Mincemeat Babka
1 Babka
20 minutes
35-40 minutes
Celebrate the festive season with a stunning twist on tradition: a rich, buttery babka swirled with spiced mincemeat. This show‑stopping loaf combines the soft, pillowy layers of classic babka with the warming flavours of dried fruits, citrus, and gentle spices found in mincemeat.
As the dough rises and bakes, the filling caramelises into glossy ribbons, creating a beautiful marbled effect that’s as eye‑catching as it is delicious. Each slice offers a perfect balance of sweet bread and festive filling, making it ideal for holiday breakfasts, afternoon tea, or as a centrepiece dessert.
Serve warm with a dusting of icing sugar or lightly toasted with Brandy butter for a truly indulgent festive treat.
Ingredients
300g plain flour
40g caster sugar
5g dried yeast
4g salt
120ml whole milk, warmed
1 large egg
60g butter
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200g Thursday Cottage Mincemeat
Zest of one orange
Icing sugar, to finish
Directions
Combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm milk and egg, and bring everything together to form a dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured worktop. Knead for 10 minutes, gradually adding the butter as you go. If the dough feels a little sticky, knead in a teaspoon of flour.
Place the dough in a bowl and cover with clingfilm or a damp tea towel. Leave to prove for 60-90 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Line a loaf tin with greaseproof paper.
Roll the dough out into a rectangle approximately 30cm by 35cm in size. Spread the mincemeat and orange zest over the top.
Roll the dough into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the dough lengthwise, leaving a small section uncut at one end to keep everything together.
Twist the two sections together. Carefully transfer to your lined loaf tin and cover with clingfilm or a damp tea towel. Leave to prove for a further 40 minutes.
Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes at 180C/160C/gas mark 4, or until the crust is golden and crisp.
Carefully turn the babka out onto a wire rack and sprinkle with icing sugar. Store in an airtight container and enjoy within 3 days.
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