Chocolate Babka

This chocolate babka is dairy free, but so good you’ll never miss the milk!  It’s cakey and filled with rich chocolate swirls and chopped walnut pieces.  Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea and you are sure to get raving reviews.

Babka was brought to the States and Israel from Eastern European Jews.  There are a number of different types of babkas in Eastern Europe, but this is the one you find in New York and Israeli bakeries.

Unlike the others, rather than having fruit filling, this type traditionally has chocolate or cinnamon swirls running throughout it.

Whenever I go to the bakery, the first three favorite things I immediately go for are rugelach, chocolate-filled croissants, and babka.  

Like rugelach I can never decide between chocolate and cinnamon, so I always get both!

In Israel, unlike the States, it is common to find chopped walnuts embedded in the chocolate.  This takes the chocolate babka from good to addictive!

Another thing that is common here as opposed to the States is sesame seeds sprinkled on top.  Israelis love sesame seeds and it makes the chocolate babka look even more beautiful!

Don’t be intimidated by the long list of ingredients.  This recipe is extremely easy!

Another dessert recipe you may love is chocolate rugelach cake.

IS BABKA DAIRY?

Babka is usually made using butter and milk, making it dairy. This recipe uses oil instead and is therefore dairy free.

BREAD FLOUR VS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose, which helps with gluten development.

This creates a chewy texture and heavier and denser bread. This can be great in recipes like bread bowls. However, it is less desirable in breads like challah bread, which you want to be light and fluffy.

All-purpose flour has a lower protein content, but can generally be substituted for bread flour.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Generally, if you want to use whole wheat flour in bread, it’s recommended to replace up to half of the all-purpose flour called for with whole wheat flour.

HOW TO MEASURE FLOUR AND OTHER DRY INGREDIENTS

The best way to measure dry ingredients is with a scale. However, this is not commonly done in the United States, where dry measuring cups are used instead.

To measure most dry ingredients, first spoon them into a dry measuring cup and then level off the measuring cup with an upside-down butter knife.

Make sure not to pack it down because it can lead to using more of the ingredient than called for.

The exception is brown sugar. To measure brown sugar, pack it into the measuring cup and then level off any excess.

To measure chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, just pour them in and then level them off.

DRY VS LIQUID MEASURING CUP

Dry measuring cups are a set of cups that often come with measuring spoons. Each cup is a different measurement just like each spoon is a different measurement.

Liquid measuring cups, on the other hand, are cups that have measuring lines on the side to mark the measurements.

The problem with using liquid measuring cups to measure dry ingredients (like flour and cocoa) is that they are powders. So, as you shake the cup to level them off, the powders settle and you end up with more than you need.

I tested this with a friend who didn’t believe me and we ended up with a number of tablespoons more than the recipe called for.

WHY sift Powdery Ingredients

There are a number of benefits to sifting powdery ingredients like flour and cocoa.

First of all, flour is often sifted before use to aerate it and remove any lumps. This helps in achieving a lighter texture in baked goods. 

Secondly, if you measure flour that’s just been sifted, you can get a more accurate measurement than from flour that’s been packed tightly in a bag. 

In addition, sifting dry ingredients together, such as flour, cocoa, and baking powder, helps make sure they’re evenly dispersed.

BAKING WITH OIL

Baking with oil produces a moister and tenderer texture compared to that of baked goods made with butter.

Cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and quick breads also tend to bake up taller with a better crumb and stay moist and tender much longer than recipes made with butter.

Also, since oil weighs less than butter, baked goods made with oil have a lighter texture than those made with butter.

In addition, butter is usually only 80% fat, whereas oil is 100% fat. As a result, the water that’s present in butter strengthens the gluten in the flour, making it more dense and less tender than baked goods made with oil.

Oil is often used in recipes where a lighter and airier texture is desired or in recipes that call for both oil and butter, in order to have the benefits of oil while keeping the butter flavor.

Which Type Of Oil to Use

I use neutral oils like canola oil, safflower oil, and vegetable oil. You can also use stronger oils like olive oil and coconut oil, but they may change the taste somewhat.

Is it better to use canola oil or olive oil?

Canola oil is relatively cheap and, due to its lack of flavor and high smoke point, is very versatile.

Olive oil, on the other hand, is healthier. Also, its stronger flavor makes it preferable in recipes such as focaccia, which require its distinct taste.

Baking with Oil Conversion Chart

If you want to convert your butter recipes to oil recipes, take a look at my baking with oil – butter to oil conversion chart.

How to store Oil

Store oils in a cool, dark place to prevent them from becoming rancid.

