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Cranberry Pistachio Babka : A Stunning Holiday Bread You’ll Love First Image

Cranberry Pistachio Babka


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: Overnight + 1 hour
  • Yield: 2 loaves 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful braided bread filled with cranberry and pistachio flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup milk (170g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 3 tsp instant yeast
  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (538g)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for jam)
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar (for jam)
  • 1 tsp vanilla (for jam)
  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/2 cup pistachio paste
  • 1/4 cup finely ground pistachios
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup water (for syrup)
  • 6 tbsp sugar (for syrup)

Instructions

  1. Warm milk and combine with sugar, yeast, flour, cardamom, eggs, salt, and vanilla in a stand mixer. Mix until combined.
  2. Switch to the dough hook, knead for 1 minute, then add butter gradually. Knead for 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
  4. To make cranberry jam, combine all jam ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to boil, simmer 15 minutes, then cool and chill.
  5. Mix pistachio paste, ground pistachios, brown sugar, and butter until smooth to make the filling.
  6. Divide dough in half, roll each into an 11×18″ rectangle. Spread pistachio filling, then cranberry jam, leaving a 1-inch edge.
  7. Roll tightly from the short side into a log. Chill for 15 minutes.
  8. Slice logs lengthwise, cut-side up, and braid. Tuck ends under and place in loaf pans.
  9. Let rise for 1–2 hours until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  10. Optional: Brush with egg wash. Bake for 30–35 minutes, cover if browning too quickly.
  11. Make syrup by boiling water and sugar. Brush over warm babkas.
  12. Cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is at room temperature before use.
  • Gel a nice rise by letting the dough rest in a warm place.
  • Adjust baking time as necessary based on your oven.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg