If you are looking for a show-stopping treat that combines the rich creaminess of Nutella with the unique, nutty sweetness of halva, the Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Soft, fluffy dough swirled with this irresistible filling creates buns that are absolutely perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. This recipe is a delicious homage to classic babka, with a delightful twist that balances familiar flavors in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Trust me, once you try this Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe, your baking repertoire will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in creating the airy texture and luscious flavor of your babka buns. From the basic pantry staples to the star ingredients of Nutella and halva, each element works together to make these buns simply unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and that lovely soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps with browning.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and contributes moisture to the dough.
- Eggs: Enrich the dough and improve its texture and color.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness when melted into the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- Nutella: The luscious, hazelnut-chocolate spread that infuses every bite with indulgence.
- Halva: Crumbled or blended, this sweet sesame paste adds a beautiful nutty dimension; tahini can be your alternative if needed.
- Honey (optional): For a touch of natural sweetness in the filling.
- Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (for glaze): These simple ingredients combine for a glossy, sweet finish that perfectly complements the buns.
How to Make Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing warm milk with active dry yeast and let it sit until frothy. This step tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic to give your dough that perfect rise.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients set the stage for your dough’s flavor and texture, ensuring an even mix and proper seasoning.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir everything until the dough begins to come together—it will be sticky but this is exactly what you want.
Step 4: Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the buns their structure and tender crumb.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot until it has doubled in size. This usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours and is crucial to fluffy, airy buns.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
While your dough is rising, mix together Nutella, crumbled or blended halva, and honey if you like a touch more sweetness. This luscious filling is what makes the Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe truly special.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This shape will help you evenly spread the filling and achieve those beautiful swirls in every bun.
Step 8: Spread the Filling
Evenly spread your Nutella and halva mixture over the dough’s surface. The creamy layers will create irresistible pockets of flavor once baked.
Step 9: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough up starting from one long edge, sealing the edges as you go to keep the filling inside. Slice the roll into 8 to 10 even pieces depending on your preferred size for the buns.
Step 10: Shape and Second Rise
Place the sliced buns into a greased cake pan or baking sheet, spacing them a bit apart. Cover and let them rise again until puffed and slightly jiggly, about 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 11: Bake to Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and baked through. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point is simply heavenly.
Step 12: Glaze and Finish
Optionally, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the warm buns as soon as they come out of the oven for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed buns. A few toasted sesame seeds can accentuate the halva flavor and add a delicate crunch.
Side Dishes
Serve these babka buns alongside a rich cup of coffee or a creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream also complement the sweetness beautifully without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these buns into a decadent brunch centerpiece by arranging them in a spiral on a large platter, garnished with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. Alternatively, slice one open and spread with extra Nutella or a smear of cream cheese to elevate the indulgence factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Nutella Halva Babka Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 to 3 days. This prevents them from drying out while maintaining softness, so you can enjoy them fresh and fluffy later.
Freezing
These buns freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually or place them in a freezer-safe container after completely cooling. When you want a treat, simply thaw them overnight at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked feel, heat the buns in a 325°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes or microwave briefly for 15 to 20 seconds. They’ll be warm, soft, and gooey again—just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute tahini for halva in the Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe?
Absolutely! Tahini offers a similar sesame flavor and texture to halva and works well as a substitute if you don’t have halva on hand. It gives the buns that characteristic nutty note.
Is it possible to make these buns dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative to make your Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is properly risen when it has doubled in size and looks puffy. You can gently press it with your finger—if the indentation remains, it’s ready for the next step.
Can I use a stand mixer instead of kneading by hand?
Definitely! A stand mixer fitted with a dough hook saves time and effort. Mix and knead on medium speed for about 7 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
What’s the best way to slice the rolled dough evenly?
Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut through the dough gently but cleanly. This helps maintain the swirl shape and keeps the filling inside each bun.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making the Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe enough—they are as impressive in flavor as they are in appearance. Soft, sweet, and packed with rich, nutty goodness, these buns are bound to become a standout in your baking collection. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, these buns promise smiles with every bite. Go ahead and treat yourself to this delightful twist on babka—you won’t regret it!
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Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish, Middle Eastern fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Nutella Halva Babka Buns, a luscious combination of rich hazelnut spread and delicate halva wrapped in soft, fluffy homemade dough. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, these buns offer a sweet, nutty indulgence with a hint of honey and a subtle vanilla glaze for extra decadence.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup Nutella (or other hazelnut spread)
- 1/2 cup halva (crumbled or blended to a paste, or use tahini as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough starts coming together.
- Knead the dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for convenience.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough is rising, mix together the Nutella, halva, and honey (if using) in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Shape the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Add filling: Spread the Nutella and halva mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
- Roll up the dough: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, pinching the edges to seal the filling inside.
- Slice the buns: Cut the rolled dough into 8 to 10 even pieces, depending on your preferred bun size.
- Arrange buns: Place the buns spaced out in a greased round cake pan or lined baking sheet to allow for expansion during the second rise.
- Second rise: Cover the buns with a clean towel and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bake the buns: Bake the buns for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Prepare glaze (optional): While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract if desired for a sweet finishing glaze.
- Glaze the buns: Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and drizzle the glaze over them while still warm.
- Serve: Allow buns to cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm and fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
Notes
- You can substitute tahini for halva if halva is unavailable, to maintain the nutty flavor profile.
- The honey in the filling is optional and can be adjusted to taste for desired sweetness.
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- For fluffier buns, knead the dough thoroughly until elastic and smooth.
- Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet finish and shiny appearance.
