Description
These Nutella Halva Babka Buns are soft, sweet, and full of flavor. With a rich Nutella filling, pistachio halva, and a touch of semi-sweet chocolate, these buns are a perfect indulgence. Topped with a simple sugar glaze, they are the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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Dough:
- 3 3/4 – 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Filling:
- 1 (13-oz.) jar Nutella
- 6 ounces pistachio halva, crumbled
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Sugar Glaze:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In the bowl of a mixer, whisk together 1.5 cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Cut in the room temperature butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Warm the milk to 110-115°F (43-46°C) and add the vanilla extract and lemon zest to the milk. Pour this into the dry ingredients and mix until the dough is evenly moistened.
- Add the eggs and beat for about 2 minutes. Gradually add the remaining flour until a firm dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 10×5-inch rectangle. Spread each with Nutella, then sprinkle with crumbled halva and chocolate chips.
- Roll up each rectangle tightly, then cut it lengthwise. Twist each piece into a knot shape and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Let the shaped buns rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven.
- For the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and butter. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Brush the hot buns with the optional sugar glaze and serve warm.
Notes
- These buns can be made ahead. After shaping, refrigerate the dough overnight and bake in the morning for fresh buns.
- If you can’t find pistachio halva, you can use any type of halva or substitute with crushed pistachios for a similar flavor.
- The sugar glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness, but the buns are delicious without it as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg