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
Scale
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.
