Nutella Babka Buns
Nutella Babka Buns are a decadent and delightful twist on the traditional babka, combining rich, chocolate-hazelnut spread with soft, fluffy dough. These individually portioned buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of the day. With their beautiful swirls and irresistible flavor, Nutella Babka Buns are sure to become a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Nutella Babka Buns recipe because it combines the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella with the soft, pillowy texture of homemade buns. These buns are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their intricate swirls of Nutella. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence, they’re easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Use room temperature ingredients for the dough to ensure a smooth and even rise.
Spread the Nutella evenly over the dough to ensure every bite has a delicious chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
Chill the dough slightly before cutting and shaping the buns to make the process easier and less messy.
Brush the buns with a simple syrup or glaze after baking to keep them moist and add a beautiful shine.
Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and the texture set.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Nutella Babka Buns warm, fresh out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for a brunch spread or as a sweet addition to any breakfast table. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These buns also pair well with fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To freeze, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat frozen buns in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave on a low setting for 20-30 seconds until warm.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How do I prevent the Nutella from leaking out during baking? Ensure the dough is rolled tightly and sealed well at the edges to prevent leaks.
Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough? Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment works well for kneading the dough.
What if I don’t have Nutella? You can use any chocolate-hazelnut spread or make a homemade version with melted chocolate and hazelnut butter.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or espresso powder to the Nutella for extra flavor.
Use a different chocolate spread or homemade chocolate ganache instead of Nutella.
Incorporate chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, for added crunch.
Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a heartier texture.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Nutella Babka Buns warm, fresh out of the oven, with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for a brunch spread or as a sweet addition to any breakfast table. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These buns also pair well with fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Nutella spread
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
- For the Glaze
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
instructions
Mix flour, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Add lukewarm milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Stir until a dough forms. Gradually add butter, kneading until smooth, about 10 minutes.
Cover and let the dough rise until doubled, 1-1.5 hours.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
Spread Nutella over the dough, leaving a border. Sprinkle hazelnuts if using.
Roll into a log and cut into 12 slices.
Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake buns for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Mix powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over warm buns.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better dough consistency.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal results.
Adjust the amount of Nutella based on your preference for sweetness and richness.
