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