Description
Orange Cardamom Babka is a rich, sweet bread with layers of butter, sugar, cardamom, and fresh orange zest. The dough is soft and fluffy, while the filling creates an irresistible swirl of flavor. The final touch—a glaze of fresh orange juice and powdered sugar—adds an extra layer of shine and sweetness, making it a perfect centerpiece for any brunch or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
🍊 Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1½ tsp ground cardamom
- Pinch of salt
🍯 Orange Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk warm milk and eggs.
- Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until combined.
- Knead in softened butter gradually until dough is smooth and elastic (about 10–12 minutes).
- Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix butter, sugar, orange zest, cardamom, and salt until creamy.
3. Shape the Babka
- Roll out dough into a rectangle (~12×16 inches).
- Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border.
- Roll tightly from the long edge into a log.
- Slice the log lengthwise to expose the layers.
- Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides up.
- Place in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
4. Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
5. Add Glaze (Optional)
- Mix powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled babka for a glossy finish.
Notes
This fragrant babka combines the warmth of cardamom with the brightness of orange, making it a perfect centerpiece for brunch or holiday gatherings. Serve it slightly warm to enjoy its soft, layered texture, and pair it with coffee, tea, or even a glass of spiced milk for a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (plus rising time ~2 hrs)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Orange Cardamom Bread