Mascarpone Cheese Babka Recipe
Mascarpone Cheese Babka is a show-stopping sweet bread that combines pillowy-soft, buttery dough with a luscious mascarpone filling, all gleaming under a glossy sugar syrup. This recipe transforms modest pantry staples into an extraordinary treat, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Each slice is a swirl of creamy goodness and rich flavor, making it the kind of masterpiece you’ll want to share with everyone you love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Mascarpone Cheese Babka are delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the babka’s luxurious texture and flavor. Using high-quality basics here really lets the mascarpone shine, while the dough and syrup round out every decadent bite.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and classic soft crumb essential to babka.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough and helps activate the yeast.
- Active dry yeast: Gives the loaf its signature airy rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies every other flavor.
- Warm milk: Adds richness and moisture, essential for a tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to that dreamy, yellowy hue.
- Vanilla extract: A touch in both dough and filling adds cozy, fragrant depth.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the dough ultra-luxurious and soft, and enriches every slice.
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): The creamy heart of this babka, lending silkiness and gentle tang.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone filling without grittiness.
- Lemon zest: A pop of brightness in the mascarpone filling that awakens all the flavors.
- Sugar (for syrup): Ensures a shiny, sweet finish that keeps the babka moist.
- Water (for syrup): Dissolves the sugar into a simple syrup for the perfect final touch.
How to Make Mascarpone Cheese Babka
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm milk, eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract, then mix until a rough dough begins to form. When everything just comes together, start kneading in the softened butter, a little at a time. Give the dough a full 8–10 minutes of kneading by hand (or with a mixer and dough hook) until it becomes super smooth and elastic. Place this lovely dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a cozy spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size. The wait is so worth it!
Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling
While your dough is rising, make the star of the show: the mascarpone cheese filling. Just mix together the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest, and a little vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Stir until everything’s creamy and uniform. This mixture is indulgently smooth and subtly zesty—destined to become the soul of your babka.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release any air, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 10 by 14 inches. Spread the mascarpone filling evenly across the surface, reaching all four corners. For extra pizzazz, you can sprinkle on mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts at this stage for a personal twist on your Mascarpone Cheese Babka.
Step 4: Shape the Babka
Now for the magic swirl! Starting from the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a neat log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise to reveal all those irresistible layers. Gently twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides up so the mascarpone cheese filling peeks through in every twist. Carefully transfer your babka coil into a greased loaf pan, nestle it in, then cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Babka
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When your babka looks beautifully puffy, bake it in the center of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the kitchen will smell like absolute heaven. To check doneness, you can tap the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready!
Step 6: Make and Brush the Syrup
While the babka is baking, combine the sugar and water for the syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. The moment your babka comes out of the oven, brush this warm syrup all over the top. This extra step isn’t just about shine—it keeps your Mascarpone Cheese Babka irresistibly moist and tender for days.
How to Serve Mascarpone Cheese Babka
Garnishes
Embellish each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar, a delicate drizzle of chocolate, or a scattering of thinly sliced almonds. You can also zest a little more lemon on top to echo the brightness inside. These simple touches make every serving of Mascarpone Cheese Babka feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair this babka with freshly brewed coffee, espresso, or even a robust black tea for a breakfast or brunch that feels decadent but effortless. For dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—because who can resist all that creamy-sweet interplay?
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Mascarpone Cheese Babka into an elegant brunch centerpiece by slicing and fanning the pieces on a beautiful platter. For a festive occasion, stack slices into a “pull-apart” arrangement or arrange on a cake stand with edible flowers or candied citrus for a pop of color. Let your creativity (and your appetite) run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Mascarpone Cheese Babka, simply wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to two days, or keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the second time around!
Freezing
Mascarpone Cheese Babka freezes beautifully! Once fully cooled, wrap the whole loaf (or slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Stash in the freezer for up to two months. When a craving hits, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy all over again.
Reheating
To enjoy your babka warm, gently heat slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F oven, wrapped loosely in foil, for 10 minutes. This revives that lovely fresh-baked aroma and makes the mascarpone filling ooze just perfectly.
FAQs
Can I make Mascarpone Cheese Babka dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! After the first rise, you can cover the dough well and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before proceeding with filling, shaping, and baking as usual. It’s perfect for prepping in advance for a brunch or special occasion.
Can I add chocolate or nuts to the filling?
Yes! Enhance your Mascarpone Cheese Babka by sprinkling mini chocolate chips or chopped toasted nuts over the mascarpone layer before rolling up your dough. These goodies add new textures and flavors while keeping that delicious mascarpone front and center.
Why is my babka dough not rising?
This usually happens if the milk used was too hot (which can kill the yeast) or if the yeast is expired. Always check the date on your yeast and use milk that is just warm to the touch (think baby bath water warm) for fluffy, tender results.
Is Mascarpone Cheese Babka best served warm or at room temperature?
You really can’t go wrong! It’s utterly divine slightly warm, especially fresh from the oven or gently reheated, but it’s also scrumptious at room temperature. Either way, that mascarpone swirl is irresistible.
How can I tell when my babka is baked through?
The top should be a deep golden brown and the loaf will sound hollow when gently tapped. If you’re unsure, insert a skewer into the middle—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Mascarpone Cheese Babka is ready.
Final Thoughts
This Mascarpone Cheese Babka is honestly one of those bakery-worthy recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Cozy, creamy, and full of love, it’s the perfect treat to share—or secretly stash for yourself. Give it a try and see just how special homemade babka can be!
Print
Mascarpone Cheese Babka Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Mascarpone Cheese Babka, a sweet bread that is sure to impress. With a tender, buttery dough swirled with a luscious mascarpone filling, this Eastern European-inspired treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the filling:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the syrup:
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Knead in butter until smooth. Let rise for 1–1.5 hours.
- Filling: Mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla.
- Assembly: Roll out dough, spread filling, roll up, slice, twist, and place in a loaf pan. Let rise.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake babka for 35–40 minutes.
- Syrup Glaze: Heat sugar and water, brush over baked babka.
- Serve: Cool before slicing.
Notes
- This babka is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for a twist.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 2 hours rise time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
