Cinnamon Easter Babka

Ingredients

  • Bread
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup luke warm water (not above 110 degrees)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 cup raisins
  • Topping
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
  • 1-1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, salt and cinnamon until thick and smooth. With a rubber spatula, scrape all of the butter/sugar mixture into the egg mixture and beat until well combined. Don't overmix. It is Ok if it appears to have a slightly curdled appearance. Add the yeast mixture and then the milk. Slowly stir in the flour. Add the raisins and vigorouly mix until a smooth, sticky, wet dought is achieved. Cover and let rise for an hour or more (until doubled in size).

Give the dough a stir (scarping down sides of bowl)and let rise again for an hour or more (until doubled in size).

Meanwhile, make he cinnamon sugar topping. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon. Blend with a fork until crumbly. Set aside. This can be done ahead of time and refrigerated.

Coat a bundt or tube pan with butter or cooking spray. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping evenly into the pan. With a spatula, carefully spread the dough mixture over the topping.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes oe unril toothpick comes out clean. Carefully, remove from pan and allow cake to cool for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack.Top with a light dusting of powedered sugar before serving.