Description
A delightful Carrot Cake Babka infused with warm spices and topped with a creamy Cardamom Cream Cheese Drizzle.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts or pecans, and raisins evenly over the dough.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal and then slice the log in half lengthwise.
- Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up, and place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the babka for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the babka is baking, prepare the Cardamom Cream Cheese Drizzle by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, ground cardamom, and milk in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk for desired consistency.
- Once the babka is done baking, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle with the cardamom cream cheese drizzle while still warm.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger to the dough.
- Substitute the walnuts or pecans with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg