Delicious Homemade Blueberry Babka Braid Recipe

Indulge in the sweet and fruity flavors of this homemade blueberry babka braid. Made with a soft and buttery dough, filled with a luscious blueberry filling, and drizzled with a sweet glaze, this babka braid is a perfect dessert or breakfast option. It's a labor of love, but the result is worth every effort. Impress your family and friends with this beautiful and scrumptious babka braid!

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• - 3 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• - 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• - 1/2 tsp salt
• - 3/4 cup warm milk
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• - 2 large eggs
• - 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the blueberry filling:
• - 2 cups fresh blueberries
• - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• - 1 tbsp cornstarch
• - 1 tsp lemon juice
• - 1/2 tsp lemon zest
• For the glaze:
• - 1 cup powdered sugar
• - 2-3 tbsp milk
• - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. While the dough is rising, prepare the blueberry filling. In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat until the blueberries burst and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
7. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
8. Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the ends to seal.
10. Carefully transfer the log to a greased baking sheet or a lined loaf pan.
11. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise cut down the center of the log, leaving about an inch at the top intact.
12. Twist the two halves of the log over each other, keeping the cut side facing up to reveal the filling.
13. Cover the babka braid with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
14. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
15. Bake the babka braid for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
16. While the babka braid is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
17. Once the babka braid is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
18. Drizzle the glaze over the warm babka braid.
19. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

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