Introduction
Get ready to swirl into happiness with this dreamy Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka! It’s the sweet, tangy twist your brunch has been waiting for, with every bite bursting with fruity goodness and creamy delight. This delightful babka is not only a visual treat but also a flavor explosion that will leave everyone at your table singing its praises.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours (including rising)
- Yield: 1 loaf
Mixing Magic
In a mixer, combine flour, yeast, and sugar. Then add milk, vanilla, butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until the dough is smooth and elastic. Let it rise for 1-2 hours.
Filling Fun
Beat cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla in a bowl until creamy. Gently fold in the blueberries. Yum!
Shape and Swirl
Punch down risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread that luscious filling evenly across the dough.
Roll and Rise Again
Roll the dough into a log, then cut it lengthwise. Twist the halves together to form that classic babka pattern. Place in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise for another hour.
Streusel Sprinkle
In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle the delightful streusel over the babka.
Bake Time
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and heavenly.
Cool and Enjoy
Let it cool (if you can wait!) before slicing and enjoying the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy!
Indulge in your very own slice of blueberry bliss, and share your baking masterpiece for everyone to admire!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Mixing Magic
In a mixer, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Then add 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until the dough is smooth and elastic. Let it rise for 1-2 hours.
Filling Fun
Beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl until creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries.
Shape and Swirl
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the blueberry cream cheese filling evenly across the dough.
Roll and Rise Again
Roll the dough into a log, then cut it lengthwise. Twist the halves together to form the classic babka pattern. Place it in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise for another hour.
Streusel Sprinkle
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter (cubed), and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle the delightful streusel over the babka.
Bake Time
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 40-45 minutes until it is golden brown and heavenly.
Cool and Enjoy
Let it cool before slicing and enjoying the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy!
Notes
Nutritional Information
Per serving, this babka brings roughly:
Calories: 320 | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Sugars: 18g
Cook Techniques
Mixing Magic
Ensure proper mixing of the ingredients by using a stand mixer with a dough hook. This helps to develop gluten, resulting in a smooth and elastic dough.
Filling Fun
Achieve a creamy filling by beating cream cheese at room temperature. This makes it easier to blend with sugars and fruit without lumps.
Shape and Swirl
When rolling the dough, aim for a uniform thickness to allow for even rising and baking. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper for clean cuts when twisting the dough.
Roll and Rise Again
After shaping, allow the babka to rise in a warm, draft-free area. This second rise enhances texture and flavor, making it fluffy.
Streusel Sprinkle
For the perfect streusel topping, combine the ingredients until crumbly but don’t overmix. This adds a delightful crunch to your babka.
Bake Time
Monitor the baking time closely, as oven temperatures may vary. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the babka is done.
FAQ
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries; just ensure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I make this babka ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, then shape and bake it the next day.
What should I do if my dough isn’t rising?
If your dough isn’t rising, check that your yeast is fresh and the environment is warm enough—around 75-80°F (24-27°C) is ideal.
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Yes, you can substitute or mix in other fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka is not just a treat; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy with every bite. Happy baking!
More Recipes Suggestions and Combinations
Raspberry Almond Babka
Try a twist on the classic by replacing blueberries with raspberries and adding almond extract.
Chocolate Hazelnut Babka
Substitute the blueberry filling with chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent version.
Cinnamon Roll Babka
Create a cinnamon roll-inspired babka by mixing cinnamon and brown sugar into the filling.
Lemon Poppy Seed Babka
Add a zing with a lemon poppy seed filling for a refreshing alternative.
Peach Cream Cheese Babka
In the summer, swap blueberries for fresh peaches for a seasonal treat.
