18 Recipe For Polish Babka Bread They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
Polish babka bread is a traditional Easter dessert that has been passed down for generations in many Polish families. This sweet and rich bread is typically made with yeast, flour, eggs, and butter, and is often flavored with raisins, citrus zest, and vanilla. The result is a moist and flavorful bread with a unique shape and beautiful golden crust. In this article, we will share with you a tried and true recipe for making your own delicious babka bread at home.
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Egg Yolks, Milk, Yeast
Polish babka bread is a traditional dessert that holds a special place in many Polish families. It is a sweet, yeasted cake that is typically served during holidays and celebrations. The word "babka" means grandmother in Polish, and this bread is often passed down through generations, making it not only a delicious treat, but also a symbol of family and tradition. In this article, we will explore 20 different variations of this beloved dessert, each with their own unique twist.
The classic Polish babka is a rich and buttery yeast cake that is typically flavored with vanilla and lemon zest. It has a dense and moist texture, making it the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. This version is a staple in many Polish households and is often served during special occasions such as Easter and Christmas.
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Babka Bread / Chocolate Babka / Krantz Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar
This variation of babka combines the classic recipe with the addition of chocolate. The result is a delicious chocolate swirl throughout the bread, giving it a marbled appearance. Some recipes also call for the addition of nuts or dried fruits, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to this already decadent dessert.
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Polish Potato Babka {Babka Ziemniaczana}
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Onion, Smoked Bacon, Eggs, Salt, Ground
While most versions of babka are sweet, this savory version is made with mashed potatoes, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer, and can be topped with your choice of herbs, cheese, or spices. It's a great option for those who prefer a less sweet dessert or for those looking to incorporate more potatoes into their diet.
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Babka Serowa: Polish Cheese Babka
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Salt, Large Eggs, Active Dry Yeast
This variation of babka is made with a rich and creamy cheese filling, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. It is often served as a dessert or a lighter option for breakfast. The cheese filling can be made with a variety of different cheeses, such as cream cheese or farmer's cheese, making this a versatile and customizable recipe.
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Babka Wielkanocna: Easy Polish Easter Babka
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, Salted Butter, Sugar
Easter is a big holiday in Poland, and this babka is a staple on many tables during this time. It is typically made with raisins and a touch of rum, giving it a delicious and festive flavor. This version is also known as "babka wielkanocna" which translates to "Easter babka". It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience a traditional Polish Easter celebration.
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Easy Polish Easter Babka (Babka Wielkanocna)
Main Ingredients: Golden Raisins, Rum, Brandy, Dry Yeast, Warm Water
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Easter babka, this easy recipe is the perfect solution. It uses a cake mix as the base, making it quick and simple to prepare. However, the addition of raisins, lemon zest, and rum ensures that it still has the classic flavors of a traditional babka.
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Polish Babka (Easter Yeast Babka with Raisins)
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Rum, Milk, Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla
This version of babka is a more traditional recipe that uses yeast to give the bread its light and airy texture. The addition of raisins and lemon zest gives it a burst of flavor, making it a perfect dessert for any special occasion. It's a great option for those who prefer a more traditional method of baking.
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Polish Yeast Babka with Raisins {Babka Drożdżowa z...
Main Ingredients: Milk, Fresh Yeast, Active Dry Yeast, Granulated Sugar
This is another variation of the traditional yeast babka, but with the addition of a delicious crumb topping. The crumb topping adds a nice crunch to the bread, making it a great option for those who enjoy a contrast in textures. The recipe also includes instructions for making a glaze, giving the babka a beautiful and glossy finish.
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Polish Cinnamon Babka
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Sugar, Dry Yeast, Milk
This version of babka is perfect for cinnamon lovers. It combines the classic yeasted bread with a delicious cinnamon swirl, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. This babka is perfect for breakfast or as a mid-day snack, and can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Better Chocolate Babka
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Instant Yeast
This recipe takes the classic chocolate babka to the next level by adding a layer of chocolate ganache in the middle. The result is a rich and decadent dessert that is sure to satisfy any chocolate cravings. It's perfect for special occasions or as a treat for yourself.
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Chocolate Babka
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Active Yeast
This version of chocolate babka is perfect for those who are short on time. It uses a chocolate cake mix as the base, making it quick and easy to prepare. However, the addition of cinnamon and a chocolate glaze gives it a homemade taste that will impress anyone who tries it.
While not technically a babka, pierogi are another beloved Polish dish that is often served during holidays and celebrations. These savory dumplings are filled with a variety of different fillings, such as potatoes, cheese, or meat, and can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. They are a staple in many Polish households and are a must-try for anyone looking to experience traditional Polish cuisine.
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Ponczowa: Polish Rum-Soaked Babka
Main Ingredients: Milk, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
This version of babka is a favorite among adults as it is soaked in a rum syrup, giving it an extra kick of flavor. It is typically served during holidays and celebrations, and is perfect for those looking for a more indulgent and boozy dessert. The addition of raisins and almonds adds a nice texture to the bread, making it a delicious and festive treat.
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Polish Bunt Cake {Babka Piaskowa}
Main Ingredients: Melted Butter, Sugar, Eggs, All Purpose Flour, Potato
This babka variation is made with a simple and buttery cake batter, making it lighter and less dense than the traditional yeasted version. It is often served for breakfast or as a light dessert, and is a great option for those who prefer a less sweet treat. The recipe also includes instructions for adding a crumb topping, giving the cake an added layer of texture and flavor.
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Babka Ziemniaczana (Polish Potato Cake)
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Kielbasa, Onion, Garlic, Egg, Flour, Dried
This savory potato cake is another variation of babka that is perfect for those looking for a less sweet option. It is made with a mixture of mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs, and can be flavored with herbs, cheese, or spices. It's a great side dish or snack, and is a delicious way to incorporate more potatoes into your diet.
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Polish Marble Bunt Cake {Babka Marmurkowa}
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Flour, Eggs, Milk
This marble bundt cake is a beautiful and delicious variation of babka. It combines a light and buttery cake with a rich and chocolatey swirl, giving it a marbled appearance. The recipe also includes instructions for making a chocolate glaze, making this cake a show-stopper at any special occasion.
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Polish Potato Pancakes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Onion, Eggs, Garlic Cloves, All Purpose
While not technically a babka, potato pancakes are another classic Polish dish that is often served during holidays and celebrations. These savory pancakes are made with grated potatoes and can be flavored with a variety of different ingredients, such as onions, garlic, or herbs. They are a delicious and comforting side dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Granny's Polish Sausage with Sauerkraut
Main Ingredients: Polish Sausage, Butter, Sauerkraut, Small Onion, Salt
This hearty and comforting dish is a staple in many Polish households. It combines smoked sausage and sauerkraut, giving it a tangy and savory flavor. It's a great option for those looking for a traditional Polish dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Banana Bread
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Bananas, Canola Oil, Granulated
While not a traditional Polish dish, banana bread is a favorite in many households and is a great way to use up ripe bananas. This recipe adds a twist to the classic by incorporating a layer of cream cheese filling, giving it a rich and creamy texture. It's a great option for anyone looking for a simple and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Ingredients
Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add in the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the dough
On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 4: Roll out the dough
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5: Add optional ingredients
If desired, sprinkle raisins and chopped walnuts on top of the filling.
Step 6: Roll and shape the dough
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Fold the log in half and twist it to form a spiral shape. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan.
Step 7: Let it rise
Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with your favorite spread or enjoy it as is.
In conclusion, making your own polish babka bread may seem daunting, but with this recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious and impressive dessert to share with your loved ones. Give it a try and taste the sweet and rich flavors of this traditional Easter treat. Happy baking!
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