Mascarpone Cheese Babka Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of indulging in a bread that’s as rich and tender as dessert but cozy and comforting like your favorite homemade treat, then this Mascarpone Cheese Babka Recipe is going to be your new obsession. With swirls of luscious mascarpone cheese nestled inside a soft, buttery dough, every bite feels like a warm hug. This babka strikes the perfect balance between creamy filling and tender crumb, making it a spectacular centerpiece for your breakfast table or an unforgettable afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite cup of coffee. Trust me, once you try this Mascarpone Cheese Babka Recipe, you’ll find it hard to stop baking it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect babka texture and flavor. From the supple dough to the creamy filling, every item enhances the overall experience.

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of our dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the richness.
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast: Essential for the dough’s rise and airy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 2 large eggs: Provide richness and help bind the dough.
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk: Activates the yeast and keeps the dough tender.
• 60g unsalted butter, softened: Adds incredible softness and flavor to the dough.
• 250g mascarpone cheese: The star of the filling, creamy and slightly tangy.
• 1 large egg yolk: Adds richness and helps set the filling.
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture just right.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the filling with warm, fragrant notes.
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional): Brightens the filling with a fresh citrus twist.

How to Make Mascarpone Cheese Babka Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. This creates the base of your dough and evenly distributes each flavor, setting up a balanced foundation for your babka.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough

Next, add the eggs and warm milk. Stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. The warmth of the milk helps activate the yeast, while the eggs bring richness and softness.

Step 3: Knead in Butter

Gradually knead in the softened butter until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is key to giving your babka that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Step 4: First Rise

Cover the dough and place it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1½ to 2 hours. This pause lets the yeast work its magic, creating those beautiful air pockets.

Step 5: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling

While the dough is rising, whisk together the mascarpone, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Keep this luscious mixture chilled until you’re ready to spread it.

Step 6: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 10 by 14 inch rectangle. Spread the mascarpone filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border all around to prevent leaks during baking.

Step 7: Shape the Babka

Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice the log lengthwise right down the middle to expose the creamy filling inside, then twist the two halves together, making sure the cut sides face up to showcase that beautiful swirl.

Step 8: Second Rise and Bake

Place the twisted loaf into a greased loaf pan, cover loosely, and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the babka for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the babka to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if you like, and enjoy your warm or room-temperature treat.

How to Serve Mascarpone Cheese Babka Recipe

Garnishes

Dusting powdered sugar over the top right before serving adds a delicate sweetness and makes your babka look like it just came from a bakery. For extra flair, a light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted nuts works beautifully.

Side Dishes

This babka pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a simple fruit compote. A dollop of whipped cream or a side of creamy yogurt can round out the experience, making it feel indulgent yet balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the babka and serving it in a basket for brunch, or cut it into irregular chunks and serve it alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a casual gathering. You can even layer pieces into a bread pudding for a decadent dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover babka wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain its softness and prevents drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, babka freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when needed.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and softness. Just a few seconds and that creamy mascarpone filling will feel freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of mascarpone?

While mascarpone is perfect for its creamy texture and mild tang, cream cheese can be a substitute in a pinch. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Do I need a stand mixer to make this babka?

No, you can absolutely knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It takes a bit more effort but the results are just as delicious and rewarding.

What does the lemon zest add to the filling?

Lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness that balances the richness of the mascarpone, making the filling taste lighter and more complex.

Can I make this babka vegan or dairy-free?

This traditional recipe relies on dairy and eggs for structure and flavor, but you can experiment with plant-based mascarpone alternatives and egg replacers. Adjustments may be needed for texture.

How can I tell when the babka is fully baked?

It should have a deep golden brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read about 190°F (88°C).

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Mascarpone Cheese Babka Recipe enough for anyone who loves baking something both comforting and special. It’s a delightful way to showcase mascarpone’s creamy goodness wrapped in a tender, buttery dough that your family and friends will rave about. Give it a whirl and watch this beautiful babka become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!

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