Babka

An easier and quicker version of Easter Babka. Denser more cake-like and less complicated if you haven't made bread without a machine. Add the Lucre from the Easter version for a sweeter presentation. Posted by request.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1 1⁄4 cups milk, scalded
• 2  compressed yeast cakes or 2 (1/16ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
• 5  cups flour
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 4  large eggs
• 1  tablespoon  freshly grated  orange rind
• 1  tablespoon  freshly grated lemon rind
• 1⁄2 cup  almonds, chopped
• 1  cup raisins
•  breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Scald milk and pour over sugar and butter, Cool.
2. Dissolve yeast in a little of the milk mixture and add back to the rest of the milk mixture Add 1/2 of the flour and beat well.
3. Add salt to the eggs and beat until thick.
4. Add eggs to the flour mixture and mix well.
5. Add remaining ingredients and knead for 15 minutes.
6. Cover and let rise in a warm place free from drafts until doubled in bulk (about 60 minutes.) Place in a well greased tube pan, sprinkled with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.