Ukrainian Country Babka
Experience the heartwarming charm of Eastern Europe with this Ukrainian Country Babka, a soft, slightly sweet bread perfect for celebrations or a cozy treat at home. This traditional recipe combines rich ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk to create a tender, golden loaf with just a hint of sweetness, elevated by optional bursts of plump raisins. The dough is lovingly kneaded until smooth, allowed to rise twice for that signature airy texture, and baked to perfection for a beautifully golden, slightly crusty finish. Whether enjoyed fresh with a smear of butter or lightly toasted, this Ukrainian babka is a must-try for anyone looking to bring old-world flavor to their baking repertoire. Perfect for family gatherings or a unique artisanal bread experience, this recipe is a slice of tradition steeped in comfort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 0.75 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 packet Active dry yeast
- 0.25 cup Warm water
- 4 large Eggs
- 2 large Egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Raisins (optional)
- Cooking spray or softened butter
Instructions
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat. Add the unsalted butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and let it cool until lukewarm.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt. Gradually mix in the cooled milk and butter mixture, followed by the foamy yeast mixture and vanilla extract.
Gradually incorporate 5 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Add additional flour as needed until the dough is soft but not overly sticky.
If using raisins, fold them into the dough at this stage.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, use the stand mixer for kneading on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray or softened butter. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch the dough down and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a round loaf or place them into greased loaf pans if desired. Cover again and let rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until almost doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the babkas for 35-40 minutes, or until the tops are golden and sound hollow when tapped.
Remove from the oven and let the loaves cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes. Turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4698 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.2 g | 118% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.5 g | 217% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1266 mg | 422% | |
| Sodium | 2821 mg | 123% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 852.6 g | 310% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.4 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 266.3 g | ||
| Protein | 121.2 g | 242% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.7 mcg | 38% | |
| Calcium | 678 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 41.3 mg | 229% | |
| Potassium | 2893 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
