Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka

recipe image of a top down mise en place shot showing flour butter sugar eggs milk yeast blueberries cream cheese cinnamon salt vanilla extract blueberry juice powdered sugar sour cream heavy cream lemon zest orange zest arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight

C. Motter Cindy

Blueberry Cream Cheese Babka

A delightful twist on the classic babka, featuring a creamy blueberry cream cheese filling that pairs perfectly with a soft, yeasted dough. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 20

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Dough

3.5 cups all purpose flour or bread flour for a chewier texture
1 packet active dry yeast
0.5 cup warm milk about 110°F
0.25 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 lemon zest optional, but brightens the blueberry flavor

For the Blueberry Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese softened
0.25 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries if frozen, do not thaw
2 tbsp all purpose flour to thicken the blueberry juice
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Streusel Topping (optional)

2 tbsp cold unsalted butter cubed
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 tbsp brown sugar
0.25 tsp cinnamon

For the Glaze (optional)

0.5 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Stand Mixer
loaf pan,

Method

Proof the Yeast

Make the Dough

First Rise

Prepare the Filling

Shape the Babka

Roll and Cut

Second Rise

Bake

Cool and Glaze

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 15g

Notes

The first time I made this, my kitchen smelled of butter and warm blueberries. My son Adams came running, asking if he could lick the bowl. I handed him a spoon and watched him scoop up the leftover cream cheese filling. That moment, messy and sweet, is what this homemade babka is all about. Do not be afraid of the twisted shape. It looks complicated but is actually very forgiving. If the dough tears, just press it back together. The swirls will still be beautiful.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!