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Blueberry Babka with Cream Cheese

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Delight in the rich and tender Blueberry Babka filled with a luscious cream cheese swirl, perfect for breakfast or dessert. This baked treat balances fruity sweetness and creamy texture in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and egg, mixing until a dough forms.
  3. Knead in the softened butter until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese filling by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Let cool.
  6. Punch down the risen dough, roll it out into a large rectangle (~12×16 inches).
  7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, then spoon the blueberry filling on top.
  8. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log and cut it lengthwise into two halves.
  9. Twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing up and place into a greased loaf pan.
  10. Cover and let rise for an additional 45 minutes.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix egg yolk with water and brush over the babka.
  12. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For added texture, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds on top before baking, or serve warm with a drizzle of honey.

Find it online: https://cubaqueen.com/blueberry-babka-with-cream-cheese/