Mascarpone Cheese Babka is an irresistible twist on the classic yeasted sweet bread, merging pillowy, buttery layers with a creamy, tangy-sweet mascarpone cheese filling that simply melts in your mouth. It’s a golden, swirled loaf bursting with hints of lemon and vanilla, each slice as inviting for brunch as it is for a cozy dessert. If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece loaded with warm, old-world comfort and a bit of modern decadence, this Mascarpone Cheese Babka is about to become your newest baking obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mascarpone Cheese Babka comes together with everyday pantry staples and a handful of rich ingredients that truly make it shine. Each component here pulls its weight, delivering the tender crumb, luscious filling, and dazzling aroma that set this babka apart.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the babka, creating the perfect soft-yet-chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps with browning.
- Active dry yeast: The leavening magic for a light, airy loaf.
- Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the richness.
- Whole milk (warmed): Softens the dough for extra tenderness; make sure it’s warm but not hot to wake up the yeast.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Provide richness and structure to the bread.
- Vanilla extract: Used in both dough and filling to add a lovely, aromatic depth.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the dough its brioche-like flavor and softness—be patient while kneading it in!
- Mascarpone cheese (softened): The creamy star of the show, bringing a subtle tang and velvety texture to the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Gently sweetens the mascarpone without graininess.
- Lemon zest: Adds a kiss of brightness and fragrance in every slice.
- Vanilla extract (for filling): Doubles up on the vanilla for extra comfort and coziness.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives your loaf that bakery-worthy golden shine.
- Coarse sugar (optional, for topping): For an irresistibly crunchy, sparkly finish.
How to Make Mascarpone Cheese Babka
Step 1: Gather and Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl, your flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. A quick whisk blends the powerhouse dry ingredients together, laying a sturdy yet tender foundation for your Mascarpone Cheese Babka. Good mixing at this stage means an even rise and uniform crumb later!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk together your warm whole milk, room-temperature eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract in a separate bowl. The warmth from the milk will wake up the yeast, while the eggs and vanilla add plushness and wonderful bakery aroma to the babka.
Step 3: Form the Dough and Knead in Butter
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough emerges. Then, work in your softened butter a tablespoon at a time. It might seem sticky at first, but patience is key—a buttery, elastic dough will soon reward you after 8 to 10 minutes of kneading.
Step 4: First Rise
Pop your dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Set it somewhere cozy for 1 to 1.5 hours, until it doubles in size—this is when all that yeasty magic begins, filling your kitchen with anticipation.
Step 5: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling
While the dough rises, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until silky smooth and spreadable. This dreamy mixture is what transforms an ordinary loaf into a Mascarpone Cheese Babka masterpiece.
Step 6: Shape the Babka
Roll your risen dough on a floured surface into a neat 10×16-inch rectangle. Spread the mascarpone filling right to the edges for swirls in every bite. Roll up tightly from the long side to create a log, then slice it lengthwise so you can twist those gorgeous, cheese-laced layers together. Place the twist into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the shaped babka and let it rest for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffed up prettily. This rise ensures your Mascarpone Cheese Babka will be light and tall; you’ll see those beautiful twists rise heroically!
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the loaf with beaten egg for a glistening crust, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you like a little sparkle and crunch. Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, inhaling the rich, sweet aroma that fills your kitchen. Your babka is ready when it’s deeply golden and springs back when gently tapped.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Allow your babka to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Cooling makes slicing much easier and helps keep those luscious mascarpone swirls intact.
How to Serve Mascarpone Cheese Babka
Garnishes
Dress up your Mascarpone Cheese Babka with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple lemon glaze. Fresh berries or a handful of toasted nuts add an elegant and colorful flair that looks as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This babka loves good company! Pair it with coffee, tea, or a tall glass of milk. For brunches, serve alongside a fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a vibrant, balanced spread that delights everyone from kids to grandparents.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make an entrance, serve thick slices slightly warmed and arranged on a wooden board with mascarpone cheese or whipped cream for spreading. Mini babka loaves also make adorable edible gifts or brunch favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Mascarpone Cheese Babka will stay beautifully fresh when tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, though it’s rarely around for that long! For longer storage, pop it in the fridge for up to 5 days and enjoy cold or gently reheated.
Freezing
Babka freezes like a dream. Once completely cool, wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and then foil. Tuck it safely in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you have a craving.
Reheating
To enjoy that freshly-baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm gently in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This revives both the pillowy bread and the melty mascarpone swirls.
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. The slow chill actually builds more flavor and makes morning assembly a breeze—just bring it back to room temperature before shaping.
What substitutions work for mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone is out of reach, full-fat cream cheese makes a good stand-in; just know the flavor will be a bit tangier. For a touch of decadence, try blending ricotta with cream cheese as well.
Why did my babka turn out dense?
A dense babka usually means the dough didn’t rise enough or the yeast was inactive. Always use fresh, active yeast, and resist the urge to rush either rise—giving the dough time to puff guarantees a tender, airy loaf.
Can I add mix-ins to the filling?
Definitely! Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even fresh berries for an extra twist. Just be mindful not to overload the filling so the dough still rolls and twists beautifully.
Is Mascarpone Cheese Babka suitable for special occasions?
Yes, Mascarpone Cheese Babka is a stunning centerpiece for holidays, brunches, and celebrations. Its gorgeous swirls and delicious aroma always draw a crowd, making it a reliable favorite for any gathering.
Final Thoughts
Bringing Mascarpone Cheese Babka to your table is like sharing a warm hug with everyone you love. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned bread fan, the simple steps and supremely rewarding flavors make this babka an absolute must-bake. Give it a try—you might just find yourself creating a new family tradition!
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Mascarpone Cheese Babka Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes rise time)
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of this Mascarpone Cheese Babka. Soft, buttery dough swirled with a luscious mascarpone cheese filling makes this Eastern European-inspired treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Dough:
Filling:
Additional:
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix warm milk, eggs, and vanilla. Blend wet ingredients into dry to form a dough. Knead in butter until elastic. Let rise.
- Filling Creation: Mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla. Roll out dough, spread filling, roll into log, twist, and place in loaf pan.
- Babka Baking: Preheat oven. Brush babka with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar. Bake until golden. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- Enhance with chocolate chips or berries.
- Best fresh, store wrapped at room temp for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
