Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Get ready for a showstopper on your dessert table: Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting is an irresistible, golden cake laced with the gentle sweetness of honey, topped with a cloud of tangy, rich cream cheese frosting. Each bite feels like a comforting hug, blending nostalgia with a modern twist, and it’s perfect for any festive gathering or cozy weekend brunch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just discovering the joys of homemade babka, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No magic tricks here—every ingredient in this Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting serves a purpose, working together to give you the spectacular flavor and texture you crave. These simple but essential components blend tradition and indulgence, and it’s amazing how ordinary pantry staples can work such delicious wonders.

• All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the babka, keeping the crumb tender but sturdy enough for slicing.
• Eggs (room temperature): The star for that airy, fluffy rise—let them come to room temp for the dreamiest volume.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps build structure; don’t skimp, but keep it balanced with the honey.
• Honey (warmed): The signature note—warming it ensures it melds seamlessly into the batter for that deep, floral sweetness.
• Sour cream (room temperature): Adds moisture, tenderness, and a gentle tang that balances the honey’s just-right sweetness.
• Baking soda: Lends lift, working in tandem with the vinegar for that just-right crumb.
• White distilled vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda, enhancing rise and lightness in your babka’s bite.
• Fine salt: Essential for flavor contrast; just a pinch wakes up all the other notes.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): This is your frosting’s backbone—always use full-fat for the lushest flavor.
• Cool Whip (frozen): Lightens the frosting, making it billowy and easy to pipe for that picture-perfect swirl.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and ensures a silky-smooth finish you’ll want to dig a spoon into.

How to Make Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 11×17 inch baking sheet with parchment paper and leave a one-inch edge sticking up—this simple step guarantees your batter stays put as it rises and bakes, preventing sticky spillovers and giving your cake the perfect thickness.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, and salt. Whip them on high speed for a full 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture triples in volume and is pale and light—this is your secret for a beautifully airy babka. In a separate little bowl, blend the baking soda with vinegar and let it fizz. Warm your honey in the microwave for about 30 seconds so it pours easily, then add the baking soda mixture, honey, and sour cream to the eggs. Use your mixer on low just until everything is blended; overbeating will take away that coveted tenderness.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flour

Now, sift the all-purpose flour directly into the batter in small batches, mixing on low each time until everything is just combined. The batter should feel looser than a typical cake—don’t worry, that’s exactly right! Be careful not to overwork it at this stage; a gentle hand helps preserve the delicate, fluffy crumb Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting is known for.

Step 4: Bake the Babka

Pour your luxurious batter into the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to smooth it right up to the edges for even baking. Slide it into your hot oven and bake for 30 to 32 minutes. Start checking with a toothpick around the 28-minute mark—if it comes out clean, you’re golden. Pull it out as soon as it’s done to avoid overbaking.

Step 5: Cool the Babka

Once baked, place a cooling rack on top of the pan and flip everything over gently. Carefully peel away the parchment. Then, place a large cutting board over the cake and flip it back so it’s upright. Let it cool completely—this keeps the crumb perfect and ensures it won’t stick to the rack or fall apart when you frost it.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until completely smooth; it should look glossy and heavenly. Now scoop in the frozen Cool Whip and continue beating—for about five minutes—until luxuriously thick and fluffy. If it seems a little soft, tuck it into the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to set up before piping.

Step 7: Frost the Babka

When your babka is fully cooled, trim the edges for a neat finish. Slice into generous 1.5 to 2-inch squares. Load up a piping bag with the frosting (star tip optional, but highly recommended for those gorgeous swirls!) and pipe a lovely mound onto each piece. Serve Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting immediately or stash it in the fridge for up to four days.

How to Serve Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Give your Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting an extra pop with a drizzle of golden honey over the frosting, a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon. Edible flowers or a touch of lemon zest add both fragrance and color, making each slice a little masterpiece.

Side Dishes

Pair a square of Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting with a cup of hot coffee or a tall glass of chilled milk for breakfast, or serve alongside fresh berries and fruit salad for a festive brunch. It’s also fantastic as a sweet finish after a lighter meal, especially when accompanied by tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your babka squares on a tiered platter for a dramatic dessert centerpiece, or group them on a rustic wooden board with small jars of extra honey and bowls of nuts for guests to personalize their own piece. For parties, tuck each square in a decorative cupcake liner for a grab-and-go treat that’s as charming as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh by placing squares in an airtight container and refrigerating them for up to four days. The frosting helps lock in moisture, so your cake stays tender and irresistible—just let it come to room temperature for the best flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange unfrosted babka squares in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Store for up to two months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and add the cream cheese frosting fresh for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

If you’d like your babka slightly warm, gently microwave individual squares (without frosting) for 10-15 seconds, then let them cool slightly before adding the cream cheese topping. Avoid reheating with frosting already applied, as it may become too soft or melt.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting?

While all-purpose flour yields the best classic texture, you can experiment with cake flour for an even softer crumb, or swap half for whole wheat if you like a nuttier, heartier finish—just expect the flavor and structure to change slightly.

What can I substitute for Cool Whip in the frosting?

You can substitute freshly whipped cream (as stiff as possible) for Cool Whip, but keep in mind that Cool Whip holds its shape longer and gives the frosting a more stable, pipeable texture.

Does Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep the babka squares chilled, especially if your kitchen is warm. Letting them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving brings out their best flavor and texture.

Can I make the babka a day in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just wait to frost until closer to serving for the prettiest presentation.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe and divide the batter between two baking sheets. Just watch the baking time closely, as ovens may heat unevenly when filled.

Final Thoughts

Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting is a treat that wraps comfort and celebration into every bite. Whether you follow this recipe for a holiday, brunch, or just because, you’ll find it as rewarding to make as it is to eat. I hope you’ll give it a try, share it generously, and watch it become a beloved favorite in your own kitchen!

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