Jam donut babka

Introduction

There’s something about the smell of freshly baked bread that feels like a warm hug after a long day. But when you add jam and a soft, pillowy dough with a hint of cinnamon and sugar, that scent transforms into something absolutely irresistible. That’s exactly what this Jam Donut Babka is: a sweet, comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that combines two of the best things in the world—jam donuts and soft, braided babka. It’s the perfect way to bring a little sweetness into your day.

This recipe was inspired by my love for both jam donuts and babka. I’ve always been a sucker for a good donut, especially when it’s filled with that gooey jam that bursts with flavor. But then I thought—why not turn that jam-filled donut goodness into a soft, braided bread? And voila, this Jam Donut Babka was born.

It’s the ideal treat for family gatherings, cozy mornings with coffee, or a sweet surprise after dinner. Plus, if you’ve never tried making babka at home before, don’t worry! I’ll guide you every step of the way. This recipe is so much easier than it seems, and trust me, the end result will be nothing short of amazing. You’ll get a gorgeous, golden babka that has a sweet jam filling, a touch of cinnamon, and that satisfying, donut-like sweetness. The best part? You can make it ahead and just reheat it for an extra indulgent breakfast or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Jam Donut Babka is a must-try for so many reasons. Let me tell you why this recipe will quickly become your go-to when you need a little sweetness in your life:

• Easy to make: You might be thinking, “Babka sounds complicated,” but I promise, this recipe is easier than it sounds. With simple ingredients, a little patience, and some love, you’ll have a beautiful, Instagram-worthy babka in no time!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning, a family gathering, or a cozy treat to impress your friends, this babka fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.
• Flavor-packed: The dough is soft, rich, and slightly sweet. The jam filling adds just the right amount of fruity tang, while the cinnamon-sugar swirl gives it that classic donut flavor. The combination of textures—the soft dough and the slight crispiness of the sugary top—is simply divine.
• A fun baking project: If you’ve never braided dough before, this is your chance to try it out! It’s surprisingly easy and, once you master it, you’ll feel like a baking pro.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: About 3 hours (including resting time)
• Servings: This recipe makes one loaf, which typically serves 8-10 people.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 300
• Carbs: 45g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 12g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the steps, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for this Jam Donut Babka. Don’t worry—everything is simple and easy to find at your local store!

For the dough:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup fruit jam (I recommend raspberry, strawberry, or apricot for that classic jam donut flavor)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup sugar

For the topping:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the egg wash:

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water

The beauty of this babka is in the balance of flavors. The yeast dough provides a soft, slightly sweet base, and the jam filling brings that delightful fruity sweetness. The cinnamon-sugar swirl? Pure magic.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F) and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. If the mixture doesn’t bubble, it might mean the yeast is old, so try again with fresh yeast.
2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, followed by the softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a spoon or your hands, mix the dough until it comes together.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much. You want the dough to be soft and slightly tacky.
4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is when the dough gets its airy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the sugar and cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. This will be sprinkled over the dough to create that sweet, donut-like flavor.
2. Get the jam ready: If your jam is a little chunky, you can heat it gently in the microwave for a few seconds to loosen it up. You want it spreadable but not too runny.

Step 3: Shape the Babka

1. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches. You want the dough to be nice and even.
2. Spread the jam: Spread the jam evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges free. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the jam.
3. Roll the dough: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log, as if you’re making a cinnamon roll. Make sure the seam is on the bottom.
4. Cut and braid the dough: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough in half lengthwise to expose the swirl. Place the two pieces on top of each other, cut-side facing up. Twist them together into a braid, tucking the ends underneath to seal.
5. Transfer to a baking pan: Place the braided dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Babka

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Egg wash: Brush the top of the babka with the beaten egg wash to give it a beautiful golden finish.
3. Bake: Place the babka in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on top.
4. Cool: Let the babka cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Finish with Powdered Sugar

Once the babka has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

How to Serve

This Jam Donut Babka is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Here are some fun serving suggestions:

• Serve with a drizzle of cream: For extra indulgence, drizzle the babka with fresh cream or whipped cream.
• Pair with coffee or tea: A strong cup of coffee or a light herbal tea complements the sweetness of the babka perfectly.
• Top with a dollop of yogurt: For a lighter breakfast, serve a slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Additional Tips

1. Use high-quality jam: The jam is the star here, so choose a fruit preserve that’s flavorful and not too sweet. Homemade jam or a high-quality store-bought jam works best.
2. Don’t rush the rising: Giving the dough enough time to rise ensures your babka is soft and light. Be patient!
3. Room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened before mixing it into the dough. Cold butter will make the dough harder to knead.
4. Freezing: If you want to make this ahead of time, you can freeze the babka after it has been shaped and before the second rise. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and allow the dough to rise before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a different type of jam?

Yes! While raspberry, strawberry, and apricot are classic jam donut flavors, feel free to get creative. You can use any fruit jam you like, such as blueberry, peach, or even lemon curd for a tangy twist. Just make sure the jam is spreadable but not too runny.

2. How do I know if my yeast is active?

If your yeast mixture doesn’t bubble or foam after about 5-10 minutes, it may be expired or the milk might have been too hot or cold. The yeast needs a warm environment (about 110°F) to activate properly. If it doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, cover the dough and place it in the fridge to rise slowly overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature and proceed with the shaping and baking steps. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped babka (after the first rise) and bake it the next day.

4. How do I braid the babka?

Braiding babka might seem intimidating, but it’s actually simple. After rolling and cutting the dough into two equal pieces, just place them side by side with the cut sides facing up. Then, gently twist them together like a braid, making sure the ends are tucked under. Don’t worry about it being perfect—each babka has its own unique twist!

5. Can I use a stand mixer to knead the dough?

Yes! If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook to knead the dough. Start on low speed and increase to medium, kneading for about 6-8 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. This saves time and effort compared to kneading by hand.

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Conclusion

Making your own Jam Donut Babka at home is a fun and rewarding baking project, and the end result is absolutely worth it. With a soft, sweet dough, jam filling, and a cinnamon-sugar swirl, this babka combines the best of both worlds—jam donuts and soft, braided babka. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet comfort of homemade babka fresh out of the oven!