Irresistible Cranberry Orange Babka Recipe You Must Try

Name: Irresistible Cranberry Orange Babka
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed; 1/4 cup lukewarm water; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; Zest of 2 oranges; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice

Posted on November 4, 2025

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The aroma of freshly baked babka swirling with the zing of orange and the tart sweetness of cranberry is a sensory experience you won’t soon forget. This irresistible cranberry orange babka recipe is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, and it’s much easier to make than it looks. Trust me, once you slice into those beautifully braided layers, you’ll feel like a baking pro! I developed this recipe after falling in love with babka at a bakery that specialized in European-style pastries. The delicate balance of sweet and citrusy flavors paired with the slightly chewy texture of the bread makes this a showstopper for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a simple weekend treat, this cranberry orange babka will be the star. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Show-Stopping Appearance: The intricate braiding and vibrant cranberry-orange filling make this babka a visual masterpiece that’s perfect for impressing guests.
Unforgettable Flavor: The tart cranberries combined with the refreshing citrus notes of orange zest create a unique and delicious taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual brunch with friends, this babka fits right in.
Easy-to-Follow Steps: While babka might look tricky, my step-by-step instructions (with a few insider tips) make it approachable for bakers of all levels.
Versatile and Customizable: You can adapt the filling to suit your preferences, making it even more personal and satisfying.
Kid-Approved: My kids devoured this babka in no time, and even the picky eaters couldn’t resist the sweet, tangy flavors.

This recipe isn’t just good—it’s the kind of good that makes you pause and savor every bite. The combination of soft, pillowy dough and vibrant filling is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s a recipe that lets you channel your creative side with the beautiful braiding. Once you make it, you’ll want to bake it again and again!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This cranberry orange babka recipe uses simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a stunning dessert that tastes as good as it looks. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water, lukewarm
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice

Pro Tip: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen ones will work in a pinch. For the orange zest, organic oranges are ideal since their peel is untreated.

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for the dough and a smaller one for the filling.
Stand Mixer: While kneading by hand is possible, a stand mixer makes the job much easier.
Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling the dough evenly.
Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5 inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
Microplane: For zesting oranges with ease.
Pastry Brush: Handy for applying the glaze after baking.

If you don’t own a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand—it just takes a little extra elbow grease. For budget-friendly options, check out second-hand stores or online marketplaces for quality tools at a lower price.

Preparation Method

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, water, and eggs, then mix until combined. Gradually add the softened butter while kneading on medium speed for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool completely.
Roll and Fill: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 18×12 inches. Spread the cranberry orange filling evenly over the dough.
Shape the Babka: Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Slice the log lengthwise into two long strips. Twist the strips together, keeping the filling side facing up, and transfer to a greased loaf pan.
Final Rise: Cover the pan with a towel and let the babka rise for another 45 minutes.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the babka for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
Glaze: Combine powdered sugar and orange juice to make a smooth glaze. Brush the glaze over the warm babka and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tip: If you notice the top browning too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. The babka is done when it sounds hollow when tapped.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t Rush the Rising Process: Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures a light and airy texture.
Chill the Filling: Make sure the cranberry orange filling is completely cool before spreading it on the dough to prevent a soggy texture.
Use Fresh Zest: Fresh orange zest adds a brighter flavor compared to pre-packaged zest.
Practice the Braiding: If it’s your first time making babka, practice the twisting technique with a piece of dough to get comfortable.
Test for Doneness: Insert a skewer or cake tester into the center of the babka—it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.

Variations & Adaptations

Seasonal Twist: Swap cranberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries in the summer for a different fruity flavor.
Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added crunch.
Dietary Adaptations: Use dairy-free butter and almond or oat milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini chocolate chips with the cranberry-orange filling for a decadent twist.
Personal Touch: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the filling for a warm spice note.

One of my favorite variations is swapping out the cranberries for dried cherries and adding a touch of almond extract—it’s heavenly!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your cranberry orange babka slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot tea for a cozy treat. You can slice it thick for breakfast or thin for an elegant dessert.

To store leftovers, wrap the babka tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, thaw the babka at room temperature and warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds.

Pro Tip: The flavors of the babka will deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This cranberry orange babka recipe is a sweet indulgence, but its ingredients offer some added benefits:

Calories: Approximately 250 per slice
Orange Zest: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Cranberries: High in fiber and well-known for their ability to support urinary health.
Moderation-Friendly: While decadent, this babka offers a perfect portion size for satisfying your sweet tooth without going overboard.

Keep in mind that any adjustments you make, such as adding nuts or chocolate, will impact the nutritional values slightly.

Conclusion

This irresistible cranberry orange babka recipe brings together the best of sweet and tangy flavors in a gorgeous braided loaf. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or just because, this recipe is a true labor of love that’s sure to impress. The beauty of babka is that it’s endlessly customizable—so feel free to make it your own. I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and roll up your sleeves! If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to share your experience in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to share it with your fellow baking enthusiasts. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! If using dried cranberries, soak them in hot water or orange juice for about 20 minutes to soften them before adding to the filling.

Can I make this babka ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling, assemble the babka, and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Bake it fresh the next day.

What if I don’t have a loaf pan?

If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can bake the babka on a parchment-lined baking sheet—it will spread out more but still taste amazing.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then continue with the recipe.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Be sure to roll the dough tightly and seal the edges well when shaping the babka. Chilling the filling before use also helps!