Babka Recipes: 13 Swirled Holiday Breads, Including the Lesser One From Seinfeld

Babka recipes are the perfect holiday baking project: a soft, buttery bread twisted with swirls of chocolate or cinnamon that looks amazing on any brunch table. Many Americans first heard of babka from Seinfeld. In The Dinner Party, which aired on February 3, 1994, Jerry and Elaine lose the last chocolate babka at a New York bakery, and Elaine settles for what she calls the lesser cinnamon babka. Here is how to bake both, plus festive twists for Hanukkah and Christmas morning..

Babka Recipes and the Famous Seinfeld Debate

In 1994, Elaine and Jerry lost the last chocolate babka in a New York bakery and had to settle for cinnamon. Millions of Americans learned the word babka that night. Good news: you can bake your own, chocolate and cinnamon both, and never lose out again. First, make this quick sweet syrup that every babka gets brushed with..

You will need: 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water, 1 strip orange peel (optional), 1/2 tsp vanilla, a small saucepan, a pastry brush.

How to make it: 1. Put the sugar, water and orange peel in a small saucepan. 2. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 3. Simmer 1 minute. 4. Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla. 5. Brush it over any babka as soon as it comes out of the oven. 6. Let the loaf cool in the pan 20 minutes before lifting it out.

Classic Chocolate Babka Recipes Start Here

This is the one Elaine wanted. A soft, buttery yeast dough gets rolled out, spread with a rich chocolate filling, rolled up, cut in half and twisted, so every slice shows dark swirls. A simple sugar syrup brushed on right after baking keeps it moist and shiny. It takes time to rise, but like most babka recipes, most of that time is hands-off. Is chocolate babka worth the wait?

You will need: Dough: 4 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/2 cup soft butter. Filling: 6 oz dark chocolate, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa. Syrup: 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water.

How to make it: 1. Knead the dough ingredients 8 minutes, then let it rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours (or overnight in the fridge). 2. Melt the chocolate and butter and stir in the sugar and cocoa. 3. Roll the dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle and spread the filling. 4. Roll it up from the long side, cut it in half lengthwise and twist the halves together. 5. Place in a lined loaf pan, rise 1 hour and bake at 350 F for 35 to 40 minutes. 6. Boil the syrup ingredients 1 minute and brush over the hot babka.

Cinnamon Babka, the So-Called Lesser Babka

In the famous Seinfeld episode, Elaine called cinnamon the lesser babka, and Jerry jumped to its defense. He was right. Cinnamon babka is warm, cozy and less rich, with brown sugar swirls and a crumbly streusel top. It is perfect with coffee on a cold morning, and it is one of the simplest babka recipes to start with. So settle it once and for all: are you team chocolate or team cinnamon? A) Chocolate B) Cinnamon C) Both, always

You will need: Dough: 4 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/2 cup soft butter. Filling: 1/2 cup soft butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon. Streusel: 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tbsp cold butter.

How to make it: 1. Make and rise the dough as for the chocolate babka. 2. Beat the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon into a paste. 3. Roll out the dough, spread the filling and roll it up tightly. 4. Cut in half lengthwise and twist the halves together. 5. Put in a lined loaf pan, rub the streusel ingredients together and sprinkle on top. 6. Rise 1 hour and bake at 350 F for 35 to 40 minutes.

How to Twist and Shape Babka Like a Bakery

The twist is what makes babka so pretty, and it is easier than it looks. After rolling up the filled dough, slice it down the middle so the layers show. Then lay the two halves side by side, cut side up, and twist them over each other like a rope. Tuck the ends under and squeeze it into the pan. Do not worry if it looks messy; that is what makes the swirls in all babka recipes beautiful.

You will need: 1 batch risen babka dough, any filling, a sharp serrated knife or bench scraper, a 9×5 inch loaf pan lined with parchment, a pastry brush, a little flour for dusting.

