Sugar Swings! Serve Some: March 2024

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Spice Babka Bread with Dune Sandworm

                     Spice Babka bread with Dune Sandworm

The dunes of Arrakis in bread form complete with sandworm!


Spice Babka bread with Dune Sandworm

I'm still making bread but just not as frequently.   And I also finally listened to the Frank Herbert's Dune book.  My take away is that spice is all over the place and making a comeback!  

Spice Babka bread with Dune Sandworm

The babka bread has spice mix in the dough.  A lot of cinnamon plus pumpkin pie spice (nutmeg, clove, allspice, and ginger)

The swirled filling is apple, vanilla bean, sugar, cooked down plus some orange blossom water and more cinnamon added at the end.

Spice Babka bread

After bread is risen, roll out and spread with nutella then spread with the apple spice filling


Spice Babka bread

It looks like a mess but it needed for the babka swirl!

Spice Babka bread

pre-proof

Spice Babka bread

post-prove

Spice Babka bread

After baking at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes (or until internal temp is 190 degrees F)

Spice Babka bread with Dune Sandworm

"sandworm" is nutella with almond slices around it

Spice Babka bread with Dune Sandworm

Not exactly the Dune popcorn bucket, but still fun!

Spice Babka bread with Dune Sandworm

Enjoy and wishing you lots of spice!



Babka Dough Recipe

1 package instant yeast
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
1/8 cup honey
1 egg
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 cup nutella
almond slices 

Directions:
  • Mix yeast and warm water together and let sit for 5-10 mins
  • Mix vanilla, oil, honey, egg, and salt together
  • Add flour to bowl with spices and add yeast mixture and mix until incorporated
  • Add the other ingredients and mix until incorporated
  • Turn out onto the counter and kneed until soft and pliable
  • Cover and let proof until doubled in size
  • Roll out to to 11X14 rectangle 
  • Spread with nutella
  • Add filling and roll lengthwise into jelly roll
  • Cut down center and twist each length around each other
  • Add to loaf pan and let proof again for 30-40 minutes
  • Bake at 350 degrees until internal temperature is 190 degrees (cover with foil if the top starts to brown)
  • Optional: Once cooled add dollop of nutella (leave hole in center) and add slices around it as worm "teeth"
  • See this video on how to roll out, cut, and shape babka dough

Spice Filling

1 cup diced apple
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons orange blossom water
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon clove
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ginger

Directions: Add apple sugar to sauce pan and cook until apples are cooked through; Add spices and cook for another 5-10 minutes until thickened.  Let cool.