Description
Nutella halva babka buns marry Middle Eastern and Eastern European pastry traditions in a delightful swirl of sweet indulgence. Chocolate-ribboned dough promises a luxurious experience that will transport you through culinary landscapes of comfort and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk
- 1/3 cup (67 grams) sugar
Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Aromatic Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a mixer bowl, then incorporate room temperature butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse meal.
- Gently heat milk to 110-115F, then blend in vanilla, milk, and lemon zest with the dry ingredients until evenly moistened.
- Introduce eggs and beat thoroughly for 2 minutes, then gradually fold in remaining flour to create a cohesive dough.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until achieving a smooth, elastic texture.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, ensuring complete surface coverage, then allow to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour until volume doubles.
- Partition dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a thin rectangular shape.
- Lavishly spread Nutella across each rectangle, then generously sprinkle halva and chocolate chips over the surface.
- Carefully roll each rectangle, slice lengthwise, create a delicate twist, and form into intricate knots.
- Position shaped buns on a baking sheet and permit a secondary rise for 30 minutes in a draft-free area.
- Preheat oven to 375F and bake for 15-20 minutes until achieving a rich golden complexion.
- Optional: Brush warm buns with a sweet sugar glaze immediately after removing from oven for enhanced flavor and shine.
Notes
- Ensure milk temperature is precise to activate yeast correctly without killing it.
- Work with room temperature ingredients for smoother dough consistency and better rising.
- Dust work surface generously with flour to prevent sticky dough from sticking during shaping.
- Chill dough for easier handling if it becomes too soft while rolling and filling.
- Customize with alternative spreads like almond butter or tahini for different flavor profiles.
- Sprinkle extra halva crumbs on top before baking for enhanced texture and visual appeal.
- Store baked buns in airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for longer preservation.
- Try different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate for varied taste experiences.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg