I learned how to make this Mexican-Inspired babka during Hispanic Heritage Month a couple of years ago. At the time, my job organized a virtual baking class led by Masa Madre, a Mexican Jewish inspired bakery that offers baking classes virtually and in Chicago. We were sent the ingredients and instructions for preparing the dough before the class then completed the second half while on the Zoom call.
I don't consider myself a baker at all. In fact, I often joke that I'm really good at cooking but can't bake to save my life. However, this babka bread was the first baking recipe I've ever made from scratch, and I have to say, I was surprised at how simple it was to follow and how delicious it was! Maybe I'm biased because I had never had babka bread before, but after trying it at a local farmers market, I can say this recipe still passes the taste check. Enjoy it with a cafecito, hot chocolate, or my Masala chai recipe.
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Learn how to make babka bread that can be filled with whatever you prefer!
In a small bowl, mix sugar, water, and dry yeast. Let rest for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix 4 egg yolks and 2 eggs, vegetable oil, and honey. Then add salt, flour, and the yeast mix from Step 1.
Knead your dough for 8-10 minutes, or until it is soft and stretchy.
Cover your mixing bowl, and allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour in room temperature.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lightly flour a flat surface, and roll your dough into a rectangle about 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1/4 inches thick.
Spread a thin layer of your preferred filling throughout the entire rectangle.
Roll the dough away from you into a log, and slice it in half to make two loaves. Slice again lengthwise, then flip both pieces, so the filling is exposed and facing up.
Place one piece of dough on top of the other making an X, and twist them from the center to the sides. Place the braid in a loaf pan, and repeat with the second half.
Brush both loaves with egg wash and let them rise for 15-20 minutes.
Bake your loaves for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.