Easter Babka With Icing

An easier version of the traditional Polish Babka.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• Dough

• 1 (1/16ounce) envelope dry yeast
• 1⁄2 cup  light cream or 1⁄2 cup half-and-half
• 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 2  cups flour
• 3  eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  almond extract
• 1  teaspoon lemon rind, grated
• 1  tablespoon butter, melted
• 1⁄4 cup raisins

• Icing

• 1⁄2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1  tablespoon rum or 1  tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Dissolve yeast in cream.
2. Combine with half the sugar and flour and let double in size.
3. Add all the remaining ingredients except the raisins and knead until smooth.
4. Add raisins, while continuing to knead.
5. Grease and flour babka pan (or tube pan). Place dough in pan, cover with a clean cloth, and leave in a very warm, draft-free place until doubled in size.
6. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes. When cool, remove from pan.
7. Mix icing ingredients well and drizzle over babka.