Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate showstopper dessert, look no further than Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting. This irresistible bake pairs the rich, golden sweetness of honey with an ultra-tender crumb and a tangy, cloud-like cream cheese frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy enough for a weekend project but special enough for any celebration, this is a recipe you’ll treasure and share for years to come!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, accessible ingredients to create a bread that is bursting with flavor and finished with decadent creaminess. Each plays a starring role in bringing out the best taste, fluffiness, and color in your Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting.

• Plain flour: The backbone of your babka, this provides the structure while letting the other flavors shine through.
• Eggs (at room temperature): Eight eggs may sound lavish, but they’re the secret behind the cakey, delicate crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps whip the eggs into a pale, fluffy mass.
• Honey (gently heated): Gives that characteristic golden hue and a floral sweetness you’ll taste in every bite.
• Sour cream: Infuses moisture and a subtle tang, keeping the texture ultra-soft and tender for days.
• Baking soda: This helps the batter rise and develop those irresistible air pockets.
• White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for maximum lift and a light crumb; don’t skip it!
• Salt: Just half a teaspoon balances and intensifies the flavors beautifully.
• Cream cheese: The star of your frosting, this brings luscious tang and smoothness to the finish.
• Whipped cream: Folded into the frosting for that cloud-like, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Icing sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it cloying; sift for the silkiest result.

How to Make Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet, about 11 x 17 inches, with parchment paper—leave extra hanging over the edges to catch any adventurous batter and ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Whip Eggs, Sugar, and Salt

Place your room temperature eggs, granulated sugar, and salt into a large bowl. Using a mixer, beat until the mixture turns pale, thick, and tripled in volume. This is what gives your Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting its signature airy texture, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Make the Baking Soda and Vinegar Magic

In a small bowl, combine the baking soda with the white vinegar—watch as it fizzes and bubbles! This old-fashioned technique helps ensure maximum lift and lightness in your final crumb.

Step 4: Combine Honey and Wet Ingredients

Gently warm your honey (just until it’s pourable, not hot). Add the fizzy baking soda-vinegar mixture, warm honey, and sour cream straight into the whipped eggs and sugar. Use a mixer on low speed to blend everything together until just combined—don’t overmix!

Step 5: Fold in Flour

Now sift your plain flour directly over the wet batter. Using your mixer on low, mix until the flour is barely incorporated. A runny batter is exactly what you want—stop right away to avoid knocking out all that precious air.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the smooth batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden and springy.

Step 7: Cool and Flip

Once done, place a cooling rack on top of the cake and carefully invert the entire pan. Remove the parchment, then gently flip the cake once again onto a large cutting board. Let the Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting cool completely before cutting.

Step 8: Frost and Slice

Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream and icing sugar until pillowy and spreadable. Once the babka is cool, slather on the frosting and cut into 2-inch squares. Each piece is a perfect pocket of pillowy cake and dreamy frosting!

How to Serve Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Dust each babka square with a fine shower of extra icing sugar for a sweet snow-like effect, or drizzle with a little extra honey for shine. You can also top with a few chopped toasted nuts or edible flowers for a festive finish.

Side Dishes

Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting pairs beautifully with ripe, tart berries or a fruit compote, balancing the richness. Serve with strong hot coffee or a soothing chamomile tea for a complete treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange frosted squares in a checkerboard pattern or on tiered serving trays. For gifting, individually wrap each piece in parchment and tie with ribbon—the Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting makes a memorable edible present!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting helps keep the cake moist and delicious for up to four days—if you can resist finishing it sooner!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted babka squares tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then top with fresh cream cheese frosting before serving for best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your babka slightly warm, pop individual squares in a microwave for just 8-10 seconds. If frosted, take care not to overheat or the cream cheese layer may melt—room temperature is perfect too.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting, lending a slightly different tang and keeping the crumb just as moist.

What kind of honey works best for this recipe?

A mild, floral honey brings out the classic flavor best, but any honey you love will shine. Just avoid overly dark or strongly flavored honeys unless you want a more pronounced profile.

Can the frosting be made ahead?

Absolutely! Make the frosting up to two days in advance, keep it chilled in the fridge, and whip briefly before spreading on the cooled babka squares for maximum fluffiness.

Is it possible to bake this as a round cake instead?

Definitely—simply adjust the baking time as needed and check with a skewer for doneness. The Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting will work in any shape, though squares are traditional and great for sharing.

Why do I need to use that much egg?

The generous quantity of eggs gives the babka its unparalleled light, tender structure and rich flavor. Don’t reduce the amount; it’s essential for the classic texture of Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Final Thoughts

Baking Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting is as much a pleasure as tasting it—each bite is a sweet, creamy reward. Set aside a little time, share it with loved ones, and watch this little slice of sweetness become a cherished favorite at your table.

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