Ingredients
- For the Dough:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm milk
2 large eggs
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Pumpkin Spice Filling:
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Syrup:
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Mix and Knead the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and butter. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
Roll Out the Dough: Roll dough into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving a 1-inch border.
Shape the Babka: Roll dough into a tight log, slice lengthwise, and twist halves together with filling side up.
Second Rise: Place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Syrup: Heat water and sugar in a saucepan until dissolved.
Glaze the Babka: Brush syrup over warm babka for a glossy finish.
Cool and Serve: Let cool for 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh yeast for the best rise.
Avoid overfilling the dough to prevent messy braiding.
Let the babka cool before slicing for clean cuts.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice babka, fall dessert, pumpkin bread, sweet bread, babka loaf, holiday baking, cozy recipes
