The softest apple cinnamon babka ever with a touch of cardamom.
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Raising time 4 hourshours
Total Time 40 minutesminutes
Servings 12inches loaf pan
Ingredients
87grMilk
1teaspoon Honey
12grFresh yeastor 4 gr of dried yeast
1Eggat room temperature
265grBread flour(please add some flour if the dough is too runny - SEE NOTES)
35grBrown sugar
half a teaspoonCardamom powder
32grOil**or 40 gr of melted butter (SEE NOTES)
onetablespoonWater**skip water if you add butter
6grSalt
Milk to brush the top
To make the babka filling:
280grPeeled and sliced apples (or applesauce)(they were 3 apples, in my case)
1tablespoonBrown sugar
1teaspoonCinnamon powder
a sprinkleCardamom powder
Topping:
Almond slices or hazelnuts
Instructions
To make this apple babka I've used my stand mixer.
Warm up the milk and combine it to yeast and honey into the mixer's bowl.
Activate the machine at low speed, add the egg and gradually start pouring the sifted flour. Change speed to medium.
Drizzle the oil + water (or just butter) and let them blend until fully absorbed.
Add the brown sugar and let knead for 10/15 minutes.
Now add the salt and let knead 2 minutes more (or until absorbed).
Let your dough rise - into a bowl, covered - in a warm place for a couple of hours or until doubled.
Meanwhile, to make the filling:
Peel and slice your apples.
In a pan, let them soften with a couple of tablespoons of water, sugar, cinnamon and cardamom.
When they're soft, purée them with a blender. Let the filling cool down.
To "build" the babka:
I've used a 30 cm (12 inches) long loaf tin so I rolled out the dough to be about 35 cm x 30. Work on a floured surface.
Spread your apple cinnamon filling all over the dough then start rolling it into a tight log.
When rolled, let chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, cut it lengthwise through the middle using a bread knife.
Now take one of the two pieces, fold over the top (so it crosses) and make a braid. Add hazelnuts/almonds.
Place it into a greased loaf pan (or use parchment paper instead) and let it rise for 2 hours.
Preheat the oven at 180° C. Bake it for 30 minutes or more (it has to be golden brown on the surface).
Brush with milk immediately and with brown sugar syrup if you want a glossy finish.
Notes
*I've tested this with Kamut flour. It was delicious but I added more flour.**I've tested it with brown butter instead of oil + water. JUST AMAZING. Try!