If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate chocolatey, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth treat, Nutella Halva Babka Buns are about to become your new obsession! Imagine pillowy soft dough embracing swirls of creamy Nutella and rich, crumbly halva, then baked until gloriously golden. This irresistible Middle Eastern-inspired pastry delivers pure comfort and a touch of luxury in every bite, making it perfect for special brunches, afternoon treats, or just a cozy moment with your favorite cup of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Nutella Halva Babka Buns begins with simple, staple ingredients that each play a starring role in building flavor and texture. From silky butter to fragrant vanilla, every element comes together for the most luxurious homemade treat.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing softness and just the right bit of chew.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and encourages that beautiful golden color as the buns bake.
- Instant yeast: Ensures a lofty, fluffy rise with minimal wait time.
- Warm milk: Adds richness and moisture, making the dough extra tender.
- Large eggs: These bind the dough and add gorgeous color and structure.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its warm, floral notes.
- Salt: A pinch brings all the sweetness into perfect balance.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Kneaded right in, it makes every bite exceptionally soft and rich.
- Nutella: The decadent heart of each bun, delivering creamy, chocolaty indulgence.
- Crumbled halva: Offers nutty depth and that signature Middle Eastern flavor twist.
- Egg wash: (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp milk) Ensures beautifully shiny, golden tops.
- Optional toppings (sesame seeds or crushed pistachios): Add that extra crunch and a burst of color.
How to Make Nutella Halva Babka Buns
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining your flour, sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Add the warm milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until you see the beginnings of a shaggy dough. Now comes the dreamy part: knead in the softened butter, a few tablespoons at a time, working it into the dough until it becomes beautifully smooth and elastic. It takes about 10 minutes by hand or just 5 to 7 minutes in a stand mixer. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot until it gets nice and puffy—usually one to one and a half hours.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down (so satisfying!) and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a big rectangle, about a quarter-inch thick. Generously spread Nutella all over, then shower the top with crumbled halva. This is where all the magic flavor comes from, so don’t be shy—make sure you get plenty in every corner.
Step 3: Shape the Buns
Starting at the long side of the rectangle, roll the dough into a tight, glorious log. Slice your log into 12 equal pieces (a little flour on the knife helps). Take each doughy round, give it a gentle twist or form it into a neat knot or coil—whichever looks prettiest to you—and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Let Them Rise Again
Cover the shaped buns and let them enjoy a second, shorter rise for 30 to 45 minutes. During this rest, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Watch as the buns get a little plumper and fluffier—they’re almost ready to bake!
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch and Bake
Brush each bun with the egg wash and, if you like, sprinkle on some sesame seeds or crushed pistachios. Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops look golden brown and shiny, and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Let them cool for a few minutes, but good luck waiting too long before digging in!
How to Serve Nutella Halva Babka Buns
Garnishes
Just before serving, I love showering my Nutella Halva Babka Buns with an extra dusting of crushed pistachios or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch, color, and a little Middle Eastern flair. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light drizzle of tahini or even a shake of powdered sugar can really make those buns pop on the plate!
Side Dishes
These buns are rich and satisfying all on their own, but they play especially well with a tangy labneh or some fresh fruit for contrast. A strong espresso or a glass of chai makes the perfect cozy companion, accentuating all the warm, sweet flavors tucked inside your Nutella Halva Babka Buns.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, pile the buns high on a platter with edible flowers or herbs for a beautiful centerpiece. Individual buns wrapped in parchment and tied with twine make adorable edible gifts. You can even slice a bun in half and toast it lightly for a next-level breakfast treat—think of it as a babka bun “panini” with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side if you’re feeling decadent!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked, Nutella Halva Babka Buns stay soft for a day or two at room temperature. Pop them into an airtight container or wrap them well with plastic wrap to keep them from drying out. If you find yourself with leftovers after the first day, a quick warm-up will restore their fresh-from-the-oven magic.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, these buns freeze beautifully! Simply let them cool completely, then wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. When the craving hits, just thaw and reheat—no one will ever guess they weren’t freshly baked.
Reheating
For that just-baked experience, warm Nutella Halva Babka Buns in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 7–10 minutes, or give them a short burst in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. This helps the filling become soft and gooey again, making each bite as dreamy as the first time.
FAQs
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! The dough for Nutella Halva Babka Buns can be mixed and allowed to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This actually deepens the flavor and gives the final buns an even finer crumb.
What if I can’t find halva?
If halva is tricky to locate, you can swirl a few spoonfuls of tahini into the Nutella layer for that gorgeous, nutty flavor. It’s not quite the same texture, but the taste will still be delightfully close to the original.
Can I use a different spread instead of Nutella?
While Nutella truly shines in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other chocolate-hazelnut or even chocolate-almond spreads. Just be sure whatever you use has a nice, creamy texture so it spreads easily on the dough.
Do I have to make knots or can I shape them differently?
Not a fan of the traditional knot? No worries! You can roll and twist your Nutella Halva Babka Buns any way you like. Simple coiled rounds or even a pretty braided style both look and taste fantastic.
Are Nutella Halva Babka Buns vegetarian?
Yes, these buns are naturally vegetarian—no meat or gelatin involved at all. They’re the perfect sweet treat for anyone who avoids animal-based ingredients, as long as you check that your halva is made without animal-derived additives.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about baking a batch of Nutella Halva Babka Buns for friends, family, or just yourself on a quiet afternoon. I hope you give this recipe a try—these buns truly are an irresistible fusion of comfort and celebration, promising pure happiness in every swirly bite.
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Nutella Halva Babka Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Nutella Halva Babka Buns, a delightful fusion of sweet Nutella and crumbly halva twisted into soft, pillowy dough. Perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the filling:
- ¾ cup Nutella
- ½ cup crumbled halva
For egg wash:
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp milk
Optional topping:
- sesame seeds or crushed pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Combine flour, sugar, and yeast. Add milk, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Knead in butter until smooth. Let rise.
- Roll out the dough: Spread Nutella, sprinkle halva, roll into a log, slice into pieces, shape into buns.
- Final steps: Let rise, brush with egg wash, sprinkle toppings, bake until golden, and cool before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate for deeper flavor.
- Halva can be replaced with tahini swirled into Nutella.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