How to make it: 1. Roll the dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a floured surface. 2. Spread the filling, leaving a small border. 3. Roll it up tightly from the long side and chill 15 minutes so it is easier to cut. 4. Cut the roll in half lengthwise with a serrated knife. 5. Lay the halves cut side up and twist them over each other 3 or 4 times. 6. Pinch the ends, fold them under and set the twist in the pan.

Chocolate Hazelnut Babka

If you want the easiest of all babka recipes, use a jar of chocolate hazelnut spread as the filling. There is nothing to melt or mix, and the flavor is a kid favorite. A sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts adds crunch and makes it look like it came from a fancy bakery. It is a great one to bake with children. Would your kids eat the whole loaf?

You will need: Dough: 4 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/2 cup soft butter. Filling: 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread, 1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts. Syrup: 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water.

How to make it: 1. Make and rise the dough. 2. Roll it into a 12×16 inch rectangle. 3. Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread evenly and sprinkle with most of the hazelnuts. 4. Roll up, cut in half lengthwise and twist. 5. Rise in a lined loaf pan for 1 hour, top with the rest of the nuts and bake at 350 F for 35 to 40 minutes. 6. Brush with the hot syrup.

Fall Babka Recipes: Pumpkin Spice Swirl

Pumpkin puree in the dough turns it a sunny orange color and keeps it extra soft. A cinnamon sugar and pumpkin spice filling makes every slice taste like fall. It is one of the prettiest babka recipes for Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch, and leftovers make amazing French toast. Pumpkin season or no, would you try this one?

You will need: Dough: 4 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 3/4 cup pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup warm milk, 1/2 cup soft butter. Filling: 1/2 cup soft butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Knead the dough ingredients until smooth and let rise until doubled. 2. Beat the filling ingredients into a paste. 3. Roll out the dough and spread the filling. 4. Roll up, cut in half lengthwise and twist. 5. Rise 1 hour in a lined loaf pan and bake at 350 F for 35 to 40 minutes. 6. Cool 20 minutes and drizzle with the maple glaze.

Apple Cinnamon Babka

This version tastes like apple pie in bread form. Small cubes of apple get tucked into a cinnamon sugar filling, and they turn soft and jammy in the oven. A drizzle of vanilla icing on top makes it one of the most festive babka recipes. Use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith so it holds its shape. Which apple do you bake with most?

You will need: Dough: 4 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/2 cup soft butter. Filling: 2 apples (peeled, cut in small cubes), 1/2 cup soft butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp cinnamon. Icing: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla.

How to make it: 1. Make and rise the dough. 2. Toss the apple cubes with 1 tbsp of the brown sugar and pat dry. 3. Beat the butter, remaining sugar and cinnamon and spread over the rolled dough. 4. Scatter the apples on top, roll up, cut in half lengthwise and twist. 5. Rise 1 hour and bake at 350 F for 40 to 45 minutes. 6. Cool and drizzle with the icing.

Christmas Babka Recipes: Cranberry Orange

Red cranberries and bright orange zest make this babka look and taste like Christmas. The tart fruit balances a sweet, buttery filling, and a little orange glaze on top adds sparkle. It makes a lovely gift wrapped in parchment and ribbon. Bake one for your family and one for the neighbors, because holiday babka recipes are made for sharing. Who would you give a babka to this year?

You will need: Dough: 4 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/2 cup soft butter. Filling: 1/2 cup soft butter, 1/2 cup sugar, zest of 2 oranges, 1 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp orange juice.

How to make it: 1. Make and rise the dough, adding the zest of 1 orange to it. 2. Beat the butter, sugar and remaining zest into a paste. 3. Roll out the dough, spread the paste and scatter the cranberries and pecans. 4. Roll up, cut in half lengthwise and twist. 5. Rise 1 hour and bake at 350 F for 35 to 40 minutes. 6. Cool and drizzle with the orange glaze.

Savory Pesto and Cheese Babka

Who says babka has to be sweet? Fill the dough with basil pesto, mozzarella and Parmesan and you get a stunning pull-apart bread for parties. Serve it warm with soup or as an appetizer on a holiday table. Most babka recipes are sweet, so just leave the sugar out of the dough and add a pinch more salt. Sweet or savory babka: which would you bake first?

