How To Make Babka Bread | My Maple Pecan Babka Recipe

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat option.

maple syrup

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Corn syrup is a more affordable sweetener.

pecans

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: almonds

Walnuts provide a similar texture and flavor.

In a mixing bowl, add 205 grams of whole eggs, 60 grams of sugar, 150 grams of very soft butter, 145 grams of whole milk, and 5 grams of active dry yeast; mix together.

Add 500 grams of bread flour and 10 grams of salt on top of the wet mixture; combine until the dough is shaggy.

Let the dough rest for about 20 to 30 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Dust the work surface with flour, tip out the dough, and knead by pushing it away and rolling it back on itself until it bounces back when pressed.

Let the dough prove for about 1.5 to 2 hours until doubled in size.

Prepare the maple caramel sauce by combining 120 milliliters of double cream, 107 milliliters of maple syrup, 50 grams of brown sugar, and 170 grams of salted butter in a saucepan; heat until bubbly, then cool.

Add a splash of vanilla (about 10 milliliters) to the cooled sauce.

Finely chop 200 grams of pecans.

Split the dough in half to make two loaves; roll each half into a 9 by 16 inch rectangle.

Pour half of the maple caramel sauce over the dough, leaving a 2-centimeter edge; sprinkle with half of the pecans.

Roll the dough tightly from the short end and pinch the seam to secure it; chill in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

Butter two 2-pound loaf pans or line them with parchment.

Slice the chilled roll lengthwise with a sharp knife and braid the two halves together, keeping the open side facing upwards.

Place the twisted dough into the prepared pans and cover to let prove for another 1.5 to 2 hours until reaching the top of the pan.

Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit) 30 minutes before baking.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until dark golden brown; pour a few tablespoons of pure maple syrup over the baked loaves.

Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for an additional 20 minutes before slicing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens