If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that brings together a golden, tender bread with the irresistible sweetness of honey and the creamy decadence of frosting, then this Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender swirls of honey-sweetened dough interlaced with a luscious cream cheese layer, finished off with a fluffy, lightly sweetened topping that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want to impress friends and family with something comforting yet elegantly sweet. This recipe blends simple ingredients into a beautifully rich and satisfying babka that you’ll find hard to stop eating!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in bringing out the rich, moist texture and those subtle honey notes that make this babka unforgettable. The combination is wonderfully straightforward but essential, building layers of flavor and that perfect soft crumb.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The base of our dough, it provides structure and tenderness.
- Eggs (8, room temperature): They enrich the dough, giving it softness and a golden color.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds light sweetness and helps tenderize the babka.
- Warmed honey (1 cup): The star ingredient—infusing natural sweetness and moistness throughout.
- Sour cream (16 oz, room temperature): Creates a tender crumb by adding moisture and a slight tang.
- Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Helps the dough rise just enough for a soft texture.
- White distilled vinegar (2 tablespoons): Reacts with baking soda to give lift and a subtle brightness.
- Fine salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, for frosting): Provides rich, tangy creaminess for the frosting.
- Cool Whip (8 oz, for frosting): Lightens the frosting to a fluffy, cloud-like texture.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, for frosting): Sweetens and smooths the frosting perfectly.
How to Make Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps them combine smoothly and creates a tender dough. This little step makes a big difference in your babka’s texture!
Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
In your stand mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt—this dry mix forms the babka’s base. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with warmed honey and sour cream, marrying the wet ingredients. Slowly combine your wet ingredients into the dry mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten structure, giving the babka its classic tender, springy texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm environment for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when it has roughly doubled in size—this is where that lovely fluffiness begins.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the dough is rising, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the Cool Whip to create a fluffy, slightly tangy frosting that perfectly complements the sweet honey babka.
Step 6: Shape and Bake the Babka
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After the rise, shape the dough into your preferred form—loaves or rolls work beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet or loaf pan and bake for about 35 minutes until your babka turns a gorgeous golden brown and fills your kitchen with delicious aroma.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Allow the babka to cool just slightly before generously frosting the top. This lets the cream cheese frosting stay silky smooth without melting away, making every bite a perfect harmony of fluffy bread and rich topping.
How to Serve Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for a delightful crunch and nutty contrast. Fresh berries or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting can also add color and an extra hint of flavor.
Side Dishes
This honey babka pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, balancing sweetness with a warm beverage. For a brunch spread, add fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to complement the richness of the babka.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the babka thickly and serving it alongside a drizzle of warm honey or a dollop of whipped cream for a café-style treat. Or, for a fun twist, toast the slices lightly before spreading a little extra cream cheese or jam to enjoy a fresh take on leftovers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your honey babka wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed prevents the bread from drying out and maintains that perfect tender bite.
Freezing
Honey babka freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this delightful babka any time you like with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, allow the babka to thaw at room temperature, then warm it in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10–15 minutes. This will refresh the soft texture and bring back that fresh-baked aroma. Avoid microwaving as it may make the texture gummy.
FAQs
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
While honey gives this babka its unique moistness and flavor, you can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different but still delicious twist. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture.
Is it necessary to use room temperature ingredients?
Yes! Using room temperature eggs, sour cream, and other ingredients helps them combine more easily, resulting in a smoother, more consistent dough and ultimately a better-textured babka.
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix by hand using a whisk and sturdy spoon, then knead on a floured surface. Just be prepared to invest a bit more elbow grease into the kneading step for that perfect dough texture.
How long should I let the babka rise?
The babka dough needs about an hour in a warm spot to double in size. Depending on your kitchen’s temperature, it might take slightly more or less time, so look for that visual cue rather than clock time alone.
Can I add nuts or chocolate to the dough?
Definitely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips make fantastic additions that complement the honey flavor well. Fold them in after the initial mixing step but before you start kneading.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a beautiful blend of simplicity and indulgence that’s sure to become one of your favorite homemade treats. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, it delivers comforting flavors with a touch of elegance. Give it a try—you’ll love sharing its sweet honey aroma and creamy frosting with everyone lucky enough to get a slice!
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Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Description
A deliciously soft and sweet Honey Babka made with a rich dough flavored with honey and sour cream, topped with a smooth cream cheese and Cool Whip frosting. Perfectly golden and fragrant, this babka offers a delightful blend of tender crumb and creamy sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 8 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup warmed honey
- 16 oz sour cream, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help the dough mix evenly and rise properly.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, warmed honey, and sour cream. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated to create a light and creamy frosting.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the risen dough into loaves or rolls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the baked babka to cool slightly. Then, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm babka before serving.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and rising.
- Kneading the dough well ensures a tender, fluffy texture.
- If desired, you can add cinnamon or nuts to the dough for extra flavor.
- Cool the babka slightly before frosting so the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