You will need: Dough: 4 cups flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup warm milk, 1/2 cup soft butter. Filling: 2/3 cup basil pesto, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Topping: 1 beaten egg, flaky salt.

How to make it: 1. Make and rise the dough. 2. Roll it into a 12×16 inch rectangle. 3. Spread the pesto and sprinkle both cheeses evenly. 4. Roll up, cut in half lengthwise and twist. 5. Rise 1 hour in a lined loaf pan, brush with egg and sprinkle with flaky salt. 6. Bake at 375 F for 30 to 35 minutes and serve warm.

Babka French Toast for Christmas Morning

Got leftover babka? Turn it into the best French toast you will ever eat. Thick slices soak up a vanilla custard and turn crisp and golden in a buttered pan, while the chocolate or cinnamon swirls melt inside. Top with berries and powdered sugar. It is a show-stopping Christmas breakfast that takes 15 minutes and works with all of these babka recipes. Syrup, berries or whipped cream on top?

You will need: 6 thick slices day-old babka (any flavor), 3 eggs, 3/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup cream, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of salt, 2 tbsp butter, fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a shallow dish. 2. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. 3. Dip each babka slice for about 10 seconds per side. 4. Cook 3 minutes per side until golden. 5. Add more butter for the next batch. 6. Top with berries, powdered sugar and syrup.

Mini Babka Recipes: Muffin-Size Swirls

Babka muffins are just as swirly as the loaf, but they bake faster and are perfect for little hands. Roll and fill the dough as usual, then slice the log into rounds and twist each one into a muffin cup. They are great for brunch buffets, bake sales or school mornings. Every person gets lots of crispy edges. Would you choose a muffin or a slice?

You will need: Dough: 4 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/2 cup soft butter. Filling: 6 oz chocolate (melted with 1/2 cup butter), 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa. Syrup: 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water.

How to make it: 1. Make and rise the dough, then roll it into a 12×16 inch rectangle. 2. Spread the filling and roll up from the long side. 3. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. 4. Cut each piece in half, twist the halves together and set in a greased muffin pan. 5. Rise 45 minutes and bake at 350 F for 20 to 22 minutes. 6. Brush with the hot syrup.

Shortcut Babka With Store-Bought Dough

No time for yeast dough? Use a can of crescent dough sheets or thawed frozen bread dough. You still get the gorgeous swirls with about 15 minutes of work, which makes this one of the fastest babka recipes around. It is a great way to try babka for the first time. Nobody at the table will guess the secret. Will you try the shortcut or the real deal?

You will need: 1 lb frozen bread dough (thawed) or 2 cans crescent dough sheets, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 4 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa powder. Syrup: 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water.

How to make it: 1. Melt the chocolate chips and butter, then stir in the sugar and cocoa. 2. Roll the dough into a 10×14 inch rectangle. 3. Spread the filling and roll up from the long side. 4. Cut in half lengthwise and twist. 5. Bake in a lined loaf pan at 350 F for 30 to 35 minutes (crescent dough needs no rise). 6. Brush with the hot syrup and cool before slicing.

Make-Ahead Babka Recipes for Gifting and Hanukkah

Babka freezes beautifully, so bake ahead for the holidays. Hanukkah starts on December 4, 2026, and a homemade babka makes a wonderful brunch centerpiece or hostess gift. Wrap cooled loaves tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. Want the full backstory? Read the story of that famous episode, and for more ideas see our Hanukkah desserts for Jewish holiday baking. Which babka will you bake first?

You will need: Cooled babka loaves, plastic wrap, foil, freezer bags, parchment paper and ribbon for gifting, labels.

How to make it: 1. Cool the babka completely, at least 2 hours. 2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. 3. Freeze in a bag for up to 3 months. 4. Thaw on the counter, still wrapped, for 3 to 4 hours. 5. Warm at 300 F for 10 minutes to refresh. 6. For gifts, wrap in parchment, tie with ribbon and add a little card.