Irresistible Praline Twist Babka Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Rich, buttery dough swirled with a decadent praline twist babka that promises pure indulgence from the first bite.

Layers of golden bread intertwine with a nutty, caramelized filling that melts in your mouth.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, tempting taste buds with its irresistible sweetness.

Soft, pillowy bread meets crunchy, caramel-coated pecans in a dance of textures that never disappoints.

This recipe takes a classic bread and elevates it to a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Weekend baking reaches new heights with this showstopping treat that turns an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Let your baking skills shine and create a babka that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tools That Help Shape This Swirled Babka

• Stand Mixer or Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dough ingredients and kneading smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out dough into a perfect rectangle for even filling distribution.
• Saucepan: Crucial for preparing praline caramel at the right temperature.
• Baking Sheet or Bread Pan: Provides support and shape for babka during baking.
• Kitchen Thermometer: Ensures caramel reaches exact 105°C for perfect consistency.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting dough roll and splitting cylinders.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal of baked babka.

Babka Braiding & Baking Instructions

• Yeast Awakening

Gently warm a mixture of water and milk, creating a cozy environment for yeast to bloom. Sprinkle yeast into the liquid and let it dance and bubble with life for a few peaceful moments.

• Dough Creation

Blend flour, eggs, and soft butter into a tender mixture. Knead the dough with loving hands until it transforms into a smooth, silky texture that feels like a dream. Tuck the dough into a warm corner and let it rest and grow for a couple of hours.

• Caramel Magic

Gently heat cream with pralines, stirring until a rich, golden caramel emerges. The mixture should become thick and luxurious, promising delightful sweetness.

• Dough Transformation

Roll out the dough into a generous canvas. Lavish the surface with warm caramel, then roll it into a long, elegant cylinder. Slice the roll and create an intricate braid that looks like a delicate pastry sculpture.

• Shape and Rise

Form the braided dough into a beautiful crown, letting it rest and grow one more time. The anticipation builds as the babka prepares for its golden moment.

• Baking Perfection

Slide the babka into a warm oven, watching it turn a deep, rich brown. After 25 minutes, pull out a masterpiece that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Babka Variations: Make It Yours

• Opt for bread flour to create a more robust and chewy babka with enhanced structure and better rise.
• Experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds to transform the praline's flavor profile and add unique crunch.
• Prepare the dough one day in advance and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor development and more convenient baking.
• Use a digital kitchen thermometer to precisely monitor caramel temperature, ensuring perfect consistency without burning.
• Wrap cooled babka tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks, allowing you to enjoy this decadent treat whenever a craving strikes.

Ways to Slice and Serve Praline Babka

• Pair with Delightful Companions: Serve this praline twist babka alongside a rich, steaming cappuccino or a cold glass of milk for a perfect flavor balance.
• Create Stunning Presentation: Dust the babka with powdered sugar and garnish with chopped pralines or toasted nuts to elevate its visual appeal and add a delightful crunch.
• Enjoy as Versatile Treat: Slice and serve as a decadent breakfast pastry, afternoon tea accompaniment, or elegant dessert that impresses family and friends with its intricate braided design and luxurious caramel notes.
• Transform into Delectable Gift: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade, heartwarming present that showcases your baking skills and culinary creativity.

Babka Storage Notes You’ll Appreciate

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the babka in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and preventing moisture loss. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its soft texture.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Slice the babka into portions and freeze for up to 1 month. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to lock in flavor and prevent freezer burn.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Bring frozen or refrigerated babka to room temperature naturally. Warm slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast in an oven at 150°C for a crispy exterior and warm, gooey center.
• Serve with Style: Present the babka at room temperature for the best taste and texture. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Calories: 375 kcal

Servings: 13

Praline Twist Babka: Ingredient Essentials

• Flour: Provides structure and backbone for the soft, pillowy texture of babka.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and controls yeast growth for perfect dough development.
• Eggs: Adds richness, moisture, and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
• Vanilla: Introduces warm, comforting aroma and subtle sweet undertone.
• Warm Water, Milk: Activates yeast and creates hydration for elastic dough.

• Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for creating lovely rise and airy texture.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps it bloom quickly and effectively.

• Pralines: Delivers nutty, caramelized sweetness with delightful crunch.
• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, smooth caramel base with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Melted Butter: Adds decadent richness and helps bind caramel components.

Decadent Praline Twist Babka Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Chocolate praline twist babka celebrates rich culinary traditions from Eastern Europe. Bakers discover a delectable blend of sweet chocolate, nutty praline, and tender bread that delights dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 630 g / 22.2 oz flour
• 2 eggs
• 170 g / 6 oz melted butter
• 115 ml / 3.9 fl oz warm water
• 115 ml / 3.9 fl oz whole milk
• 71 g / 2.5 oz white sugar
• 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1 packet instant dry yeast
• 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
• 300 g / 10.6 oz pralines
• 100 g / 3.5 oz crushed pralines
• 30 cl / 10.1 fl oz cream
• 1 large pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Blend warm water, milk, and sugar in a microwave-safe container. Sprinkle active dry yeast and let bloom for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Dough Preparation: Combine flour, salt, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and activated yeast mixture in a large mixing bowl. Carefully mix to prevent salt from directly contacting yeast, ensuring proper fermentation.
3. Dough Development: Knead the mixture on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 2 hours or until volume doubles.
4. Praline Caramel Creation: Gently heat heavy cream and crushed pralines in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and reaches 105 degrees Celsius, forming a rich, glossy caramel sauce.
5. Dough Shaping and Filling: Roll the risen dough into a thin rectangle. Spread warm praline caramel across the surface, leaving a small border. Roll lengthwise into a tight log, then slice in half to create two cylindrical sections.
6. Intricate Braiding: Split each cylinder lengthwise, revealing inner layers. Intricately braid the four resulting strips to create an elegant twisted pattern. Shape the braided dough into a circular crown, transferring any remaining caramel over the surface.
7. Final Proofing and Baking: Allow the shaped babka to rise for an additional hour at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 88 degrees Celsius.
8. Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack, allowing flavors to settle and texture to stabilize before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Precisely: Ensure water and milk temperature are between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it; cold liquid prevents proper fermentation.
• Prevent Dough Overworking: Knead just until smooth and elastic; excessive kneading develops tough gluten, resulting in dense, chewy babka.
• Master Caramel Consistency: Watch caramel temperature carefully; use a candy thermometer for accurate heat measurement to achieve perfect glossy texture without burning.
• Control Rising Environment: Place dough in draft-free, warm spot around 75-80°F with slight humidity to help proper proofing and volume development.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg