Nutella Babka Buns Recipe with Soft, Swirled Chocolate Delight

Name: Nutella Babka Buns
Prep time: PT-494139H6M19S
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: – 180 ml warm water; – 2 tablespoons honey; – 7 grams dry yeast; – 450 grams bread flour; – 1 teaspoon salt; – 1 whole egg; – 2 tablespoons powdered milk; – 1 egg yolk; – zest of 1 lemon; – zest of 1 clementine; – 60 grams unsalted butter; – 200 grams Nutella for the filling

By:

Brandi Oshea

Published:

November 7, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Nutella Babka Buns

Imagine pulling apart warm, fluffy Nutella babka buns fresh from the oven, with that irresistible chocolate swirl peeking through. These treats are super simple to make, perfect if you’re just starting out in the kitchen or if you’re juggling a busy day. You’ll love how the lemon and mandarin zest adds a fresh twist to the dough, making every bite aromatic and delightful.

What really sets these Nutella babka buns apart is their balance of indulgence and everyday ease. They deliver about 294 calories per serving, with 37 grams of carbs, 8 grams of protein, and 12.7 grams of fat, so you can enjoy them without overdoing it. Plus, they’re versatile for all kinds of eaters, whether you’re tweaking for dietary needs or just experimenting with flavors.

These buns shine because they’re quick to whip up with just 30 minutes of hands-on time, followed by a 4-hour rise and 20 minutes in the oven. For anyone from busy parents to baking enthusiasts, they’re a fun way to create those special moments around the table. If you’re curious about more chocolatey treats, check out our chocolate lava cakes recipe for another crowd-pleaser.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Nutella Babka Buns
2. Essential Ingredients for Nutella Babka Buns
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Nutella Babka Buns: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Nutella Babka Buns
5. Mastering Nutella Babka Buns: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Nutella Babka Buns: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Babka Buns
8. Nutella Babka Buns

Essential Ingredients for Nutella Babka Buns

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating those soft, fluffy Nutella babka buns with their aromatic dough boosted by lemon and mandarin zest. Here’s a complete list based on the recipe, making it easy to measure out exactly what you need.

180 ml warm water
2 tablespoons honey
7 grams dry yeast
450 grams bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 whole egg
2 tablespoons powdered milk
1 egg yolk
zest of 1 lemon
zest of 1 clementine
60 grams unsalted butter
200 grams Nutella for the filling

Remember, if you’re swapping things up, powdered milk can be replaced with nondairy alternatives, which might change the texture a bit, and bread flour can swap with all-purpose for a different result. Clementine and mandarin zest work the same way, so use what you have on hand!

How to Prepare the Perfect Nutella Babka Buns: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s dive into making these Nutella babka buns it’s as fun as it is rewarding! Start by activating the yeast in a mix of 180 ml warm water and 2 tablespoons honey; this gets everything bubbly and ready for action. Once that’s frothy, combine it with 450 grams bread flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 whole egg, 2 tablespoons powdered milk, 1 egg yolk, and the zests from 1 lemon and 1 clementine in a bowl, then knead until smooth.

Gradually add in 60 grams of softened unsalted butter while you keep kneading this makes the dough extra soft and pliable. Shape the dough into a ball and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which takes about 4 hours. This step is key for that fluffy texture everyone loves.

After rising, divide the dough into portions and roll each one into a rectangle. Spread 200 grams of Nutella evenly over the dough, leaving a little border around the edges. Roll it up tightly, cut it lengthwise to show those gorgeous layers, and braid the pieces together with the Nutella side up.

Form each braided piece into a circle by overlapping and pinching the ends, then place them on a baking tray and let them rest for 30 minutes. Pop them into the oven at 175ºC (350ºF) for 20 minutes until they’re golden brown, and dust with icing sugar while they’re still warm. For more baking inspiration, try our fresh cherry pie recipe that’s just as delightful.

Subsection: Baking Tips for Even Better Results

When you’re twisting and braiding, keep the Nutella layers facing up to get that swirled effect just right. If your buns turn out dense, reheat them in the oven to bring back that softness it’s a simple fix that works wonders.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Nutella Babka Buns

Everyone’s got their own preferences, so let’s talk about how to tweak these Nutella babka buns to fit. For protein swaps, you can replace eggs with chia seeds or flax eggs to make it vegan-friendly. Use dairy-free milk instead of the usual kind, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.

On the flavor side, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. If you’re dealing with allergies, go for nut-free chocolate spreads to keep it safe. These changes let you enjoy the buns while matching your needs, like using those substitutions for powdered milk or bread flour we mentioned earlier.

Mastering Nutella Babka Buns: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’ve got the basics down, let’s level up your Nutella babka buns game! Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for that perfect knead it’s a game-changer for even texture. Try a slow rise in the fridge overnight to deepen the flavors from the lemon and mandarin zest.

For fun twists, mix in orange zest or espresso powder into the dough or Nutella filling. When it’s time to serve, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle on melted chocolate for a wow factor. You can even prep ahead by shaping the dough the night before and baking fresh in the morning, or freeze the unbaked buns for later.

Pro tip: Freezing lets you pull out buns whenever you crave that chocolatey goodness just like storing them in an airtight container to keep them soft.

How to Store Nutella Babka Buns: Best Practices

Keeping your Nutella babka buns fresh is easy with the right tricks. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to hold onto that soft texture for a couple of days. If you want them to last longer, wrap individual buns and pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300ºF for 5-10 minutes it’ll bring back that just-baked feel. With these methods, you can meal prep like a pro, making a batch to enjoy throughout the week without losing that fresh taste. Hazelnut Health Benefits might inspire you to savor these even more!

Storage Method	Duration	Tips
Airtight Container	2-3 days	Keeps buns soft and fresh
Freezer	Up to 2 months	Wrap individually for easy thawing

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Babka Buns

What are Nutella babka buns?

Nutella babka buns are a variation of traditional babka made from a soft yeast dough that is filled with rich Nutella spread. The dough is rolled and twisted to create layers of sweet chocolate-hazelnut filling, then shaped into buns instead of a loaf. Once baked, they have a tender crumb and a glossy, caramelized top. These buns offer a convenient, individual-sized treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.

How do I make Nutella babka buns at home?

To make Nutella babka buns, start by preparing a basic sweet yeast dough and allow it to rise until doubled in size. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, spread a generous layer of Nutella evenly, then roll it tightly like a jelly roll. Slice the roll into individual buns, twist or braid each piece if desired, and place them on a baking tray. Let them rise again briefly before baking at around 350°F (175°C) until golden brown. Finishing with a simple syrup or egg wash gives a shiny crust.

Can I prepare Nutella babka buns ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, Nutella babka buns freeze well both before and after baking. For best results, shape the buns and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually until solid, then transfer to an airtight bag or container. To bake from frozen, allow them to thaw and rise until puffed, then bake as usual. Alternatively, fully baked buns can be frozen and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore freshness. This makes them an ideal make-ahead dessert or breakfast option.

What is the best way to store Nutella babka buns to keep them fresh?

Store Nutella babka buns in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. They will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. To extend freshness, you can refrigerate them, but be aware this may dry the buns out slightly. For longer storage, freeze them as described above. Before serving, warm the buns slightly to bring out their soft texture and rich Nutella flavor.

Are Nutella babka buns suitable for any dietary restrictions?

Nutella babka buns contain gluten, dairy, and nuts, which makes them unsuitable for those with celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or nut allergies. However, you can adapt the recipe using gluten-free flour blends, dairy-free butter substitutes, and nut-free chocolate spreads as alternatives. Be sure to check ingredient labels carefully and test the adapted dough for desired texture and flavor.