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Strawberry Donut Babka Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 87 reviews

This delightful Strawberry Donut Babka Bread combines a soft, buttery yeast dough twisted with a sweet, homemade strawberry jam filling. Finished with a shiny sugar glaze and a sugar coating for that perfect donut-like crunch, this bread is a fantastic treat for breakfast or dessert, pairing fruity freshness with rich, tender bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Babka Dough

  • 20 g dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 10 tbsp butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Strawberry Jam Filling

  • 2 (16 oz) containers strawberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Sugar Glaze

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Extra sugar for coating

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Warm the milk on the stovetop or in the microwave until just above lukewarm (around 100°F). Add the dry yeast to the warm milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Dough Base: In an electric mixer with a dough hook, combine flour, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix briefly to combine.
  3. Add Eggs and Yeast Mixture: Add the eggs and the activated yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Mix for a few minutes until a dough begins to form. If the dough is very sticky, gradually add flour until manageable.
  4. Incorporate Butter: Add the butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing on medium speed until fully blended and dough is smooth. If the dough remains sticky, add spoonfuls of flour as needed until it pulls away cleanly from the bowl and hook.
  5. First Rise: Grease a separate bowl with butter. Transfer the dough ball into it and roll to coat all sides. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-12 hours or overnight (minimum 5-6 hours) to let the dough chill and rise slowly.
  6. Make Strawberry Jam: Combine chopped strawberries and sugar in a saucepan. Heat until boiling and soft. Mash the strawberries with a wooden spoon, blend until smooth, then return to saucepan. Mix cornstarch and water to form a paste, stir into the hot strawberry mixture along with vanilla and lemon juice. Simmer briefly, strain through a fine sieve to ensure smooth jam, and chill overnight with the dough.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easier release.
  8. Shape Dough: On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 9×11 inch rectangle. If dough is too cold and stiff, let it sit for 10 minutes before rolling. Spread the chilled strawberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
  9. Roll and Twist: Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log lengthwise down the center horizontally to expose the jam layers. Twist the two halves around each other like a braid to show the interior layers and place the twist into the prepared loaf pan, tucking ends underneath.
  10. Bake: Bake the babka bread for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. Make Sugar Glaze: While baking, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until bubbling and simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
  12. Glaze and Coat: After baking, remove the babka from the oven and immediately brush the top with the sugar glaze. Let cool for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove the loaf from the pan. Roll the warm loaf in extra sugar to coat the outside for a crispy, sugary finish.
  13. Serve: Slice and enjoy your Strawberry Donut Babka Bread warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is just warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Adjust flour quantity as needed when mixing to achieve a dough that is soft but not overly sticky.
  • Overnight refrigeration develops flavor and improves dough texture.
  • If your dough is too cold to roll out easily, let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping.
  • Straining the jam ensures a smooth texture without clumps.
  • The sugar glaze adds shine and sweetness but is optional if you prefer a less sweet crust.
  • Store leftover babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: strawberry babka, donut babka bread, yeast bread, homemade strawberry jam, sweet bread, baked bread

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/strawberry-donut-babka-bread-recipe/