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Cozy Cinnamon Roll Babka Twist Bread Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Glaze

cinnamon roll babka twist bread - featured image

A comforting cinnamon roll babka twist bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Perfect for cozy mornings or brunch, this sweet bread combines tender, buttery layers with a tangy glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440g)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (65g)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (180ml)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (56g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed (100g)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (42g)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (120g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (15-30ml)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast and prepare the dough: Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in the instant yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. If using a stand mixer, attach dough hook and combine on low speed.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Beat eggs lightly and add them along with melted butter and yeast mixture to flour. Mix on low, then knead on medium speed for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, knead for 10 minutes.
  4. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and spreadable.
  6. Roll out dough: Punch down dough, roll into 12×16 inch rectangle on floured surface. Spread cinnamon filling evenly, leaving ½-inch border.
  7. Shape babka: Roll dough tightly from long edge into a log. Pinch edges to seal. Slice lengthwise down the middle to expose layers.
  8. Twist and place in pan: Twist two halves around each other with cut sides up. Tuck ends under and transfer to greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  9. Second rise: Cover and let rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and skewer comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  11. Cool and glaze: Cool in pan 10-15 minutes, transfer to wire rack. While warm, spread cream cheese glaze evenly over top.

Notes

Use warm milk (about 110°F) to activate yeast without killing it. Knead dough thoroughly for best texture. Avoid overfilling with cinnamon sugar to prevent soggy dough. Twist gently to keep cinnamon layers intact. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Apply cream cheese glaze while bread is warm for best melting effect. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll babka, babka bread, cinnamon bread, cream cheese glaze, sweet bread, homemade babka, cinnamon twist bread