• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Food Meanderings
  • Start HERE
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
    • Courses
      • Breakfast and Brunch
        • Pancakes, Waffles & French Toast
        • Breakfast Potluck Ideas
      • Lunch
        • Sandwiches and Burgers
        • Salads
        • Soups, Stew & Chili Recipes
      • Dinner
        • Main dish
        • Pork Recipes
        • Pasta & Pizza Recipes
        • Casseroles
        • Chicken Recipes
        • Beef
        • Beef Recipes
        • Fish & Seafood
      • Desserts
        • Baked Goods
        • Bars and Squares
        • Cake
        • Cookies
        • Cupcakes
        • Frosting and Icing Recipes
        • Frozen Dessert Recipes
        • Healthy Dessert Recipes
        • No Bake Desserts
        • Pie and Pastry Recipes
        • Sweets
    • Cuisine
      • Asian Recipes
      • Italian Recipes
      • Mediterranean Recipes
      • Mexican Recipes
      • Southern Recipes
    • Dish Type
      • Appetizers
        • Dip Recipes
      • Breads
        • Bread Machine Recipes
        • Muffins
      • Side Dishes
        • Vegetables
      • Snacks
      • Sauces, Spreads and Condiments
      • Drinks
        • Smoothies
        • Mocktails
      • One-Pot and One-Pan meals
    • Cooking Style
      • Dinner Party Recipes
      • BBQ & Grilling
      • Healthy Recipes
      • Seasonal Cooking
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
      • Vegetarian
    • Special Diet
      • Gluten-free Recipes
      • Vegan Recipes
      • Vegetarian
      • Weight Watchers Friendly Recipes
    • Holidays
      • Canada Day
      • Christmas Recipes
      • Easter Recipes
      • Earth Day Recipes
      • Father's Day Recipes
      • Cinco de Mayo Recipes
      • 4th of July Recipes
      • Halloween Recipes
      • Mother's Day Recipes
      • New Year's Eve Recipes
      • St. Patrick's Day Recipes
      • Stampede Recipes
      • Thanksgiving Recipes
      • Birthday Recipes
      • Valentine's Day Recipes
      • Game Day Recipes
    • Ingredient
      • Meat
        • Pork
        • Poultry
      • Pasta
      • Beans
      • Potatoes
      • Fruit
      • Rice
      • Egg Recipes
      • Chocolate
  • Meanderings
    • Articles
      • My Weight Watchers (WW) Journey
      • Weight Watchers Tips & Tricks
      • Comfort & Baked Expectations
      • Gingerbread: The Art of Food
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Start HERE
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
×

Home » Recipes » Cuisine » Ukrainian Recipes

Ukrainian Babka (Bread Machine)

Published: Apr 6, 2017 by Terri Gilson · Modified: Sep 17, 2022 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

Sharing is caring!

4291 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • Yummly
  • Mix
Jump to Recipe
2 loaves of babka on a tray with Ukrainian Easter Eggs in front of them
collage of 2 photos - top is sliced babka and bottom is 2 full loaves of bread machine babka, both surrounded by Ukrainian easter eggs

As a kid, Easter was an occasion second only to Halloween, summoning the kind of unadulterated delight that can only come from hunting your own living room for hordes of chocolate. Yet it was the Babka Ukrainian Easter bread I really looked forward to

Babka on a white plate, with Ukrainian Easter eggs. on a Ukrainian print tablecloth

Although bread is not typically the type of fare that kids yearn for, this bread was different. It was Ukrainian Babka. I have preserved all that is wonderful about this Traditional Ukrainian Babka recipe, but made it easier by mixing the dough in the bread machine!

Jump to:
  • 🍞Why bread is important to Ukrainians
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 📖Variations
  • 💭 Top tips
  • 🍽Equipment
  • 🌡️Storage
  • ⭐ REVIEWS
  • 📋 Ukrainian Babka Recipe (Bread Machine)
  • 📋 MORE UKRAINIAN RECIPES!

