Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (65 grams) dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ½ cup (120 grams) whole milk
- 1 packet (7 grams) instant or active yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1–2 medium oranges)
- 5 tablespoons (71 grams) unsalted butter (room temperature, cut in cubes)
- ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¼ cup (60 grams) heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1/3 cup (40 grams) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons (15 grams) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 grams) water
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Mix all-purpose flour, salt, nutmeg, and cranberries in a stand mixer bowl.
- Heat milk to around 110°F and combine with yeast and sugar.
- Whisk activated yeast into milk, let sit for 15 minutes if using active dry yeast.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest to the milk mixture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, knead until a ball forms.
- Gradually add unsalted butter, knead until smooth and elastic.
- Let rise for 1 hour or refrigerate overnight.
- Melt unsalted butter and heavy cream, mix in chopped chocolate until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt; chill until thick.
- Prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough, spread filling smoothly, roll into a log, and twist halves together.
- Let rise for another 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F, prepare an egg wash.
- Brush loaf with egg wash and bake for 45-55 minutes.
- Prepare a simple syrup with water, sugar, and orange juice.
- Brush warm syrup on babka after baking and allow to cool.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Add extra orange zest for a more vibrant flavor.
Ensure dough passes the ‘windowpane’ test for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 70