Babka has a special place in many hearts—and these Nutella Halva Babka Buns take that love to a whole new level. Imagine the sweet, doughy goodness of a classic babka, twisted together with the rich, creamy taste of Nutella and the unique flavor of halva. Every bite is soft, sweet, and just a little bit nutty. If you’re looking to treat yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share these with you), these buns are absolutely irresistible. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these again and again.

Why You’ll Love Nutella Halva Babka Buns

There’s so much to love about this recipe. These buns are the perfect blend of indulgent flavors and comforting textures. Here’s why this Nutella Halva Babka Buns recipe will quickly become a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee. These buns can fit into any occasion.
Impressive: While they may look like they’re from a fancy bakery, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. You’ll impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat.
Sweet and Savory Twist: Nutella brings the familiar, comforting sweetness, while the halva adds a nutty richness. It’s a combination that’s both familiar and unique.
Crowd-Pleasing: These buns have a soft texture with a swirl of Nutella and halva that everyone will love. They’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make these buns absolutely divine:

Babka Dough: The soft, pillowy dough is the base of these buns. It’s sweet, tender, and the perfect canvas for all the rich fillings we’re about to add.

Nutella: The decadent spread that’s a perfect match for babka. Rich, chocolatey, and just the right amount of sweetness.

Halva: This traditional Middle Eastern treat adds a nutty, sesame-flavored twist that pairs beautifully with Nutella. The crunch and flavor are game-changers.

Butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the dough, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Sugar: Sweetness is key to balancing the slightly savory halva and rich Nutella.

Eggs: These help the dough rise beautifully, creating that perfect, fluffy texture.

Yeast: The yeast helps the dough rise and become fluffy and soft. It’s what gives babka that pillowy texture we all love.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the dough.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.

(Note: The full list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card.)

Instructions

Now let’s get to the fun part—making these Nutella Halva Babka Buns!

Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine your flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and eggs. Gradually add in the butter, vanilla extract, and warm milk. Mix until a dough forms and knead until smooth. Let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Fillings: While the dough is rising, prepare the Nutella and halva. If your halva is in a block, crumble it into small pieces to make it easier to spread.

Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread a generous layer of Nutella over the dough, then sprinkle with crumbled halva.

Shape the Buns: Roll up the dough into a log, then slice it into individual buns. Twist each piece into a swirl and place them into a greased baking pan. Let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The smell alone will have you eagerly awaiting the moment you can dive in!

Finish With a Glaze (Optional): If you’d like, you can brush the buns with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra bit of sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve Nutella Halva Babka Buns

These buns are delicious on their own, but if you want to make the experience even more special, here are a few ideas:

With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Top with Ice Cream: Warm, gooey Nutella halva buns with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Yes, please!
Fresh Berries: Pair them with some fresh berries for a fruity contrast to the sweetness of the buns.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the finished buns with powdered sugar just before serving.

These buns are best served fresh out of the oven, but they also make a great snack the next day when lightly warmed up.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can make the dough a day ahead and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
Use Different Fillings: While Nutella and halva are a perfect combo, feel free to experiment with other fillings like peanut butter, jam, or cinnamon sugar.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Freezing Option: These buns freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them up before serving.
Make Mini Buns: If you want smaller, bite-sized portions, you can cut the dough into smaller pieces and adjust the baking time accordingly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the halva with something else?
A1: If you can’t find halva or prefer something different, you can try using chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts, or even a sweet spread like peanut butter for a new twist.

Q2: Can I make the dough the night before?
A2: Yes! Let the dough rise in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q3: How do I store leftover buns?
A3: Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

Q4: Can I freeze these buns?
A4: Yes! These buns freeze well. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Q5: Can I make these without yeast?
A5: While yeast gives the dough its signature light texture, you could substitute with a baking powder dough for a quicker, but denser version. The taste will be different but still delicious.

Q6: What can I substitute Nutella with?
A6: You can use any chocolate hazelnut spread or even Nutella alternatives, such as almond butter or peanut butter for a different flavor.

Q7: Can I add more filling to these buns?
A7: Of course! Feel free to add more Nutella or halva if you like a richer filling. Just be careful not to overstuff, as it might make the buns too difficult to seal properly.

Q8: How do I know when the buns are done?
A8: The buns should be golden brown on top, and when you tap them lightly, they should sound hollow. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature with a thermometer (it should read 190°F/88°C).

Q9: Can I make mini babka buns?
A9: Absolutely! Simply cut the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time accordingly—about 15-20 minutes should be sufficient.

Q10: How should I serve these buns?
A10: These buns are fantastic on their own, but you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or fresh fruit for a fun twist!

Conclusion

These Nutella Halva Babka Buns are an absolute treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, fun, and absolutely delicious. With its layers of Nutella and halva filling, soft dough, and heavenly aroma as it bakes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead—give it a try and enjoy these fluffy, flavorful buns with someone you love (or just keep them all to yourself, we won’t judge)!