Cinnamon-Pecan Babka – Bake from Scratch

Braided and delightful, our Cinnamon-Pecan Babka is ideal for any time of day. Fragrant cinnamon brings attractive spice whereas buttery chopped pecans and light-weight brown sugar stability out the candy warmth.

Cinnamon-Pecan Babka

2½ cups (313 grams) plus 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour, divided
3 tablespoons (36 grams) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons (6 grams) kosher salt, divided
1 ½ teaspoons (4.5 grams) immediate yeast*
¼ cup (57 grams) plus 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened and divided
¼ cup (60 grams) plus 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water, divided
¼ cup (60 grams) complete milk
½ teaspoon (2 grams) vanilla extract
2 massive eggs (100 grams), room temperature and divided
2 tablespoons (28 grams) firmly packed mild brown sugar
2 teaspoons (4 grams) floor cinnamon
⅓ cup (38 grams) chopped pecans
Easy Syrup (recipe follows)

Within the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk collectively 1 cup (125 grams) flour, granulated sugar, 1 ½ Teaspoons (4.5 grams) salt, and yeast by hand.
In a small saucepan, warmth ¼ cup (57 grams) butter, ¼ cup (60 grams) water, milk, and vanilla over medium-low warmth till butter is melted and an instant-read thermometer registers 120º
(49ºC) to 130ºF (54ºC). Add heat butter combination to flour combination. Utilizing the paddle attachment, beat at medium-low velocity till mixed. Add 1 egg (50 grams), and beat till mixed. With mixer on low velocity, regularly add 1½ cups (188 grams) flour, beating simply till mixed and stopping to scrape sides of bowl.
Swap to the dough hook attachment. Beat at medium-low velocity till a mushy, considerably sticky dough varieties, 5 to eight minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl and dough hook; add as much as remaining 2 tablespoons (16 grams) flour, 1 tablespoon (8 grams) at a time, if dough is simply too sticky. Prove dough onto a really calmly floured floor, and form right into a easy spherical.
Evenly oil a big bowl. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease prime. Cowl and let rise in a heat, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) till doubled in measurement, 30 to 45 minutes.
Prove dough onto a really calmly ﬂoured floor, and gently press into an 8×6-inch rectangle. Loosely wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for not less than 1 hour or as much as in a single day.
Spray an 8½x4½-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Line pan with parchment paper, letting extra lengthen over sides of pan.
In a small bowl, combine collectively remaining 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and remaining ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt.
On a calmly ﬂoured floor, roll dough right into a 13×10-inch rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Utilizing a small offset spatula, unfold butter combination onto dough, leaving a ½-inch border on each quick sides and one lengthy facet. Sprinkle pecans on prime, and press calmly along with your fingers to verify all the things adheres. Beginning with lengthy facet reverse border, roll up dough, jelly roll type, and pinch seam to seal. Gently raise log at every finish, and stretch to 14 inches lengthy. Place seam facet down, ensuring seam is off to 1 facet as an alternative of in heart. Utilizing a pointy serrated knife, lower in half lengthwise. Flip halves lower facet up, and place in an “X.” Twist prime half of “X” twice; pinch ends, and tuck beneath. Repeat with backside half of “X.” Utilizing your fingers, place in ready pan, ensuring to maintain lower sides up and ends tucked. Cowl and let rise in a heat, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) till puffed, half-hour to 1 hour. (Dough ought to go the ﬁnger dent check; see Notes.)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, whisk collectively remaining 1 egg (50 grams) and remaining 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water. Utilizing a pastry brush, brush egg wash on prime of dough.
Bake till golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in heart registers 190°F (88°C), 50 to 55 minutes, masking with foil midway by baking to stop extra browning. Brush with Easy Syrup. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Utilizing extra parchment as handles, take away from pan, and let cool fully on a wire rack.

*We used Platinum® Yeast from Red Star®.

Word: Closing rise time will rely on how lengthy dough is chilled. The longer the dough is chilled, the longer it is going to take to rise. When you suppose your dough has proofed, conduct the ﬁnger dent check. Gently press your ﬁnger about ½ inch into the floor. It’s best to be capable to watch the dough spring again barely however nonetheless present an indentation. If the dent disappears, the dough is underproofed and desires extra time. If the indentation stays fully, it has overproofed, however don’t panic. Instantly pop it into the oven; the babka will nonetheless be nice!

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