This Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka is the ultimate sweet bread, featuring fluffy layers filled with rich cream cheese and homemade blueberry preserves. The babka dough is enriched with butter, making it soft and tender, while the blueberry filling adds a burst of fruity flavor. After baking, the babka is brushed with a simple sugar syrup, giving it a shiny finish and helping to keep it moist. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this babka is a beautiful and delicious addition to any occasion.
This Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka is a sweet, fluffy bread that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With layers of homemade blueberry preserves and creamy sweetened cream cheese, this babka offers a burst of flavor in every bite. The dough is enriched with butter, making it soft and tender, while the fruit preserves add a hint of tartness balanced by the sweet cream cheese. This babka is an impressive treat that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
INGREDIENTS
- Blueberries: 3 cups, for the homemade preserves.
- Sugar: ¾ cup for the preserves, ½ cup for the cream cheese filling, and ⅓ cup for the syrup.
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp, to add brightness to the blueberry preserves.
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, for the creamy filling.
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups, for the babka dough.
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp, to balance the sweetness.
- Active dry yeast: 2¼ tsp, to help the dough rise.
- Milk: 1 cup, warmed to 100-110°F to activate the yeast.
- Eggs: 2, for a rich, tender dough.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor in the dough.
- Unsalted butter: 10 tbsp, softened and cubed, for a rich dough.
- Water: ⅓ cup, for the sugar syrup.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a saucepan, combine 3 cups blueberries, ¾ cup sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened. Transfer to the fridge to cool.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup warm milk, 1 tsp sugar, and 2¼ tsp active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, mix together 2 eggs, ⅓ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture, then gradually incorporate 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp kosher salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Step 4:
- Knead in 10 tbsp softened butter, one cube at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 5:
- Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread 8 oz softened cream cheese mixed with ½ cup sugar evenly over the dough, followed by the cooled blueberry preserves.
- Step 6:
- Roll the dough into a log, then slice it lengthwise and twist the halves together. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another hour.
- Step 7:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 8:
- While the babka is baking, prepare the sugar syrup by combining ⅓ cup sugar and ⅓ cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Step 9:
- Once the babka is out of the oven, brush it with the hot sugar syrup. Allow it to cool before slicing and serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- This babka is best served warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Helpful Notes
- Ensure the blueberry preserves are fully cooled before spreading them on the dough to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Rachel suggests adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
How to Make the Perfect Babka
The key to a perfect babka is creating a smooth and elastic dough. Take your time to knead the butter in gradually, which helps develop the dough’s structure and flavor. When shaping the babka, roll it tightly and twist firmly to create beautiful layers of filling. Brushing the baked babka with sugar syrup not only gives it a glossy finish but also keeps it moist for longer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for the preserves?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Can I freeze the babka?
Yes, babka can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Summary
Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka is a sweet and fluffy bread filled with layers of homemade blueberry preserves and creamy sweetened cream cheese. The dough is soft, buttery, and enriched with eggs, making it tender and flavorful. The blueberry filling adds a fresh, fruity burst, while the cream cheese brings richness. Once baked, the babka is brushed with sugar syrup for a glossy finish and added moisture. This babka is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert to share with family and friends. Serve slices warm for the best experience.