Description
This Chai-Spiced Apple Babka combines soft, fluffy bread with a swirl of tender apples and cozy chai spices. It’s a comforting, bakery-style loaf that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for fall mornings, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want a sweet and spiced treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of nutmeg and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: simple syrup (1/4 cup sugar + 1/4 cup water, simmered until dissolved) for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk and stir in the yeast with 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a mixer. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Cook the Apple Filling: In a skillet, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and all chai spices. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Stir in vanilla, then let cool.
- Roll and Fill: Roll risen dough into a rectangle (about 10×14 inches). Spread cooled apple mixture evenly. Roll into a tight log from the long side.
- Shape the Babka: Slice the log lengthwise. Twist the two halves together with cut sides facing up. Place in a greased loaf pan, tuck in ends, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush top with milk or egg wash. Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Brush with simple syrup while warm for shine.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with tea or coffee.
Notes
For best swirls, make sure the apple filling is cooled before spreading. You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge for fresh morning baking. Babka also freezes well—wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then thaw overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 loaf)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg