Funfetti Cheesecake Babka
The ultimate celebration bread! This Funfetti Cheesecake Babka features a pillowy, buttery yeast dough swirled with a rich cream cheese filling and loaded with rainbow sprinkles. Topped with a crunchy buttery streusel and a sweet glaze, it’s a show-stopping dessert or brunch treat.
- Prep Time: 150
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 185
- Yield: 3 loaves
- Category: Dessert Bread
- Cuisine: American/Jewish
Ingredients
1 tablespoon dry active yeast
1/3 cup + 1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup lukewarm water
4 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup whole or 2% milk
3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs
12 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch salt
1/4 cup rainbow jimmies (plus more for topping)
1/4 cup white sugar (topping)
1/3 cup brown sugar (topping)
1/2 cup butter, melted (topping)
1 1/3 cups flour (topping)
3 cups confectioners’ sugar (frosting)
5-6 tablespoons milk (frosting)
Instructions
1. Proof yeast with 1/2 tsp sugar and warm water for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a stand mixer, combine flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and vanilla. Add yeast mixture, scalded milk, and melted butter. Add eggs one at a time.
3. Knead on high for 5-10 minutes until shiny and elastic. Let rise in a greased bowl for 1-2 hours.
4. Make filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Fold in sprinkles.
5. Divide dough into three. Roll each into a rectangle, spread filling, and roll into a log.
6. Cut log lengthwise and twist the two strands together. Place in greased loaf pans.
7. Rise for 30 minutes. Top with crumb mixture (sugar, flour, butter, sprinkles).
8. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden. Cool and drizzle with milk glaze.
Notes
Use rainbow jimmies (the oblong kind) to prevent the color from bleeding into the dough.
Scalding the milk is important for a soft crumb; let it cool slightly before adding to yeast.
You can substitute the crumb topping with a white chocolate drizzle for a shortcut.
Find it online: https://sweetcraftrecipes.com/funfetti-cheesecake-babka/