If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a unique, melt-in-your-mouth treat, the Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These sweet, fluffy buns blend the rich, creamy magic of Nutella with the delicate, nutty crumb of halva, creating a heavenly middle-eastern inspired twist on classic babka. Soft, fragrant, and just the right amount of gooey, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert or an unforgettable breakfast indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list intimidate you—each ingredient here is simple yet crucial, working together to create the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and aroma in your Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bun’s tender yet sturdy structure.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to compliment the filling.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast: Gives the dough that beautiful rise and airy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overtaking.
- 3/4 cup warm milk: Helps activate the yeast and moisturizes the dough for softness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tenderness.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and a golden hue.
- 1/2 cup Nutella, softened: The star spread, delivering creamy, luscious chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
- 1/2 cup crumbled halva (plain or vanilla-flavored): Offers a traditional nutty crumb texture and subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Adds warming spice notes for extra depth.
- 1/4 cup water: For making the glossy sugar glaze that finishes the buns beautifully.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the glaze to enhance the bun’s surface shine and taste.
How to Make Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Rise the Dough
Start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, yeast, and salt—in a large bowl. Then whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg separately. Combine both mixtures until a dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic. This kneading stage is essential; it develops gluten, giving your buns that perfect chew and fluff. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half. This slow rise builds flavor and lightness you’ll notice in every bite.
Step 2: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out to a rectangle roughly 12 by 16 inches. Spreading the softened Nutella evenly over the surface is where the magic truly begins—this luscious layer is the ultimate chocolate-hazelnut indulgence. Then sprinkle crumbled halva for that nutty, crumbly contrast, and a little cinnamon if you’re feeling adventurous. The combination of soft chocolate and crumbly halva creates a flavor explosion with every swirl.
Step 3: Shape and Proof the Buns
Gently roll the dough tightly along the long edge into a log, then slice it into 12 even pieces. Placing these pieces into a greased muffin tin or a parchment-lined baking dish helps them keep their charming shape as they rise again. This second rise brings out the dough’s softness and makes the buns irresistibly fluffy. Cover, relax, and let the buns proof for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
Step 4: Bake and Glaze
Preheat the oven to 350°F, then bake your buns for 18 to 22 minutes until they turn golden brown and start filling your kitchen with that unmistakable sweet aroma. While they bake, whip up a simple glaze by heating water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Brush this warm glaze over the buns right after they come out of the oven for a glossy, sweet finish that also locks in moisture for the best texture.
How to Serve Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
Garnishes
These buns already shine on their own, but for an extra special touch, sprinkle with some powdered sugar or a dusting of cinnamon. Toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios also add a lovely crunch and visual appeal, complementing the halva perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these babka buns with a cup of strong coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy cappuccino. For a brunch spread, add fresh fruit or whipped cream on the side to balance the richness with bright, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the buns warm straight from the oven to showcase their gooey filling. For a fun twist, slice them and toast briefly before serving with a drizzle of extra Nutella or honey. Plating them in a rustic wooden board with fresh flowers can turn an everyday snack into an elegant treat for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To enjoy these buns later, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed preserves their moisture and softness. When you’re ready to indulge again, a quick reheat will bring back that freshly baked feel.
Freezing
If you want to keep these sweetness-filled buns for longer, feel free to freeze them after baking and glazing. Wrap each bun individually or place them in a freezer-safe container. This handy trick lets you enjoy the Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe anytime you crave a special treat.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or leftover buns in a 300°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until warm and soft. This gentle warming revives the gooey Nutella center and melts the glaze just right. Microwave reheating works too, but the oven ensures the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use almond butter instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella is traditional in this recipe, almond butter or any nut-based spread makes a delicious alternative. Just be aware the flavor won’t be as sweet or chocolatey but still wonderfully nutty.
Is it necessary to use halva in the filling?
Halva gives these buns their signature nutty crumbly texture, but if you can’t find it, chopped nuts or sesame snaps can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Yes! Using a stand mixer with a dough hook is a big time saver. Mix and knead for about 5 to 6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
What if I prefer dairy-free options?
You can substitute regular milk and butter with plant-based alternatives like oat milk and vegan butter. The dough will still rise beautifully, and the taste stays just as delightful.
How do I know when the buns are fully baked?
Look for a deep golden brown color on the top, and an internal temperature of about 190°F if you have a kitchen thermometer. They should feel light and springy when pressed gently.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe—combining simple ingredients to create a comforting, sweet treat that feels both exotic and familiar. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend breakfast, these buns are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves and bake some happiness today!
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Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired, European-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Nutella Halva Babka Buns, a perfect fusion of soft, sweet yeast dough filled with luscious Nutella and crumbly halva. These warm, golden-baked buns offer a unique Middle Eastern-European inspired treat, finished with a shiny sugar glaze for a delectable breakfast or dessert option.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup Nutella, softened
- 1/2 cup crumbled halva (plain or vanilla-flavored)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll out and fill: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle roughly 12×16 inches. Evenly spread the softened Nutella over the dough surface, then sprinkle crumbled halva and cinnamon if using, distributing it evenly.
- Form and rise buns: Starting from a long edge, roll the dough into a tight log shape. Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them spaced apart in a greased muffin tin or a parchment-lined baking dish. Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake the buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18 to 22 minutes until they turn a golden brown color and cooked through.
- Prepare and apply glaze: While the buns bake, heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a simple syrup. As soon as the buns come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm glaze to give a glossy, sweet finish.
Notes
- These buns are best enjoyed warm to appreciate the gooey Nutella and soft halva texture.
- Store baked buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat briefly for best texture.
- You can freeze the buns after baking and glazing; reheat directly from frozen in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
- Optional cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the Nutella and halva flavors.
