Cheese Filled Easter Polish Bread - Babka

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Stir in the warm milk, butter, and eggs until everything is combined.
2. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 9x13 inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle with the raisins and walnuts.
4. Roll up each piece of dough, jelly-roll style. Place each roll in a 9x5 inch loaf pan, seam side down. Cover the pans and let rise for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Interesting Facts

• This traditional Polish Easter bread is also known as chrusciki or chrusciki babka.
• The dough for this bread is made with a combination of all-purpose flour and wheat flour.
• The cheese filling is made with cream cheese, sugar, and spices.
• This bread can be served as a dessert or with a cup of tea or coffee.