Ukrainian Country Babka

This Ukrainian Country Babka is not as rich, it has less eggs. Some Babka's may have as many as 30 eggs. You can also add pumpkin to this recipe for richer flavor. Perfect for special occasions.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 317 Calories

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 5 ½ cups bread flour
• ½ cup lukewarm water
• 1 cup milk, scalded and cooled

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 cup water, yeast, milk and 1 cup flour. Mix until well blended, then cover and allow to rise in a warm place until light and bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Step 2

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, salt and 1 cup white sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the melted butter and lemon zest. Stir in the sponge, then gradually mix in the flour. Knead in the bowl for about 10 minutes, then knead in the raisins. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume.

Step 3

Punch down dough and knead for a couple of turns then let it rise again. Grease 4 smaller coffee cans with soft butter. Fill the prepared pans about 1/3 full and let rise until the dough is even with the rim. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 4

Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, then turn down the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking the bread for another 40 minutes. Avoid letting the top get too brown, if it begins to brown too quickly, cover the top with aluminum foil. Remove baked loaves from the pans and cool on a wire rack.