Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, eggs, and melted butter.
  3. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients and knead until the dough is smooth.
  4. Let the dough rise in a warm area, covered, for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
  7. Cook over medium heat until bubbly and thickened, then remove from heat.
  8. Once dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle.
  9. Spread cream cheese filling evenly over the dough.
  10. Spoon blueberry filling over the cream cheese, spreading it evenly.
  11. Roll the dough tightly into a log and twist gently to shape it.
  12. Place into a greased loaf pan.
  13. Cover the loaf and let it rise for about 30 minutes.
  14. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  15. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
  16. Allow the babka to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.