Go Back
–+ servings
A beautifully braided Easter Cream Cheese Babka with chocolate and colorful icing swirls on a wooden board.

Easter Cream Cheese Babka

A rich and decadent babka filled with cream cheese and chocolate, perfect for Easter celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 package Active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons
  • 1/4 cup Warm water 105-115°F
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup Milk warmed
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter softened
For the Filling
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 large Egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Chocolate chips semi-sweet
For the Glaze
  • 1/4 cup Apricot jam warmed
  • 2 tablespoons Water

Equipment

  • Stand mixer
  • Loaf pan
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add the yeast mixture and mix well.
  3. Add flour and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Gradually add softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will be sticky.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. While the dough rises, prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
  7. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  8. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling.
  9. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge. Pinch the seam to seal.
  10. Cut the roll in half lengthwise. Twist the two halves together to create a spiral. Place into a greased loaf pan.
  11. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  12. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  13. While the babka is still warm, brush with the apricot glaze.
  14. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

You can add other fillings like nuts or fruit preserves along with the chocolate chips for variation.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!