Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A stunning twist on classic babka featuring bright lemon and juicy blueberries.
Soft, tender, and fluffy yeast dough with a beautifully swirled filling.
Balanced sweetness with a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the berries.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an elegant dessert.
Homemade but approachable with clear step-by-step instructions.

Lemon Blueberry Babka

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough

3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
3 large eggs
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

Filling

1 cup (160g) fresh blueberries
1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Glaze

1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy (about 5-10 minutes).
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add eggs and yeast mixture, mix until combined.
- Gradually add softened butter and knead dough until smooth and elastic (about 8-10 minutes).
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1-1.5 hours).
Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, gently toss blueberries with sugar, lemon zest, and flour. Set aside.
Shape the Babka:
- Roll the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the blueberry filling evenly on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log lengthwise into two pieces.
- Twist the two pieces together with the cut sides facing up, creating a braided look.
- Place in a greased loaf pan, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the babka for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking.
Glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over warm babka after baking.
Serve:
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and enjoying.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 1 loaf, approximately 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
Rise Time: About 1.5-2 hours total (two rises)
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

Variations

Substitute blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a different berry flavor.
Add a cream cheese swirl in the filling for extra richness.
Incorporate a streusel topping before baking for added crunch.
Use lemon glaze or simple syrup infused with lavender for a floral note.

Storage/Reheating

Store babka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze the babka wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.
To refresh, warm slices briefly in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

What is babka?

Babka is a sweet yeast bread traditionally filled with chocolate or cinnamon, twisted or braided before baking.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?

No, you can knead by hand, but a stand mixer makes the process easier.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape the next day.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Pat dry the blueberries and use flour in the filling to help absorb moisture.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

Lemon zest and juice from bottled lemon can be used, though fresh lemons provide the best flavor.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour?

Bread flour will yield a chewier texture but is an acceptable substitute.

How to store leftover babka?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.

Can I freeze the babka after baking?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped almonds or pecans work well for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Blueberry Babka is a beautiful and flavorful twist on a classic sweet bread. The tender yeast dough swirled with tangy lemon and juicy blueberries creates a perfect balance of freshness and sweetness. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this babka is sure to impress with its stunning appearance and irresistible taste.