And like any other child, I longed for kid food; candy, cakes, cookies, mac & cheese, pizza and sugary cereals, all of which happened to be the very same foods my mother had declared a moratorium on.

Except at Halloween and Easter. These were shining days for us – the days of junk food freedom. Emancipated from the shackles of parental food domination, we completely went to town on the sweet stuff; scarfing down that waxy, second-rate chocolate at every opportunity. We ate chocolate for breakfast, dessert and every snack in between, until just one more chocolate egg made us cry ‘uncle’.

So, in order to trump Easter chocolate, this was indeed, a special bread. You know, the kind of special that only comes once a year? The kind of special that infiltrates every fervent food thought in anticipation of the annual event it's served at?

Of course I am talking about Babka Ukrainian Easter bread - that light, buttery, slightly sweet, delicate cake-like type of Ukrainian Easter bread; bread that sent me reeling with the kind of gastronomical gratification only that breed of special food is capable of evoking. Then luring me back to the table, sawing off hunk after glorious flaky hunk, heaping with slabs of semi solid butter, barely clinging to its delicate crumbs; the Easter chocolate riding shot-gun….for now.

And after the celebration had finally ceased, ballooning above the belt, yet sated for another year, only then would I turn back to my Easter chocolate for consolation.

🍞Why bread is important to Ukrainians

Bread is a big deal!

To Ukrainians, bread is kind of a big deal. In fact, Ukrainians regard bread as one of the holiest of foods. Not only is it brought to church on Easter Sunday as an offering, it used to greet honoured guests at home. Ukrainians celebrate almost every holiday and special occasions (like weddings and anniversaries) with bread. And if you ever have the honor of attending a traditional Ukrainian wedding, you will marvel at the towers of elaborately decorated breads.

I carry on the tradition and make this traditional Ukrainian bread for my family now. However, unlike those that seek solace in the art of making home-made bread, I preferred when my Baba made Babka for me.  Although I love to bake, I can do without the hard labor of bread making. I have weak wrists – really, it’s true! But I love this traditional Easter bread and that's why I make Bread Machine Babka. 

🥘 Ingredients

For this Ukrainian Easter Babka recipe, you'll need:

  • eggs
  • butter
  • white granulated sugar
  • powdered milk
  • salt
  • orange juice
  • orange zest
  • vanilla
  • water
  • all-purpose flour
  • bread machine yeast
  • raisins
  • shortening

*see recipe card for quantities

babka Ukrainian Easter bread on a black platter with Ukrainian Easter eggs around it

📖Variations

  • Raisins - not everyone is a fan, so skip them if you prefer
  • Gluten free option: Replace all- purpose flour with: 3 and ⅔ cups rice flour
  • Orange flavor - you can use fresh lemon juice and lemon zest instead (although I highly recommend the orange flavor)!

💭 Top tips

  • How to cool: Because the loaves are so delicate, when you remove them from the oven, cool slightly, gently remove from tins and instead of using the traditional cooling rack, you'll want to put them onto pillows covered with tea towels. * This ensures they cool without getting dented or squished. Gently rotate them once (after about 10 minutes).
  • Knowing when it's done:
  • The old fashioned way: Remove from oven and knock on the bottom of the tin with your knuckles. If done, it will sound hollow when tapped.
  • The best way: use a thermometer to assess the doneness of breads, freeform loaves, and soft rolls. A temperature of 190°F at the center will yield bread that's fully baked.  I use this instant read thermometer- (affiliate link) -it's great for everything food related!
and orange Thermapen - Mk4 thermometer

🍽Equipment

What type of cans to use for Easter Babka:  use tomato juice tins (about 1 litre),  as it has become increasingly difficult to find coffee tins (most are made out of a plastic-type material) now. *Just make sure you use something that is not coated (this usually looks white inside)

🌡️Storage

Store Babka Easter Bread at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container (or Ziplock freezer bag)

Freezing: This bread machine Babka freezes really well. The best way to prep it for freezing is to wrap it in a plastic wrap (I use Glad press n' seal wrap) place it in a Ziplock freezer bag. It will last for at least 3 months in your freezer.

So if you're looking for an Easter Babka recipe, then you'll love this Bread Machine Ukrainian Babka!

Follow my Ukrainian Food Board on Pinterest

Ukrainian Recipes Pinterest Board Cover

And if you're looking for more Ukrainian Easter bread, check out my Bread Maker Paska Easter bread!

And my Ukrainian Easter Dove Tutorial

Ukrainian Easter Doves made of bread decorating a loaf of paska in basket (with candle in the middle)

And you'll want to put my Bread Machine Kolach in your back pocket for Christmas!

Kolach Ukrainian Christmas Bread on black platter with Ukrainian candle in the middle and Christmas decorations in the background

And if you are looking for more Easter meal ideas, check out my Easter Brunch Menu Ideas!

collage of 4 photos of Easter brunch recipes with text in the middle

⭐ REVIEWS

Did you make this recipe? Please RATE THE RECIPE below

Here's what others are saying: "Hi! I have cooked this bread in my machine several times and my Polish Mother in law approved! It seems to be just fine on the regular basic bread with a medium crust cycle on my old West Bend!
Thank you for sharing this recipe!"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Please SUBSCRIBE  (get my FREE E-cookbook) and be sure to FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

Babka on a white plate, with Ukrainian Easter eggs. on a Ukrainian print tablecloth
Food Meandering Logo

📋 Ukrainian Babka Recipe (Bread Machine)

This tender, cakelike Ukrainian Babka, a sweet traditional Ukrainian Easter bread recipe, is made in your bread machine!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Keyword: babka, bread, bread machine, Ukrainian
Servings: 18 servings
Calories: 199kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
resting and rising: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 4 tablespoon melted butter
  • 3 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 tablespoon powdered milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup water (*minus 1 tbsp)
  • 3 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon bread maker yeast
  • 1 cup raisins washed
  • 3 egg whites beaten
  • 3 large tomato juice (48 oz /1.36 L) or 5- 500 g/l lb coffee tins
  • ¼ cup shortening

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, beat egg, egg yolks, butter, sugar, salt, milk powder, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla. Pour into the bread maker. Add 1 cup water, minus 1 tbsp.
  • Add flour, then form a small crater with your finger in the top of the flour and pour yeast into this crater. *Do not dig the hole so deep that the liquid comes through; make sure the yeast ONLY touches the flour and not any of the liquid
  • Set bread machine on dough cycle and when ‘add fruit/ingredients’ signal goes off, add raisins.
  • When dough cycle is complete (usually about 1 hours and 20 minutes in the bread maker), remove from bread machine.
  • Prepare 3 juice tins (I use 48 oz /1.36 L tomato juice tins)  by greasing generously with shortening and divide dough into 3 balls. Place balls into 3 juice tins and let rise until double in bulk (in warm place). (about 45 mins- 1 hour)
  • Beat egg whites until foamy and brush tops of loaves.
  • Bake on low rack of oven on 375 degrees F for 20 – 25 minutes or until golden brown on top (if loaves are browning too fast, cover with aluminum foil)
  • Check for doneness: The old-fashioned way: Remove from oven and knock on the bottom of the tin with your knuckles. If done, it will sound hollow when tapped.
    The best way: use a thermometer to assess the doneness of breads, freeform loaves, and soft rolls. A temperature of 190°F at the center will yield bread that's fully baked.  I use this instant read thermometer- (affiliate link) -it's great for everything food related!
  • Remove loaves from oven, cool slightly and remove from tins onto pillows covered with tea towels.
  • Slice in rounds and serve with butter, if desired.

