Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
If you love the rich, nutty goodness of halva paired with creamy Nutella, you are in for a real treat with the Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe. These soft, tender buns swirl together two irresistible flavors in a way that feels both comfortingly familiar and completely unique. Each bite offers a perfect balance between the sweet, chocolatey hazelnut spread and the slightly grainy texture of halva, all wrapped in a fluffy, golden dough that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a special breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your home baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these babka buns lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute not only to the flavor but also to the perfect texture and appealing color of the final product.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the dough structure and fluffiness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning the buns beautifully.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise to a light and airy perfection.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and makes the dough soft.
- Eggs: Contribute richness and bind the dough together.
- Unsalted butter: Provides tenderness and depth of flavor in the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant note for extra warmth.
- Nutella: Brings creamy, chocolate-hazelnut goodness to the filling.
- Halva: Offers a sweet, nutty, and slightly crumbly texture unique to Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Honey (optional): Sweetens the filling for those who prefer a richer taste.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze, optional): Adds a delicate, sweet finish.
- Milk or water (for glaze, optional): Used to create a smooth, pourable icing.
How to Make Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by waking up your yeast with warm milk, making sure the temperature is just right (around 110°F). Let it sit until it becomes frothy and alive, which means your dough will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures that your dough has an even flavor and texture from the start.
Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Add the activated yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix everything until the dough comes together into a slightly sticky ball.
Step 4: Knead the dough
Knead your dough either on a floured surface for about 10 minutes or use a stand mixer. The goal here is to develop the gluten so your buns turn out soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Step 5: First rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and put it in a warm spot. Wait for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size—the key to those perfectly fluffy buns.
Step 6: Prepare the filling
While your dough is rising, mix Nutella, crumbled or blended halva, and honey if you want extra sweetness. This blend offers a rich and unique flavor that makes these buns unforgettable.
Step 7: Roll and fill the dough
After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the Nutella halva filling evenly, making sure every bite is packed with goodness.
Step 8: Shape and slice the buns
Carefully roll the dough into a log, sealing the edge to keep the filling intact. Slice it into 8 to 10 equal pieces depending on your preferred bun size.
Step 9: Second rise
Place the buns spaced apart in a greased round cake pan or lined baking sheet. Cover them and let them puff up again for 30 to 45 minutes. This step ensures your buns bake up light and airy.
Step 10: Bake to golden perfection
Pop those buns in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. The sweet aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is pure bliss.
Step 11: Optional glazing
While the buns are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla for a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the warm buns right after baking for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar over the buns before serving for a beautiful presentation and an added crunch that complements the soft texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these buns with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a glass of warm spiced tea or coffee, which balances their sweetness and enhances the nutty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the buns on a rustic wooden board with some fresh berries and a small bowl of extra Nutella or tahini for dipping. This makes for an inviting centerpiece at brunch or dessert time that encourages sharing and savoring.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They stay soft and delicious, perfect for a quick morning treat or a snack anytime.
Freezing
Wrap the buns individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to one month—just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm the buns gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at low heat. This restores their softness and brings back the freshly baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I substitute tahini for halva in the filling?
Absolutely! Tahini works as a great alternative if you don’t have halva. It will give a similar nutty flavor but with a smoother texture.
What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast in slightly smaller amounts. Just mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing it in warm milk first.
Is the honey necessary for the filling?
No, the honey is optional and just adds a bit more sweetness. The Nutella and halva combo already provides plenty of sweet, rich flavor.
Can I make these buns gluten-free?
While this recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free blends. You might need to adjust the liquid and rising times for the best results.
How do I know when the buns are fully baked?
They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
Final Thoughts
Making this Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe is a rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy. These buns are perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply indulging yourself in a moment of pure deliciousness. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again, inviting friends and family to savor every bite alongside you.
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Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 buns 1x
Description
Nutella Halva Babka Buns are soft, sweet yeast buns filled with a luscious mixture of Nutella and traditional halva, creating a unique blend of creamy and nutty flavors. These buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, featuring a tender dough that is rolled and sliced into individual portions, then baked to golden perfection and optionally glazed for extra sweetness.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup Nutella (or other hazelnut spread)
- 1/2 cup halva (crumbled or blended to a paste, or use tahini as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the glaze (optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the yeast mixture: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough just begins to come together.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix together the Nutella, crumbled or blended halva, and honey (if using) in a bowl until you have a smooth, well combined filling.
- Shape the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Apply the filling: Spread the Nutella and halva mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
- Form the log: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the edges to seal the seam and prevent filling from leaking.
- Slice the buns: Cut the log into 8 to 10 even pieces depending on the preferred size for the buns.
- Arrange for second rise: Place the buns in a greased round cake pan or on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion. Cover with a clean towel and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the buns complete their second rise.
- Bake the buns: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the buns are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze (optional): While buns are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
- Glaze the buns: Remove the buns from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the warm buns for a sweet, shiny finish.
- Serve: Let the buns cool slightly before serving. They taste best warm and fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Notes
- You can substitute tahini for halva if unavailable to maintain a similar nutty flavor.
- Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Allowing the dough to rise fully is key for soft, fluffy buns.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- If you prefer, you can skip the glaze for a less sweet finish.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to simplify kneading.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish, Middle Eastern
