Follow Me On Social Media!
Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Soft, Swirled Celebration Bread
Few baked goods feel as luxurious and comforting as a homemade honey babka with cream cheese frosting. With its rich, buttery dough, dramatic swirls of honey filling, and a silky layer of tangy cream cheese frosting, this babka strikes the perfect balance between elegant bakery dessert and cozy homemade treat.
Babka has deep roots in Eastern European Jewish baking, traditionally filled with chocolate or cinnamon and shaped into beautifully twisted loaves. This honey-forward version brings a softer sweetness and floral depth that pairs exquisitely with cream cheese frosting. The result is a showstopping bread that feels equally appropriate for brunch tables, holiday celebrations, or slow weekend mornings.
This recipe is designed for home bakers who want bakery-level results without intimidation. The dough is enriched but forgiving, the shaping process is clearly broken down, and the frosting comes together in minutes. Even if you’ve never baked babka before, this honey babka recipe will guide you confidently from mixing bowl to perfect slice.
Why Honey Babka Is So Special
Honey transforms traditional babka into something truly extraordinary. Instead of sharp sweetness, honey delivers warmth, depth, and moisture. When baked into a rich yeast dough, it caramelizes gently, creating tender layers and subtle golden notes throughout the loaf.
Here’s what makes honey babka with cream cheese frosting irresistible:
- Ultra-soft, buttery yeast dough
- Naturally sweet honey filling
- Beautiful twisted swirl interior
- Tangy frosting that balances sweetness
- Stays moist for days
This babka feels indulgent but never heavy, making it ideal for both dessert and breakfast.
Ingredients for Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting
Babka Dough
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup whole milk, warm
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Honey Filling
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add honey, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead in softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, until dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1½–2 hours, until doubled in size.
Shape the Babka
- Punch down dough and roll into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
- Brush evenly with melted butter, then drizzle honey over the dough. Sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
- Roll tightly from the long side into a log.
- Slice the log lengthwise to expose layers.
- Twist the two halves together, cut sides facing up.
- Transfer to a greased loaf pan. Cover and rise for 45 minutes.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake babka for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Mix in milk until frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Spread generously over cooled babka.
Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting
Soft, buttery honey babka swirled with golden honey filling and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate yeast in warm milk until foamy.
- Mix honey, eggs, vanilla, salt, and flour to form dough.
- Knead in butter until smooth and elastic.
- Let dough rise until doubled.
- Roll dough, spread butter and honey, and shape babka.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes.
- Prepare frosting and spread over cooled babka.
Notes
Cool completely before frosting for best results.
Texture & Flavor Profile
This honey babka delivers:
- Pillowy-soft crumb
- Rich, buttery layers
- Floral sweetness from honey
- Light tang from cream cheese frosting
- Slightly crisp edges with tender center
Every slice pulls apart beautifully, revealing glossy honey swirls that make this loaf visually stunning.
Tips for Perfect Honey Babka
- Use room temperature ingredients for best dough elasticity
- Don’t rush the rise — flavor develops with time
- Roll tightly for defined swirls
- Cool completely before frosting to avoid melting
Variations to Try
- Honey Walnut Babka: Add chopped walnuts to the filling
- Orange Honey Babka: Add orange zest to dough
- Honey Almond Babka: Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking
- Glaze Instead: Skip frosting and brush with warm honey syrup
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Store frosted babka covered at room temperature for 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze unfrosted loaf for up to 2 months
- Frost after thawing for best texture
Serving Suggestions
Serve honey babka with:
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Tea or chai
- Fresh fruit and yogurt
- Brunch spreads and dessert boards
This babka also makes an unforgettable homemade gift.
Cultural Note: Babka’s Sweet Legacy
Babka originated in Eastern Europe as a way to use leftover challah dough. Over time, it evolved into the iconic swirled bread we know today. Modern versions like honey babka honor tradition while introducing new flavors and creative finishes.
Final Thoughts
This honey babka with cream cheese frosting is a celebration of texture, flavor, and tradition. Soft, rich, and beautifully swirled, it’s the kind of bake that turns an ordinary day into something special. Whether served warm for brunch or sliced for dessert, this babka promises to impress every single time