Middle Eastern Babka with Dates and Pistachios

Name: Middle Eastern Babka with Dates and Pistachios
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 8-10
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons); 1 cup whole milk, warmed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups pitted dates; 1/2 cup water; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup unsalted shelled pistachios, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cardamom; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Sweet, Nutty, and Irresistible Babka

Experience the twisty, delicious goodness of this Middle Eastern-inspired babka filled with sweet dates and crunchy pistachios.

3 h 30 min
8-10
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

1 cup whole milk, warmed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

For the Date Filling

2 cups pitted dates

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Pistachio Mixture

1 cup unsalted shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon cardamom

For the Sugar Syrup

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Preparation

Preparing the Dough

Activate Yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add eggs and butter.

Combine and Knead

Pour the yeast mixture into the well and mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth, about 10 minutes.

Making the Date Filling

Cook Dates

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine dates, water, honey, and cinnamon.

Thicken Mixture

Cook until the dates are soft and the mixture is thickened, about 10 minutes.

Blend Filling

Let cool and then blend to a smooth paste.

Ensure the date mixture is cool before spreading over the dough.

Cooking Process

Dough Rising

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise until doubled in size in a warm place.

Duration: 2 hours

Assembly

Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the date filling evenly, and sprinkle with the pistachio mixture. Roll tightly and cut lengthwise.

Baking

Place the twisted dough in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise for another hour. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, until golden brown.

Temperature: 350°F (175°C)

Plating & Serving