Name: Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup warm milk; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup Nutella; 1/2 cup crumbled halva; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Optional: sesame seeds or crushed pistachios for topping

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There’s something downright magical about biting into a homemade Nutella Halva Babka Bun. The contrast of the pillowy-soft dough, swirls of rich Nutella, and the crumbly, nutty flavor of halva makes these buns completely irresistible. Whether you serve them for brunch, a special dessert, or as the centerpiece of your next coffee break, these Nutella Halva Babka Buns are an unforgettable treat that adds a sophisticated twist to classic comfort baking.

Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Nutella Halva Babka Buns is in the joy of transforming simple ingredients into a showstopper. Each item in this list brings its own special touch, from airy dough to the luscious chocolate and sesame filling. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our buns, offering just the right balance between softness and structure for that classic babka texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough and helps feed the yeast for a tender crumb.
Instant yeast: This powerful leavening agent ensures your dough rises beautifully and the buns turn out delightfully fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out the flavors in both the dough and filling, balancing the sweetness.
Warm milk: Keeps the dough soft and enhances the rich flavor, making every bite truly comforting.
Large egg: Gives the dough color and structure while adding richness and moisture.
Unsalted butter, softened: Infuses the dough with buttery goodness and helps create that irresistible, tender crumb.
Nutella: The chocolate-hazelnut spread swirls throughout the buns, offering creamy decadence and signature flavor.
Crumbled halva: Brings in subtle sesame notes and a unique texture, elevating every bite beyond the ordinary.
Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushes the buns with glossy sheen and ensures a perfectly golden top.
Sesame seeds or crushed pistachios (optional, for topping): Add crunch, color, and irresistible character to your babka buns.

How to Make Nutella Halva Babka Buns

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by adding your flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt into a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Give it a quick mix, then pour in the warm milk and crack in your egg. Stir everything together until a shaggy, rough dough starts to form. Now drop in the softened butter and knead until the dough becomes beautifully smooth and elastic. You’ll see it transform within about 8–10 minutes. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and set it in a cozy, draft-free spot for 1 to 1½ hours, until it doubles in size and looks puffed and ready for the next step.

Step 2: Roll, Fill, and Shape

Once your dough has risen, punch it down (the best part!) and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 10 by 16 inches. This is where the magic happens—spread a generous layer of Nutella all over, making sure to go right to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. Sprinkle the crumbled halva evenly on top, then gently roll up the dough from the long side to create a tight log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Take each piece and, without cutting all the way through, slice it lengthwise, then twist the two halves around each other and tuck the ends under to form a beautiful bun. Place these twisted beauties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for their final rise.

Step 3: Let Them Rise Again

Cover your shaped Nutella Halva Babka Buns with a towel and let them rise for another 30–45 minutes. You’ll notice they puff up a little more, which means they’ll bake up extra soft and airy. During this time, preheat your oven to 350°F, so it’s ready for baking.

Step 4: Egg Wash, Top, and Bake

When your buns are ready, gently brush each one with beaten egg to give them that bakery shine. For a touch of crunch and color, sprinkle some sesame seeds or crushed pistachios on top—totally optional but highly recommended! Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and your kitchen smells like a pastry shop. Cool them for a few minutes before devouring (if you can wait!).

How to Serve Nutella Halva Babka Buns

Garnishes

For a stunning finish, dust your Nutella Halva Babka Buns with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. A few extra sesame seeds, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a handful of chopped pistachios also make them pop—both visually and flavor-wise!

Side Dishes

These buns shine beside a piping-hot cup of coffee, chai, or even a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re hosting brunch, pair them with a fresh fruit salad, some tangy yogurt, or mini omelets to balance out their rich sweetness and create a total breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Nutella Halva Babka Buns in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin, or arrange them on a pretty serving platter for a bakery-style touch. For extra wow factor, serve them warm with a little pot of Nutella and honey on the side for dunking, or wrap them in wax paper with twine for sweet, thoughtful gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Nutella Halva Babka Buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and fresh, especially if you add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

For longer storage, simply pop the completely cooled buns into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. To prevent sticking, place a sheet of parchment between layers or wrap each bun individually before freezing.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, warm your buns in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, until soft and fragrant again. A quick zap in the microwave for 10–20 seconds also works in a pinch—just don’t overdo it to keep them from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! If you’re swapping instant yeast for active dry, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk (with a pinch of sugar) and let it sit until bubbly before adding to the flour mixture. The rise times may be a bit longer, but the results are still fantastic.

Is there a way to make these buns dairy-free?

Yes, and it’s easier than you might think. Substitute plant-based milk for the regular milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Just double-check that your Nutella and halva are dairy-free, or try vegan chocolate-hazelnut spreads and sesame tahini fudge for the filling.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

You sure can! After kneading, cover the dough tightly and let it slow-rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, continue with rolling, filling, and baking as the recipe describes for fresh, warm Nutella Halva Babka Buns first thing.

Do I need any special equipment to shape the buns?

No fancy equipment necessary! All you need is a sharp knife for slicing and twisting the dough. A rolling pin helps achieve an even rectangle, but you can manage with your hands if you’re in a pinch.

What type Dessert, Breakfast

Any sesame-based halva works wonders—classic plain, chocolate-swirled, or pistachio varieties all taste delicious nestled in these buns. Just crumble it evenly over the Nutella for maximum flavor in every swirl.

Final Thoughts

There’s honestly nothing quite like the joy of pulling apart a freshly baked Nutella Halva Babka Bun and seeing all those gooey, nutty swirls inside. These buns have a way of turning any day into something special. If you’ve been looking for a bake that feels both impressive and comforting, I truly hope you’ll give Nutella Halva Babka Buns a place in your kitchen—and in your memories.

Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 buns 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Nutella Halva Babka Buns, a delightful blend of Middle Eastern and European flavors in a twisted sweet bun. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these buns are a treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm milk
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Filling:

1/2 cup Nutella
1/2 cup crumbled halva

Additional:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: sesame seeds or crushed pistachios for topping

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Instructions

Mix the Dough: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add milk and egg, mix until a dough forms. Knead in butter until smooth.
Rise: Let dough rise until doubled in size, about 1-1 1/2 hours.
Fill and Shape: Roll out dough, spread Nutella, sprinkle halva, roll into log, cut, twist, and shape into buns.
Second Rise: Let buns rise for 30-45 minutes.
Bake: Brush with egg wash, top with seeds/nuts, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.