Praline Twist Babka: A Sweet Symphony in Every Slice

Babka, the sweet, twisted bread that hails from Eastern Europe, has gained immense popularity worldwide for its soft, fluffy texture and delightful fillings. Our Praline Twist Babka takes this traditional treat to a luxurious new level with a rich praline caramel swirl. This recipe combines the tender brioche dough with a luscious praline caramel filling, resulting in a decadent pastry that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Brioche Dough:

• 115 ml warm water
• 115 ml whole milk
• 70 g white sugar + 1 tbsp white sugar
• 1 packet instant dry yeast
• 630 g flour
• A large pinch of salt
• 1 tsp natural vanilla extract
• 170 g melted butter
• 2 eggs

For the Praline Caramel:

• 300 g pralines + 100 g crushed pralines for topping
• 30 cl cream

Directions

Dough Preparation:

1. Activate Yeast: Mix warm water, milk, and 1 tbsp sugar. Warm slightly in the microwave. Add yeast and let it activate for 5 minutes.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and the yeast mixture. It’s crucial to ensure the salt does not directly touch the yeast.
3. Knead: Mix until the dough is smooth, then knead for 5 minutes on a floured surface.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a bowl, cover, and let it rise for 2 hours at room temperature.

Caramel Preparation:

1. Heat: In a saucepan, heat cream and pralines over medium heat while stirring continuously until the caramel thickens and reaches 105°C.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Roll Out Dough: Roll out the risen dough into a 1-meter by 40 cm rectangle.
2. Add Caramel: Spread the praline caramel over the dough, then roll up lengthwise.
3. Shape: Cut the roll in half to get two 50 cm cylinders. Split each cylinder lengthwise and braid the pieces.
4. Form Babkas: Shape each braided dough into a crown. Scrape off any excess caramel.
5. Second Rise: Let the shaped dough rise for 1 hour at room temperature.
6. Bake: Bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Calories: 485 kcal per serving
• Servings: 2 babkas

Conclusion

This Praline Twist Babka is not just a treat; it’s a showstopper perfect for a festive table or a cozy tea time. The sweet, nutty praline complements the buttery brioche, making each slice irresistibly tempting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe promises to delight your senses and add a touch of elegance to your culinary creations. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

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