Nutella bread

Nutella Babka – The Perfect Delight for Indulgent Moments

Who doesn't love a fluffy babka filled with Nutella? This recipe is not only simple but also quick, perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious dessert without too much effort. The Nutella babka is a modern twist on this traditional dessert, which has been savored by generations. With room-temperature ingredients and a few simple tricks, you'll achieve a babka with an airy texture and divine taste.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 1 hour 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4 small babkas or 3 large babkas

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg flour (you might need a bit more for kneading)
- 500 g sugar
- 1 package of butter (about 250 g, at room temperature)
- 100 g palm oil (or other vegetable oil)
- 400 g yogurt (preferably natural)
- 6 eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 packets of dry yeast
- A pinch of salt
- Favorite flavors: 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence, grated zest of one orange and one lemon
- 1 small jar of Nutella (about 200 g, for two servings)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This is an essential step for achieving a fluffy dough. Sifting the flour is another trick that helps aerate it, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the dry yeast (there's no need to dissolve it; it will act directly in the dough). Continue adding the sugar, salt, flavors, eggs, butter, and oil one by one. Finally, add the yogurt and mix well with a spatula or your hands. You may need to add a bit more flour to achieve a dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. Knead vigorously for about 5-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the dough rise
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place. The dough should double in volume in about 1 hour. This is a crucial stage for getting a fluffy babka.

Step 4: Divide the dough
If you plan to make a cheesecake as well, divide the dough into three parts: two larger ones for babkas and one smaller for the cheesecake. If you’re not making cheesecake, you can get 4 small babkas from this amount. Shaping the dough is an opportunity to let your creativity soar!

Step 5: Form the babka
Place a piece of dough on a sheet of parchment paper and roll it out with a rolling pin. Shape it into a rectangular form, generously spread with Nutella (about ½ of the jar), and carefully roll it lengthwise, forming a cylinder. Place the roll in the tray, parchment paper and all.

Step 6: Second rise
Let the babka rise in the tray for 30-45 minutes, until it reaches almost the edge. This step ensures you will get a fluffy and airy babka.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Before placing the babka in the oven, brush it with an egg yolk for a beautifully browned crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and the crust feels firm to the touch.

Step 8: Cooling
After baking, let the babka cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s tempting to cut it immediately, but the wait will be worth it!

Serving suggestions:
The Nutella babka can be served plain, alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can also transform it into a decadent dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Variations:
To add extra flavor, you can experiment with alternative fillings, such as dark chocolate, nuts, or dried fruits. You can also add cinnamon to the dough for a more aromatic taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This babka is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, providing quick energy and delicious satisfaction. The yogurt in the recipe adds beneficial probiotics for the digestive system, and Nutella, although high in sugar, offers a dose of chocolate and hazelnuts that can uplift your mood.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquids to achieve the desired consistency.

2. How can I keep the babka fresh?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it sliced, making it easy to serve.

3. Is it possible to make the babka without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with a ripe banana or a mixture of chia seeds and water, but the final texture may differ.

The Nutella babka is a recipe that brings joy and finds its place in the heart of any festive meal. By trying it, you will discover not only a delicious dessert but also a culinary experience full of love and passion. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg flour (and a little extra in case it's needed for kneading) 500 g sugar 1 pack of butter 100 g palm oil 400 g yogurt 6 eggs flavors: vanilla, orange peel, lemon peel 2 packets of dry yeast a pinch of salt 1 small jar of Nutella (for two)

 Tags:  sweet bread nutella chocolate