Apricot Cream Cheese Babka

Whenever I think of comfort food, Apricot Cream Cheese Babka always comes to mind. This delightful treat has a special place in my heart—it’s reminiscent of Sunday mornings spent in the kitchen with my family. The air was filled with the warm aroma of baking bread, and we would gather around the table, eager to enjoy the sweet, buttery babka. There’s something magical about the combination of dried apricots and cream cheese that creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. Each layer of the babka is like a hug, inviting you to savor the moment. Let me share this memory and the recipe that’s become a beloved tradition, bringing joy to every brunch and dessert table.

What’s In This Apricot Cream Cheese Babka

The ingredients in this Apricot Cream Cheese Babka come together to create a rich, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Each element plays a vital role in delivering that delightful sweetness and texture. From the fluffy dough to the creamy filling, every bite is a perfect harmony.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the base of the dough, giving it the structure and softness needed for a perfect babka.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and fillings, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Egg: Provides richness and moisture to the dough.
• Whole Milk: Contributes to a tender dough with a lovely texture.
• Dried Apricots: The star of the show, these bring a sweet and tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese.
• Orange Juice: Provides acidity that brightens the apricot flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty note to complement the sweetness of the apricots.
• Cream Cheese: Gives a rich, creamy filling that contrasts beautifully with the sweet apricot mixture.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor to the streusel topping.
• Unsalted Butter: Used in both the dough and streusel, contributing to the rich texture.

Directions for Apricot Cream Cheese Babka

Embarking on this baking adventure is truly a joy! The process of creating your own Apricot Cream Cheese Babka is not only rewarding but also allows you to enjoy the delicious aromas wafting through your kitchen. Let’s dive into the steps and make this remarkable treat.

1. Make the Dough: Start by placing all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and a pinch of salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir on medium-low speed for about a minute to combine the dry ingredients. Add in the egg, whole milk, vanilla, and unsalted butter. Mix on medium speed until a smooth dough forms, which should take around five minutes. Once ready, form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a draft-free area until it doubles in size, which will take about an hour.
2. Make the Apricot Filling: Meanwhile, combine dried apricots, orange juice, lemon juice, and a bit of sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the apricots to soften and the liquid to reduce by half. Once done, remove from heat and allow to cool completely. After cooling, transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until a puree forms. Set aside.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Then, add in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until combined. Let this filling sit at room temperature while you prepare the streusel.
4. Make the Streusel: In another medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the melted butter and mix with a rubber spatula until the mixture forms large, coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
5. Assemble the Babka: Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough into a 10×24-inch rectangle, ensuring the long edge is facing you. Spread the apricot filling evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around all the edges. Then, spread the cream cheese filling over the apricot layer.
6. Roll the Dough: Starting from the bottom edge, roll the dough tightly towards the middle of the rectangle. Then, repeat the process with the top edge, so the two rolls meet in the center. Visualize this long roll divided into three equal lengths and fold the left third over the middle third, followed by the right third. Carefully turn the dough over so that the seam is on the bottom. Gently twist it in the middle and place it into the prepared pan.
7. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and a pinch of salt. Brush this egg wash over the babka to give it that beautiful golden color once baked. Cover the pan lightly with plastic wrap and place it in a draft-free area until it doubles in size, which could take about one and a half to two hours.
8. Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the dough has risen, give it another brush with the egg wash and sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top, pressing it down slightly to adhere. Bake until the top turns a deep golden brown, typically around 50 minutes. After baking, let the babka cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 25 minutes before unmolding it. Place the babka on the wire rack to cool completely. This treat can be kept wrapped tightly in plastic for up to three days.

Recipe Notes about Apricot Cream Cheese Babka

Creating the perfect Apricot Cream Cheese Babka can be a delightful journey. Here are some notes to enhance your experience:

• Storage: Keep any leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked babka. Just wrap it tightly and store it for up to three months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the rising instructions before baking.
• Serving Suggestions: This babka pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes for a lovely dessert after a family dinner.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as chocolate, nuts, or other dried fruits. The technique remains the same!
• Temperature Check: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated for even baking. An oven thermometer can help achieve the right temperature.
• Egg Wash Tips: Make sure to brush the egg wash gently to avoid deflating the risen dough.

Serving Ideas for Apricot Cream Cheese Babka

Enjoying your homemade Apricot Cream Cheese Babka can be as much fun as making it! Here are some wonderful serving ideas:

• Breakfast Delight: Serve slices warm with a pat of butter for a comforting breakfast treat.
• Brunch Centerpiece: This babka makes a stunning centerpiece for brunch gatherings, paired with fresh fruit and coffee.
• Snack Time: Enjoy slices as a delicious afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
• Gifting: Wrap portions in decorative packaging to share with friends and family during the holidays or special occasions.
• Dessert Option: Serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a lovely finish to any meal.
• Seasonal Pairing: The fruity flavors make it ideal for spring and summer gatherings but can be enjoyed year-round.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Apricot Cream Cheese Babka is truly a treat that brings back fond memories while creating new ones. Its delightful combination of sweet apricots and creamy cheese makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; I promise it will become a cherished favorite in your home as it has in mine. Happy baking!

Apricot Cream Cheese Babka

The ultimate indulgence, Apricot Cream Cheese Babka combines sweet dried apricots with creamy cheese for a delightful treat. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy recipe will have everyone begging for seconds. Make it tonight and bring comfort to your table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 7 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.75 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Instant Yeast
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 large Egg at room temperature
• 0.33 cups Whole Milk lukewarm
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter at room temperature
• 1.5 cups Dried Apricots
• 0.5 cups Orange Juice
• 0.33 cups Lemon Juice
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 1 egg yolk Egg Yolk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 pinch Salt
• 0.75 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 4.5 teaspoons Light Brown Sugar
• 1 pinch Salt
• 3.5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter melted and cooled
• 1 egg Egg
• 1 pinch Salt

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Saucepan
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Make the Dough: Place the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir on medium-low speed for a minute to combine. Add the egg, whole milk, vanilla, and unsalted butter and mix on medium speed until a smooth dough forms, about five minutes. Form into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a draft-free area until doubled in volume, about one hour.
2. Make the Apricot Filling: Combine the dried apricots, orange juice, lemon juice, and granulated sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apricots soften and the liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and process until a puree forms.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, stir the cream cheese and granulated sugar with a wooden spoon until smooth and lump-free. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt, and stir to combine.
4. Make the Streusel: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Add the unsalted butter and mix with a rubber spatula until the mixture comes together into large, coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
5. Assemble the Babka: Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 10x24-inch rectangle, with the long edge facing you. Spread the apricot filling evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border along all of the edges. Spread the cream cheese filling over the apricot filling.
6. Starting with the bottom edge, roll the dough into the middle of the rectangle, then do the same with the top edge so that the two rolls meet in the center. Visualize the long cylinder divided into three equal lengths. Fold the left third over onto the middle third. Then, fold the right third over the middle third. Pick up the dough and turn it over so the seam is on the bottom. Holding each end, gently twist it in the middle and place it in the prepared pan.
7. Whisk together the egg and salt for the egg wash and brush it over the babka. Lightly cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in a draft-free area until it is doubled in size, 1½ to 2 hours.
8. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Brush the babka once again with the egg wash and sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere. Bake until the top is a deep golden brown, about 50 minutes. Cool the bread in the pan set on a wire rack for 25 minutes, then unmold the bread from the pan and place on the wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Tip 1: Nutritional values are based on one serving.

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Meet Blaire Holloway

Taking traditional feast recipes and giving them a modern, vibrant twist is what drives me. I want to keep your menu exciting and fresh. I handled the cooking and photography for this recipe, working to bridge the gap between classic comfort and contemporary flavor for your table.