The Chew: Caramel Walnut Babka Recipe

The Chew: Caramel Walnut Babka

Val Chmerkovskiy and Ginger Zee joined The Chew to talk about premiering on Dancing with the Stars. Just one episode in and Ginger has already proven that she could go all the way! It’s hard to believe with how good Ginger looks, that she just had a baby a few months ago! As great as she is on GMA and on the dance floor, Ginger isn’t too skilled in the kitchen. However, she and Val gave it their best shot as they helped Carla Hall prepare a Caramel Walnut Babka. This is one deliciously sweet recipe that will get you out of bed faster in the morning!

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The Chew: Caramel Walnut Babka Recipe Ingredients

• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 3 1/2 C all-purpose flour + more for dusting
• 1 stick butter – softened
• 3/4 C milk – warmed to 110-115 degrees
• 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 C sugar + 2 tbsp

For the Filling:

• 2 C chewy caramels – finely chopped, divided
• 1 lemon – zested
• 1 stick butter – cubed
• 2 C walnuts – finely chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt

For the Glaze:

• 1/3 C sugar
• 1/3 C water
• 2 tbsp honey

The Chew: Caramel Walnut Babka Recipe Directions

For the Babka Dough:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the yeast and milk, then let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes
2. Add the egg and egg yolk, vanilla extract, and sea salt, then mix
3. In a large bowl, add the flour and sugar, then whisk
4. Gradually add the flour to the bowl of the stand mixer in 1/2 C increments until fully mixed, about 5 minutes
5. Add the butter and mix until the dough is sticky
6. Put into a greased bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for an hour, until doubled in size
7. Remove the dough to a floured surface, then divide into two
8. Use a rolling pin to roll each half into 16 x 16 inch squares

For the Filling:

1. In a medium glass bowl, add the butter and caramels, then microwave in 30-second intervals until melted
2. Divide the filling between the two dough squares, then top with walnuts, sea salt, and lemon zest

To Prepare:

1. Grease two loaf pans with butter, line with parchment and grease the parchment
2. Roll each square into a tight log
3. Cu the logs in half lengthwise
4. With the filling side facing upwards, pinch the two sides of the log together, then overlap the pieces of dough until twisted completely
5. Repeat with the other dough
6. Put in the prepared loaf pans, then cover with plastic wrap and put in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours
7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and make the glaze
8. In a medium saucepan, add the sugar, water, and honey
9. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then let the sugar dissolve but avoid caramelizing it, about 3-5 minutes, then let it cool
10. Bake the babka for about 35-40 minutes, then remove from the oven and drizzle simple syrup over the loaves
11. Let the babka cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a baking rack to cool entirely