Name: Tahini Swirl Babka
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (unbleached); 2 tsp active dry yeast; ¼ cup sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup whole milk (or plant-based alternative); ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); ½ cup tahini paste; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 large eggs

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The moment you take a bite of Tahini Swirl Babka, the world around you fades away. The soft, rich dough wraps around a nutty, luscious tahini filling, creating an experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes, inviting everyone to gather around in anticipation.

This delightful treat isn’t just for special occasions; it’s perfect for brunches, cozy afternoons with friends, or even as a sweet pick-me-up during the week. Trust me, once you taste it, you will find yourself daydreaming about its glorious flavors and textures.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Tahini Swirl Babka is surprisingly easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
The flavor profile blends nutty tahini with sweet dough, creating a mouthwatering treat
Its visual appeal is Instagram-worthy with beautiful swirls that draw everyone in
Versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day, you’ll love making this again and again

Friends still rave about the first time I made this babka for our book club. It disappeared faster than the plot twists we were discussing!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that fluffy texture; choose unbleached flour for better flavor.
Active Dry Yeast: Look for fresh yeast to ensure your dough rises perfectly every time.
Sugar: Just a touch helps activate the yeast and adds sweetness to the dough.
Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten structure; don’t skip this ingredient!
Milk: Use whole milk or plant-based alternatives for moisture and richness in the dough.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor; melt it before mixing for easy incorporation.
Tahini Paste: The star of our show! Choose smooth tahini for best spreading consistency.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to balance the nutty filling; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Eggs: Essential for binding ingredients together and adding richness to the dough.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast. Allow it to sit until foamy—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Mix in melted butter and eggs until well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt while stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s sticky; that’s part of its charm! Knead on a floured surface until smooth and elastic—this should take about 8 minutes.

Let it Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 hour should do the trick.

Create the Filling: While waiting for the dough to rise, mix tahini paste with cinnamon and a bit of sugar in a small bowl. The mixture should be spreadable but not too runny; adjust with more tahini if needed.

Shape the Babka: Once risen, punch down the dough! Roll it out into a rectangle on floured parchment paper. Spread your tahini mixture evenly across this canvas of deliciousness before rolling it tightly into a log.

Braid Your Babka: Slice the log down the middle lengthwise so you can see those beautiful layers! Twist each half together into an elegant braid before placing it into your prepared loaf pan.

Bake Away: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka until golden brown—about 30-35 minutes should do! Let cool completely before indulging in this heavenly creation.

And there you have it: homemade Tahini Swirl Babka that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to snag a slice! Enjoy every morsel with great company or savor solo while binge-watching your favorite series—it’s that good!

You Must Know

This delectable Tahini Swirl Babka is more than just a treat; it’s a warm hug for your taste buds
The rich, nutty flavor of tahini combined with sweet dough creates an irresistible experience
Baking this babka fills your kitchen with enticing aromas that will leave everyone craving more

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the dough first, allowing it to rise while you mix the tahini filling. After rolling and shaping, let it rise again before baking for a light, fluffy texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap tahini for almond or peanut butter if you’re feeling adventurous. Adding chocolate chips or nuts can elevate the flavor profile and add delightful textures.

Storing & Reheating

Store your babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and gooey.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Keep your dough warm during rising to ensure it doubles in size quickly
Always roll your dough evenly for consistent swirls
Don’t rush the baking process; low and slow ensures a golden-brown crust that’s perfectly cooked inside

Baking this Tahini Swirl Babka always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited their slice. It became a tradition to bake together, and laughter filled the kitchen as we rolled out the dough. For more inspiration, check out this Cucumber Caprese Salad recipe.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought dough for my Tahini Swirl Babka?

Yes, using store-bought dough saves time while still delivering delicious results.

How can I make my babka extra moist?

Adding a bit of milk or yogurt to the dough keeps it moist and tender.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and proofed properly; warmth helps activate it efficiently.