Notes

*See post content for important recipe information and tips!
Nutrition Facts
📋 Ukrainian Babka Recipe (Bread Machine)
Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 199 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 50mg17%
Sodium 108mg5%
Potassium 137mg4%
Carbohydrates 29g10%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 150IU3%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 24mg2%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 199kcal (10%) | Carbohydrates: 29g (10%) | Protein: 5g (10%) | Fat: 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg (17%) | Sodium: 108mg (5%) | Potassium: 137mg (4%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 150IU (3%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 24mg (2%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe

📋 MORE UKRAINIAN RECIPES!

  • Ukrainian Breakfast Hash
  • Ukrainian Shortcut Borscht Soup with Beef
  • Perogy Zucchini Boats
  • Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
  • Easy Pierogi Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Ukrainian Daughter’s Crock Pot Casserole
  • Cottage Cheese and Potato Perogies

More 25+ Modern and Traditional Ukrainian recipes

  • Ukrainian Walnut Torte
  • Perogy Pizza
  • 25 Delicious Modern Twists on Traditional Ukrainian Recipes
  • Saskatoon Berry Dessert Perogies

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sean@Diversivore

    April 07, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    There's something very charming about the way that these form so perfectly to the shape of the tomato juice cans. I don't know what it is exactly, but it somehow makes the loaves look so exact and rustic at the same time. I kinda dig it. And I TOTALLY want a slice. You're definitely making me hanker for some good Ukrainian eats (a part of my Alberta upbringing, if not my actual heritage... lol).

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 07, 2017 at 10:11 pm

      Thanks, Sean! If you have never tried this bread, it's definitely worth giving it a go!

      Reply
  2. Georgette

    March 07, 2018 at 11:26 am

    Hi looks good can’t you cook it in the machine as one big loaf thanks georgette

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      March 07, 2018 at 2:21 pm

      Hi Georgette: thanks? No, I don’t think cooking it in the machine would work due to the rising time required between preparing the dough and baking.

      Reply
      • Samantha

        December 23, 2018 at 4:00 pm

        Hi! I have cooked this bread in my machine several times and my Polish Mother in law approved! It seems to be just fine on the regular basic bread with a medium crust cycle on my old West Bend!
        Thank you for sharing this recipe!

        Reply
        • Terri Gilson

          December 23, 2018 at 4:45 pm

          That's great, Samantha! That is high approval 🙂

          Reply
  3. Alayna

    April 12, 2020 at 12:32 pm

    Is this 8 loaves ?

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 12, 2020 at 1:07 pm

      No, it's 3 loaves - see directions (grease 3 tins). 8 servings approx, depending on how much you have. Happy Easter!

      Reply
  4. Irina

    April 17, 2020 at 7:05 am

    Thank you for this recipe! I will try first time.
    1 cup for flour is how many oz?

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 17, 2020 at 9:01 am

      Hi Irina: A cup would be 4.5 oz weight for flour. Enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Darcy

    April 18, 2020 at 8:29 am

    Hi. I make Babkas and sell them. This recipe is #1. I have made over 50 Babkas using this recipe and everyone loves it. Thank you for posting. My next project to try is fancy Paska. I wish I knew how to attach pictures on here; I would have posted a few.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 18, 2020 at 6:02 pm

      Glad to hear that, Darcy! Thanks for sharing your success with the recipe!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

I'm Terri, a passionate home cook and baker, an award-winning recipe developer and a busy working mom that is trying to eat healthy and fit everything into not enough hours in a day! My mission is to share not only my recipes, cooking hacks and tips with you, but also my secrets to successful weight maintenance.

More about me →

Comfort Food Recipes

  • Easy Turkey Pot Pie (with cream of chicken soup)
  • 31 Healthy Fall Soup Recipes
  • Reuben Soup
  • Lentil and Sausage Stew (with spinach)

More Comfort Food Recipes->

Footer

Featured On:

Taste Of Home Logo Parade Logo MSN Logo Master Chef Canada Logo Huffpost Logo Good Housekeeping Logo

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
  • Accessibility Policy

Subscribe

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work with me

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Foodmeanderings.com

4291 shares