Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe

Heavenly Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe: Swirled Sweetness Joy

Discovering a nutella halva babka buns recipe can transform your weekend baking adventure into pure magic.

Sweet layers of dough weave delightful surprise through each bite.

Middle Eastern and European baking traditions dance together in this delectable creation.

Rich chocolate spread meets crumbly sesame goodness, creating an irresistible combination.

Soft, pillowy pastry promises indulgence with every delicate twist.

Complex flavors emerge from simple ingredients waiting in your kitchen.

These buns invite warmth and comfort, beckoning you to roll up your sleeves and start kneading.

Dive into this delicious journey that blends cultural culinary traditions into one spectacular treat.

Nutella Halva Babka Buns: A Sweet Fusion

  • Craft Delightful Dessert: These Nutella Halva Babka Buns bring an incredible fusion of chocolate, Middle Eastern halva, and classic pastry techniques that transform ordinary baking into a gourmet experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize these buns by adjusting chocolate chip quantities, trying different nut variations, or experimenting with alternative spreads to match personal taste preferences.
  • Master Impressive Technique: The recipe teaches sophisticated baking skills like dough kneading, rolling, and shaping intricate knot-style buns, helping home cooks develop professional-level pastry-making abilities.
  • Perfect for Sharing: These beautiful buns create instant conversation starters at brunches, potlucks, or family gatherings, showcasing your culinary creativity while delivering rich, decadent flavors that everyone will adore.

Ingredients to Bake Nutella Halva Babka Buns

For the Dough Base:
  • Flour: The primary structure for creating soft and tender buns.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning and fermentation.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast development.
  • Yeast: Provides rising power and creates airy texture.
For the Liquid Components:
  • Milk: Contributes moisture and helps activate the yeast.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, rich flavor undertones.
  • Lemon Zest: Adds bright, subtle citrus notes.
For the Enriching Elements:
  • Butter: Brings richness and creates tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind ingredients.
For the Filling and Topping:
  • Nutella, Halva, Chocolate Chips: Create decadent swirled layers with complementary sweet flavors.
For the Optional Glaze:
  • Sugar, Water, Butter: Creates a sweet, glossy finish for the baked buns.

How to Bake Delicious Babka Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mixture

Grab your mixer bowl and whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Work the room temperature butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs.

Step 2: Warm the Liquid Ingredients

Heat milk to a cozy 110-115F. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.

Pour this fragrant mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs to the bowl and beat for about 2 minutes.

Slowly mix in the remaining flour until a soft, manageable dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides.

Cover and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Shape the Buns

Divide the risen dough into 8 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a long rectangle. Spread each rectangle with:
  • Nutella
  • Crumbled halva
  • Chocolate chips

Step 7: Create Knot Shapes

Roll up each rectangle tightly.

Cut each roll lengthwise and twist into a beautiful knot shape. Arrange on a lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Second Rise

Let the shaped buns rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 375F.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove from the oven.

Step 10: Make Optional Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and butter. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer.

Step 11: Finish and Serve

Brush the hot buns with the optional sugar glaze. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of Nutella, halva, and soft bread.

Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Babka Buns

  • Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, ensuring a soft and stretchy texture for your babka buns.
  • Verify milk temperature between 110-115F to perfectly activate yeast without killing it, guaranteeing proper dough rise.
  • Dust work surface and hands with flour when handling dough to avoid sticking and make rolling easier.
  • Spread Nutella evenly and sprinkle halva and chocolate chips generously to create delicious, consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Watch buns closely during last 5 minutes of baking to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning.

Babka Bun Variations to Try

  • Mediterranean Herb Babka Buns: Replace Nutella with herbed olive oil spread, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a savory Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Pistachio Rosewater Babka Buns: Swap Nutella for rosewater-infused cream, top with crushed pistachios and a light drizzle of honey for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
  • Apple Cinnamon Babka Buns: Use cinnamon-apple butter instead of Nutella, scatter diced caramelized apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a cozy autumn-inspired treat.
  • Raspberry Dark Chocolate Babka Buns: Substitute Nutella with dark chocolate ganache, add fresh raspberry preserves and dark chocolate shavings for an elegant berry-chocolate combination.

Serving Suggestions for Babka Buns

  • Pair with Rich Turkish Coffee: Brew a strong, dark Turkish coffee to complement the sweet, chocolatey Nutella and dense halva flavors. The robust coffee cuts through the richness and provides a perfect balance.
  • Enhance with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm babka buns. The cold, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, twisted pastry and adds a luxurious touch.
  • Match with Sweet Marsala Wine: Select a chilled sweet Marsala wine to highlight the dessert's complex sweetness. Its caramel and nutty undertones will beautifully echo the Nutella and halva's deep, indulgent profile.

Storing Nutella Halva Babka Buns

Store cooled babka buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.

Place baked buns in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Thaw frozen buns at room temperature for 30 minutes. Warm in a preheated 325F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

Warm individual buns for 15-20 seconds. Add a damp paper towel on top to keep moisture and prevent hardening. Check temperature and add more time if needed.

FAQs

  • What makes the Nutella Halva Babka Buns unique?

The combination of Nutella, halva, and chocolate chips creates a rich, decadent pastry with layers of sweet and nutty flavors that elevate traditional babka buns.

  • Can I make these buns ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator, which can enhance the flavor and make morning preparation easier.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these buns?

A stand mixer is helpful but not essential. You can mix and knead the dough by hand with a little extra effort and patience.

  • How difficult is this recipe for a home baker?

This recipe is moderately challenging and best suited for bakers with some intermediate baking experience who are comfortable working with yeasted dough and shaping techniques.

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Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe

Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Nutella halva babka buns bring Middle Eastern and Eastern European baking traditions together in one irresistible treat. Sweet swirls of chocolate-hazelnut spread and crumbled halva create a luxurious pastry that will delight anyone craving a unique, indulgent experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 1/4 cups (510 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter
  • 1 (13-oz.) jar Nutella
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) pistachio halva

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk
  • 1/3 cup (67 grams) sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Dry and Supplementary Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (85 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Sugar Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a mixer bowl, then incorporate room temperature butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Heat milk to 110-115F, mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest. Pour into dry ingredients and blend until evenly moistened.
  3. Introduce eggs and mix thoroughly for approximately 2 minutes. Gradually fold in remaining flour to create a firm, cohesive dough.
  4. Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until achieving a smooth, elastic texture.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, ensuring complete coating. Cover and allow to rise in a warm environment for 60 minutes or until volume doubles.
  6. Divide risen dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a thin rectangular shape, generously spreading Nutella across the surface.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled halva and chocolate chips over Nutella-coated dough. Carefully roll each rectangle into a tight cylinder.
  8. Slice each rolled piece lengthwise, then intricately twist into a decorative knot. Arrange on a lined baking sheet.
  9. Allow shaped buns to proof for 30 minutes. Simultaneously, preheat oven to 375F.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown coloration.
  11. Prepare optional glaze by combining sugar, water, and butter in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers.
  12. Brush freshly baked buns with warm glaze and serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for easier handling, preventing sticky situations during shaping and rolling.
  • Soften Nutella slightly at room temperature to make spreading more even and smooth.
  • Experiment with different chocolate variations like dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for unique flavor profiles.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Jewish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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