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
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3¼ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
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¾ tsp salt
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1 tsp ground cardamom
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Zest of 1 large orange
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½ cup whole milk, warm
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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½ cup unsalted butter, very soft
Filling
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup light brown sugar
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1½ tsp ground cardamom
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Zest of 1 orange
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Pinch of salt
Orange Syrup (Optional but Recommended)
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⅓ cup sugar
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⅓ cup orange juice
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1 strip orange peel
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
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Combine flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cardamom, and orange zest.
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Add warm milk and eggs; mix until a sticky dough forms.
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Knead 5–7 minutes (or 4 minutes in a mixer).
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Gradually incorporate butter until smooth and elastic.
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Cover and let rise 1½–2 hours until doubled.
2. Prepare the Filling
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Mix butter, brown sugar, cardamom, orange zest, and salt until spreadable.
3. Shape the Babka
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Roll dough into a 10×16-inch rectangle.
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Spread filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
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Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
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Slice lengthwise to expose layers.
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Twist the two halves together, cut sides facing up.
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Place in a parchment-lined loaf pan.
4. Second Rise
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Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake 40–45 minutes, tenting with foil if browning too quickly.
6. Make the Orange Syrup
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Simmer sugar, orange juice, and peel 5 minutes until syrupy.
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Remove peel.
7. Finish
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Brush hot babka generously with warm syrup.
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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.