Orange Cardamom Babka

Orange Cardamom Babka Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
Looking for a unique and flavorful dessert that will impress your guests? Look no further than this Orange Cardamom Babka recipe! This delicious treat combines the classic flavors of babka with the bright and zesty taste of orange and the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom. With its rich, buttery texture and sweet, citrusy flavor, this babka is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients:

For the dough:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt

For the filling:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange zest
- 1 tbsp ground cardamom

For the glaze:

- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm water, warm milk, and eggs.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Add the softened butter to the dough and knead until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour.
6. While the dough is rising, make the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, sugar, orange zest, and cardamom until well combined.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle.
9. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side.
11. Cut the rolled dough in half lengthwise, exposing the filling.
12. Twist the two halves together, forming a braided loaf.
13. Place the babka in a greased loaf pan and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
14. Bake the babka for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
15. While the babka is baking, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
16. Once the babka is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
17. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the babka and serve warm.
Appearance and Taste:
This Orange Cardamom Babka is a beautiful, golden-brown loaf with a rich, buttery texture and a sweet, citrusy flavor. The orange zest adds a bright, zesty note to the filling, while the cardamom adds a warm, aromatic spice that perfectly complements the sweetness of the dough. The glaze adds a final touch of sweetness and a beautiful, glossy finish to the top of the loaf.
Type of Dish: Sweet Bread
Main Ingredients: Flour, Butter, Orange Zest