberries for bursts of tartness.
• Savory Twist: Use a cheese or herb filling for a less sweet, savory babka-inspired bread.
• Glaze or Icing: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and shine.

Final Words

Making babka coffee cake is like giving your kitchen a big warm hug. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, enjoy the process, and bask in the sweet rewards of homemade goodness. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, this cake will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

FAQs

What Is Babka Coffee Cake?

Babka coffee cake is a sweet, yeast-based cake that combines the rich, swirled layers typical of traditional babka with the crumbly, buttery texture of a coffee cake. It often includes fillings like cinnamon, chocolate, or nuts and is designed to be enjoyed alongside coffee.

What Ingredients Are Needed To Make Babka Coffee Cake?

Common ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, butter, milk, salt, and fillings such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. Some recipes also call for sour cream or cream cheese to add moisture.

How Long Does It Take To Make Babka Coffee Cake From Start To Finish?

Typically, the process takes about 3 to 4 hours, including dough preparation, two rises (proofing), filling, shaping, and baking. Active prep time is usually around 45 minutes to an hour.

Can I Make Babka Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, babka coffee cake can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It also freezes well if wrapped properly.

What Is The Best Way To Store Babka Coffee Cake?

Store babka coffee cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I Substitute Ingredients To Make Babka Coffee Cake Gluten-free Or Dairy-free?

Yes, gluten-free flour blends can replace regular flour, but the texture may differ slightly. For dairy-free versions, use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives. Yeast and eggs generally remain the same unless you use specific egg substitutes.

How Do I Get The Classic Swirl Effect In Babka Coffee Cake?

After rolling out the dough, spread the filling evenly and then roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log lengthwise down the center to expose the layers, then twist the two halves together before placing it in the pan to bake.

What Type Of Yeast Should I Use For Babka Coffee Cake?

Active dry yeast or instant yeast can be used. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients, while active dry yeast usually needs to be proofed in warm milk or water first.

Can I Add Nuts Or Other Toppings To Babka Coffee Cake?

Yes, chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be added to the filling or sprinkled on top before baking. Some recipes also call for streusel topping to enhance the coffee cake texture.

What Is The Ideal Baking Temperature And Time For Babka Coffee Cake?

Babka coffee cake is usually baked at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 to 45 minutes, until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.