Name: Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 8 eggs, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup honey, warmed (microwave for 30 seconds); 16 oz sour cream, room temperature; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar; ½ teaspoon fine salt; 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 8 oz Cool Whip, frozen; ½ cup powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 16 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate showstopper dessert, stop right here: this Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting is the sort of sweet, swoon-worthy bread you’ll dream about all week. Rich with golden honey, fluffy from generous eggs and tangy sour cream, and draped in luscious cream cheese frosting, every bite is truly unforgettable. It’s surprisingly simple to make for such a stunner and perfect for everything from brunch parties to cozy evenings. With this recipe, Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting is about to become the most requested treat in your kitchen!

Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list to create this beautiful loaf; each ingredient is chosen for the special touch it brings. Every item—high-quality and thoughtfully combined—adds another layer of flavor, tenderness, or a hint of nostalgia.

All-purpose flour: This forms the tender, fluffy structure of the babka, so measure carefully for just the right crumb.
Eggs (8, room temperature): The secret to silkiness and richness, room temp eggs blend in smoothly for the perfect texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweet depth and helps the babka brown to golden perfection in the oven.
Honey (1 cup, warmed): The golden star ingredient for flavor and moisture—microwaving makes it extra drizzly and easier to mix.
Sour cream (16 oz, room temperature): The key to that moist, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and a gentle tang.
Baking soda: Works as a leavening agent, ensuring your babka rises sky-high.
White distilled vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for an extra tender and airy texture, so don’t skip it!
Fine salt: Just a hint brings all the flavors into focus.
Cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature): The base of the dreamy frosting; it’s best softened for a smooth finish.
Cool Whip (8 oz, frozen): Whips up into the fluffiest, most cloud-like frosting you can imagine.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Turns the frosting into creamy, sweet magic—taste and adjust if you like it sweeter!

How to Make Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Before you get mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan or a bundt pan for an elegant swirl. Lining with parchment paper makes for the easiest removal. This is the first step to ensure your Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting comes out picture-perfect every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine salt. This guarantees that your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, giving every crumb that perfect lift and subtle pop of flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and beat the eggs until light and pale yellow—this will give your babka that signature fluffiness. Add the granulated sugar and continue whisking until the mixture thickens and ribbons off the whisk, then stir in the warmed honey and sour cream. Finally, mix in the vinegar to activate the baking soda and create a beautifully airy batter.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, moving slowly to avoid knocking out too much air. Stir just until combined and you see no more streaks of flour—overmixing can toughen the crumb, so a light hand is key.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter smoothly into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen, hinting at the delicious Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting soon to come.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once out of the oven, let your babka cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack. Make sure it’s fully cooled before frosting, or the dreamy cream cheese topping will melt away instead of staying plush and thick.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth and fluff it up further with powdered sugar. Gently fold in the frozen Cool Whip until it’s pillowy and evenly combined. This cool, sweet topping is the perfect contrast to the warm honey undertones of your loaf.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Once the babka is completely cool, lavish that silky frosting over the top, swirling with a spatula. If you want, add a drizzle of extra honey or a few honeycomb candies. And there you are—your Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to meet its audience!

How to Serve Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For a bakery-worthy finish, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of golden honey, or even a scattering of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. Edible flowers are zingy and unexpected—perfect for photos and special occasions!

Side Dishes

Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting shines at brunch alongside fresh berries, citrus salad, or a scoop of vanilla yogurt. For coffee or tea hour, pair with a robust espresso or a gently spiced chai—pure comfort in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

To make this loaf even more dazzling, slice and arrange on a pretty platter, or cut into bite-sized cubes for a dessert board. For an elegant twist, add a ribbon of extra honey over each slice or serve with a dollop of extra frosting and a sprig of mint. Your Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting suddenly looks like it belongs in a patisserie window!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This babka stays super moist for a few days thanks to the honey and sour cream. Store any leftovers well-wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The frosting keeps its texture beautifully, so you won’t lose a bit of that creamy bliss.

Freezing

If you’d like to make your Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead, simply wrap the unfrosted loaf tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months. For best results, frost after thawing to maintain freshness and a gorgeous finish.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop a slice (unfrosted) in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or gently reheat in a low oven wrapped in foil. If already frosted, let the slice come to room temperature or enjoy as a cool treat straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute and will yield a slightly tangier, equally moist crumb. Use it one-for-one in this Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.

What can I use instead of Cool Whip in the frosting?

If you prefer to avoid whipped topping, substitute with equal parts freshly whipped cream (stiff peaks). It keeps your frosting light and pillowy, perfect for topping off the Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting.

How do I know when my babka is baked through?

Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the loaf. When it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no gooey batter), your Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to come out of the oven.

Can I make this Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting in advance?

Yes! For best results, bake the babka and store unfrosted, then prepare and add the cream cheese frosting just before serving. This keeps the topping irresistibly fresh and creamy.

Do I have to use a loaf or bundt pan?

While a loaf or bundt pan creates the classic shape, you can also use a springform pan or divide the batter into muffin tins for individual babka cakes—just reduce the baking time to prevent overcooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for that one irresistible homemade treat that gets everyone talking, Honey Babka with Cream Cheese Frosting is it! From the golden crumb to the creamy, dreamy topping, it’s sunshine on a plate and a total joy to make. Give it a try—you’ll love the sweet reward that comes out of your kitchen!