Ukrainian Babka
Ukrainian Babka is a rich, sweet yeast bread with raisins and a tender crumb, perfect for special occasions or festive gatherings, offering warm, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a large pot, ensuring it is not hot, then dissolve the yeast in the warm milk.
- Add 4 cups of flour to the yeast mixture and mix well.
- Put the mixture in a warm place to rise.
- Cover with a towel and let it rise for 2 hours.
- Add sugar, eggs, sour cream, and salt to the risen mixture and mix again.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until all flour is used.
- Add melted butter and raisins to the dough, then knead until the dough comes clean from your hands.
- Cover the dough again and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of butter and shortening in your dough. If you prefer a different dried fruit, you can substitute the raisins with chopped dried apricots or cranberries. Ensure your milk is just warm, as overheating can kill the yeast. If you're in a hurry, you can use store-bought bread dough as a shortcut.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ukrainian Babka as a delightful breakfast treat or afternoon snack, paired with a cup of tea or coffee. It also makes a lovely dessert, especially when drizzled with a simple glaze. For a festive touch, enjoy it alongside Viennese Rounds-Christmas Cookie for a seasonal gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For reheating, place slices in a toaster or oven until warmed through, maintaining the soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ukrainian Babka contains roughly 2846 calories, with 48g protein, 366g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (96% of the Daily Value), calcium (96% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Ukrainian Babka?
Yes, you can freeze babka! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt or buttermilk can be excellent alternatives. Both will provide similar tanginess and moisture to the dough, ensuring a successful bake.
Why is my babka not rising?
If your babka isn't rising, it could be due to inactive yeast, possibly from expired yeast or water that was too hot. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm, not hot, to create the right environment for the yeast to activate.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).