Ukrainian Country Babka Recipe

Name: Ukrainian Country Babka
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons white sugar; 1/2 cup lukewarm water; 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast; 1 cup milk, scalded and cooled; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 6 eggs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup butter, melted; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 5 1/2 cups bread flour; 1 cup raisins

Servings: persons

2 teaspoons white sugar
1/2 cup lukewarm water
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 cup milk, scalded and cooled
1 cup all-purpose flour
6 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar
1 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons lemon zest
5 1/2 cups bread flour
1 cup raisins

1
In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 cup water, yeast, milk and 1 cup flour.
2
Mix until well blended, then cover and allow to rise in a warm place until light and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
3
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, salt and 1 cup white sugar until light and fluffy.
4
Stir in the melted butter and lemon zest.
5
Stir in the sponge, then gradually mix in the flour.
6
Knead in the bowl for about 10 minutes, then knead in the raisins.
7
Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume.
8
Punch down dough and knead for a couple of turns then let it rise again.
9
Grease 4 smaller coffee cans with soft butter.
10
Fill the prepared pans about 1/3 full and let rise until the dough is even with the rim.
11
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
12
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then turn down the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
13
Continue baking the bread for another 40 minutes.
14
Avoid letting the top get too brown, if it begins to brown too quickly, cover the top with aluminum foil.
15
Remove baked loaves from the pans and cool on a wire rack.

1569

kcal

Calories

Fat

200

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 teaspoons white sugar, 1/2 cup lukewarm water, 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast, 1 cup milk, scalded and cooled, and more.

Yes, Ukrainian Country Babka falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Ukrainian Country Babka

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions