Embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Belarus with our delightful Babka recipe. Babka, a beloved traditional dish, holds a special place in Belarusian households, bringing together the rich flavors of Eastern European cuisine. This time-honored recipe is not just a meal; it's a celebration of heritage and the joy of sharing delicious moments with loved ones.

In this gastronomic adventure, we will guide you through the art of crafting the perfect Belarus Babka—a dish that reflects the warmth of Belarusian hospitality and the essence of its culinary traditions. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and let's dive into the enchanting world of Belarusian Babka, where each bite tells a story of tradition, love, and mouthwatering flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup raisins or dried fruits (apricots, prunes, or a mix)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead and Rise: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside. If using dried fruits, chop them into small pieces.

Assemble the Babka: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, and sprinkle raisins or dried fruits on top. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, creating a log.

Form the Babka: Cut the rolled dough in half lengthwise, exposing the layers. Twist the two halves together, creating a braided effect. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan.

Second Rise: Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let the babka rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.

Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 30-35 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled babka.

Slice and Enjoy: Once the glaze has set, slice the Belarus Babka and savor each delightful, sweet, and fruity bite. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!

Nutritional values

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and types of ingredients used. However, here are approximate values for the listed ingredients:

Nutritional values per serving (assuming 12 servings):

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups):

• Calories: 1600 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 344g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 12g

benefits:

• Source of complex carbohydrates for energy.
• Provides essential nutrients like iron and B-vitamins.

Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 100g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness and flavor to the babka.
• Quick source of energy.

Active Dry Yeast (1 packet - 2 1/4 teaspoons):

• Calories: 23 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Leavening agent that helps the dough rise.
• Contains B-vitamins and protein.

Warm Milk (1 cup):

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 2g

benefits:

• Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
• Good source of calcium and vitamin D.

Unsalted Butter, Softened (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 800 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 88g

benefits:

• Enhances the flavor and texture of the dough.
• Contains healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Large Eggs (3):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 15g

benefits:

• Provides structure and stability to the dough.
• Rich in protein and essential amino acids.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Enhances the overall flavor of the babka.
• May have antioxidant properties.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Regulates yeast activity in the dough.

Raisins or Dried Fruits (1 cup):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 104g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• Adds natural sweetness and texture to the filling.
• Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Unsalted Butter, Melted (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 50g

benefits:

• Adds richness and moisture to the filling.
• Contains healthy fats.

Brown Sugar (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 108g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
• Contains molasses, providing minerals like iron and calcium.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Enhances the flavor of the filling with warmth.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.

Powdered Sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 100g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Creates a sweet glaze for the finishing touch.
• Adds sweetness without granular texture.

Milk (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• Adjusts the consistency of the glaze.
• Provides additional vitamins and minerals.

Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0.3g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
• Adds a pleasant aroma.

Remember that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and actual measurements used in your recipe.