Basic Sweet Babka

Challahs are a very tasty alternative to bread, similar to plaited buns. The following recipe will yield 2 medium loaves.

Ingredients

For the dough

• 1 ½ tbsp dry active yeast
• ½ cup + 2 tbsp + ½ tsp sugar
• 1 ¼ cups lukewarm water
• 4 ½ - 5 cups unbleached bread flour
• ½ tbsp fine sea salt
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

For the topping

• 2 egg yolks (or 1 whole egg)
• 1 tsp water
• 1/4 tsp coarse sea salt
• 2-3 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2-3 tbsp poppy seeds

Instructions

• Mix yeast, 1/2 tsp sugar, and water. Mix, and let it go foamy (about 5-10 min)
• Mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, salt, and 1/2 cups plus 2 tbsp sugar in a large bowl.
• Add water-yeast mixture and oil, and mix thoroughly.
• Add another cup of flour and large eggs and mix until smooth. Switch to dough hooks.
• Add another 1 1/2 to 2 cups of flour and mix thoroughly.
• Remove dough from the bowl and place on a floured surface.
• Knead the remaining 1/2 cup of flour into the dough, continuing to knead for about 5 minutes.
• Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel.
• Allow to rise for at least 3 hours.
• Divide the dough into 2 braids and braid the challahs into the desired shape.
• Place braided challah on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 45-60 min.
• Preheat the oven to 190ºC / 375ºF
• In a small bowl, beat the 2 egg yolks with 1 tsp water.
• Brush the egg wash liberally over the challah.
• Sprinkle with coarse sea salt, sesame seed, or poppy seeds if desired.
• Bake 24 to 26 minutes, or until the color is golden.