Nutella Halva Babka Buns

Picture this: warm, soft buns with a delicate, sweet dough swirled with Nutella and halva, each bite sending you straight to heaven. If that sounds like a dream come true (and trust me, it is), then these Nutella Halva Babka Buns are exactly what you need in your life! They bring together the richness of Nutella, the creamy sweetness of halva, and the pull-apart magic of babka in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a sweet snack, or a special occasion, these buns are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Seriously, you might want to make a double batch because they’ll disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love Nutella Halva Babka Buns

Irresistibly Soft:

Each bun is soft, fluffy, and buttery, with that perfect pillowy texture. Imagine biting into one, and it’s like a hug in the form of a baked good.

Flavor Explosion:

The Nutella provides that creamy chocolate-hazelnut flavor, while the halva adds a unique, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor that makes every bite interesting. Together, they’re a match made in baking heaven!

Visual Appeal:

Not only are these buns a treat for your tastebuds, but they’re also beautiful to look at! The swirls of Nutella and halva create a gorgeous, marbled effect inside, and they smell absolutely amazing while baking. You won’t be able to resist the temptation to take a photo before diving in.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

These buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or just a cozy afternoon treat. They’re elegant enough for a special gathering and comforting enough for a casual day at home.

Make-Ahead Option:

The dough can be made ahead of time, and the buns can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge to bake fresh in the morning. Talk about a stress-free start to the day!

Ingredients in Nutella Halva Babka Buns

Here’s what you’ll need to create these indulgent and flavorful buns:

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure and softness.
• Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the flavors and help the dough rise.
• Instant Yeast: The secret ingredient for fluffy, airy buns.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and makes the sweetness shine.
• Warm Milk: Helps activate the yeast and makes the dough soft.
• Butter: Adds richness and makes the dough wonderfully tender.
• Eggs: Give the dough structure and a lovely golden color when baked.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the dough.

For the Filling:

• Nutella: The creamy, chocolate-hazelnut spread that will swirl through the buns, giving them that irresistible flavor.
• Halva: Crumbled, sweet sesame halva adds a unique flavor and texture to the filling.
• Cinnamon: Adds a little warmth and spice to the Nutella and halva combo.

For the Glaze:

• Sugar: Helps make the glaze shiny and sweet.
• Water: For dissolving the sugar and making the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash to add an extra layer of flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, crumble the halva into small pieces. In another bowl, combine the Nutella and cinnamon, stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the Nutella mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch border on all sides. Sprinkle the crumbled halva over the Nutella.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces and place the buns in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange them snugly, but not too crowded. Cover the buns with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Buns

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by combining the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is slightly thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 7: Glaze the Buns

Once the buns are out of the oven, immediately brush them with the glaze to give them a beautiful shine and extra sweetness. Allow the buns to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the buns warm for the best texture and flavor. These Nutella Halva Babka Buns are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or just indulging in a cozy moment all by yourself!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrate: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour (plus 30 minutes for the second rise)
• Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours

How to Serve Nutella Halva Babka Buns

With Coffee or Tea:

These buns are a perfect match for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The sweetness of the buns pairs beautifully with a warm beverage.

As a Dessert:

Serve these buns as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

At Brunch:

If you’re hosting brunch, these buns are sure to be the star of the spread. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them the perfect choice for any brunch table.

With Fresh Fruit:

Pair the buns with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a refreshing contrast to the rich, chocolatey sweetness of the buns.

Additional Tips

• Dough Rising: If your kitchen is a bit chilly, place the dough in a warm spot (like near a heater or in an oven with just the light on) to help it rise faster.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate the buns, and bake them fresh the next morning for an easy breakfast treat.
• Storing Leftovers: These buns are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to soften them up again.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the buns, bake them, let them cool completely, and then wrap them tightly before freezing for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular halva instead of sesame halva?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to crumble it finely so it blends well with the Nutella.

Q2: Can I make the dough by hand instead of using a mixer?
A2: Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand. Just make sure to knead it for at least 8-10 minutes to get the right consistency.

Q3: Can I use a different filling besides Nutella and halva?
A3: Yes, you can substitute Nutella with any chocolate spread or even a fruit preserve, and swap out halva with nuts or dried fruit for a new twist.

Q4: How can I make these buns vegan?
A4: To make the buns vegan, use plant-based butter, a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg.

Q5: How do I prevent the filling from oozing out while baking?
A5: Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly and press the buns slightly before baking to help keep the filling in.

Q6: Can I freeze the dough before baking?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the dough after the first rise. Once shaped, cover it tightly and freeze. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before the second rise and baking.

Q7: What’s the best way to store leftover buns?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven before serving for the best texture.

Q8: Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
A8: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips would give the buns even more gooey, melty chocolate goodness.

Q9: How long does it take for the dough to rise?
A9: The dough usually takes about 1 hour to double in size during the first rise. If your kitchen is cold, it might take a bit longer.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure you use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra buns. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

These Nutella Halva Babka Buns are an irresistible combination of soft, sweet dough, creamy Nutella, and fragrant halva, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re making them for a special brunch or simply indulging in a cozy treat, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Warm, comforting, and totally decadent—what’s not to love?

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