Discover the delicious history of babka, a sweet yeast bread enriched with raisins, nuts, and dried fruits. Learn how to bake this delightful treat with our easy recipe.

Ingredients:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

- 1/2 cup warm milk

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 3 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup raisins

- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

- 1/2 cup dried fruits (such as chopped apricots or cranberries)

Method:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.

3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6. Punch down the risen dough and knead in the raisins, nuts, and dried fruits until evenly distributed.

7. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a loaf.

8. Place the loaves in greased loaf pans, cover, and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes.

9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

10. Bake the babka loaves for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

11. Let the babka cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

1. All-purpose flour (3 cups):

  - Calories: ~450 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~95 g

  - Protein: ~12 g

  - Fat: ~1.5 g

  - Sodium: ~0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Provides carbohydrates for energy, some protein, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as iron and B vitamins.

2. Granulated sugar (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: ~200 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~50 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Sodium: 0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Provides quick energy but lacks significant nutrients. Consumed in moderation.

3. Active dry yeast (1 packet - 2 1/4 teaspoons):

  - Calories: ~10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~1 g

  - Protein: ~1 g

  - Fat: ~0 g

  - Sodium: ~0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Contains protein and B vitamins, aids in leavening the dough.

4. Warm milk (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: ~50 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~5 g

  - Protein: ~3 g

  - Fat: ~2 g

  - Sodium: ~50 mg

  - Cholesterol: ~10 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins D and B12.

5. Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: ~800 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~0 g

  - Protein: ~1 g

  - Fat: ~92 g

  - Sodium: ~0 mg

  - Cholesterol: ~240 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Provides a significant amount of fat for flavor and texture. Contains vitamins A and E.

6. Large eggs (3):

  - Calories: ~210 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~1.5 g

  - Protein: ~18 g

  - Fat: ~15 g

  - Sodium: ~210 mg

  - Cholesterol: ~600 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins (A, D, E, B12), and minerals (iron, zinc).

7. Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: ~12 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Sodium: ~0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Provides flavor without significant macronutrients.

8. Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Sodium: ~1150 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Adds flavor and helps in dough development. Should be consumed in moderation.

9. Raisins (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: ~220 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~60 g

  - Protein: ~2 g

  - Fat: ~0 g

  - Sodium: ~10 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Good source of natural sugars, fiber, and some vitamins and minerals like potassium and iron.

10. Chopped nuts (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: ~400 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~10 g

  - Protein: ~10 g

  - Fat: ~40 g

  - Sodium: ~0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins (E, B6), and minerals (magnesium, phosphorus).

11. Dried fruits (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: ~200 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: ~50 g

  - Protein: ~1 g

  - Fat: ~0 g

  - Sodium: ~10 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional benefit: Provides natural sugars, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals depending on the fruit, such as vitamin C and potassium.