Description
At its heart, a babka is a sweet braided bread that originated in the Jewish communities of Poland and Ukraine. Traditionally filled with chocolate or cinnamon, the modern interpretation has evolved to include a wide variety of sophisticated flavor profiles. The Cardamom & Orange Zest Babka is a refined version that replaces the heavy cocoa with the ethereal, slightly eucalyptus-like warmth of cardamom and the vibrant, floral notes of fresh orange.
Ingredients
Dough
3¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
¾ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cardamom
Zest of 1 large orange
½ cup whole milk, warm
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
Filling
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup light brown sugar
1½ tsp ground cardamom
Zest of 1 orange
Pinch of salt
Orange Syrup (Optional but Recommended)
â…“ cup sugar
â…“ cup orange juice
1 strip orange peel
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
Combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cardamom, and orange zest.
Add warm milk and eggs; mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead 5–7 minutes (or 4 minutes in a mixer).
Gradually incorporate butter until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise 1½–2 hours until doubled.
2. Prepare the Filling
Mix butter, brown sugar, cardamom, orange zest, and salt until spreadable.
3. Shape the Babka
Roll dough into a 10×16-inch rectangle.
Spread filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
Slice lengthwise to expose layers.
Twist the two halves together, cut sides facing up.
Place in a parchment-lined loaf pan.
4. Second Rise
Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake 40–45 minutes, tenting with foil if browning too quickly.
6. Make the Orange Syrup
Simmer sugar, orange juice, and peel 5 minutes until syrupy.
Remove peel.
7. Finish
Brush hot babka generously with warm syrup.
Cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
This Cardamom & Orange Zest Babka is perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack. For extra flavor, brush with a light orange glaze after baking and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm to enjoy its soft, fragrant layers at their best.
- Prep Time: 25minutes
- Cook Time: 40minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1slice
- Calories: 310kcal
Keywords: Orange cardamom sweet bread, twisted citrus brioche loaf, spiced orange yeast bread, cardamom infused babka, homemade orange zest brioche.