If refrigerated, some oils, like olive oil, may solidify, but will return to a liquid state at room temperature.

Coconut oil begins to solidify in temperatures under 76ºF or 25ºC.

Yeast

Yeast is used in bread and other baked goods to create a light and airy texture.

It does this by fermenting sugars, which causes dough to rise.

In most cases, the yeast is dormant until activated or “bloomed” by being rehydrated and woken up. Usually, this is done with warm liquid and a small amount of sugar.

Once activated, it begins the proofing process.

“Proofing” is the fermentation process where yeast eats the sugar and forms bubbles, indicating that it’s alive and ready to leaven the dough.

Types of YEAST

There are seven different types of yeast used for baking.  However, only five are relevant to home bakers, and just about all my recipes only use instant yeast.

WILD YEAST

Wild yeast is found naturally in the air.  This type of yeast is used for sourdough breads, and in order to use it, you need to make a sourdough starter.

FRESH YEAST

Fresh yeast, cake yeast, block yeast, wet yeast, or compressed yeast, is found in small, foil-wrapped cubes. 

It is far less popular with home bakers because it’s highly perishable. However, it is still widely available for commercial use and is still used by home bakers in some countries.

The benefits of using it is that it’s easier to measure and has the most leavening power.

If you want to use fresh yeast in this recipe, then for every 1 teaspoon of instant dry yeast, you’d need 17 grams (or 0.6 ounces) of fresh yeast.

Make sure to bloom it before using it in this recipe.

ACTIVE DRY YEAST

Active dry yeast looks like large-grained powder, mainly used by home bakers in the United States.

It has a much longer lifespan than compressed yeast, lasting up to a year at room temperature and more than a decade if frozen.

The main downside of using this is that a lot of the yeast is already dead, so you need more of it than other yeasts.  This can cause an undesired yeast flavor.

If you want to use active dry yeast in this recipe, then for 1 teaspoon of instant dry yeast, you need 1 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast.

Make sure to bloom it first before using it in this recipe.

INSTANT YEAST

Instant yeast looks the same as active dry yeast. However, it does not need to be proofed before using.

Instead of having to be activated in warm liquid first, it can be added as is when making the dough.

It is more perishable than active dry yeast, lasting only 2 to 4 months at room temperature, but lasts for years if kept in the freezer.

This is my favorite type of yeast to use because it lasts longer than fresh yeast, and you need less of it than active dry yeast.

RAPID-RISE YEAST

Rapid-rise yeast is often specifically marketed toward users of bread machines.  It’s essentially instant yeast with a smaller grain. The smaller granules allow it to dissolve faster in the dough and therefore rise faster.  

While most baking experts believe that the bread flavors aren’t as developed by using this yeast, others feel it makes little difference.

Activating Yeast

The purpose of activating yeast is to make sure that the yeast cells are alive. This is a necessary step for most types of yeast.

To activate the yeast, mix the yeast with warm liquid (usually around 110°F or 43°C) and a small amount of sugar. The sugar provides a food source for the yeast. After a few minutes, the mixture should become frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready for use.

WHY ACTIVATE OR BLOOM INSTANT YEAST?

“Activating” and “blooming” yeast are different terms for the same process.

While instant yeast does not actually need to be bloomed, I do it anyway because it helps troubleshoot if any problems come up.

By blooming the yeast first, you know it is active. So, if the dough has trouble rising, you know it’s not the yeast.

This is particularly useful when you don’t have a “warm” place to let it rise.

While the sugar content may matter for most types of yeast, it doesn’t seem to make a difference for instant yeast.

When I activate instant yeast, I usually mix all the liquid, sugar, and yeast together in the bowl. Once it froths up, I add the rest of the liquid ingredients followed by the rest of the dry ingredents.

How to Bloom Yeast

To bloom, place the yeast, lukewarm water, and sugar together in the bowl. Stir and wait for it to activate.

The water must be warm because hot water will kill the yeast and cool water won’t activate it.

If you are using fresh yeast, make sure to break it up with a fork once it is in the water.

You know the yeast is activated when foam appears on the surface. This can take up to 10 minutes.

Storing Yeast

Once opened, store in an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place.

If you keep the yeast in the freezer, it will stay good for years.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE DOUGH TO RISE?

How quickly dough rises depends on how warm the environment it is rising in is.

If you put it in the fridge for instance, it could take 8 hours or so. If you leave it on the counter in a comfortably warm room, it’s usually 45 minutes to 1 hour.

However, sometimes dough can take up to 2 hours to rise depending on a variety of factors.

HOW TO RISE BREAD FASTER

To speed up the rising process, you can preheat the oven to its lowest temperature and turn it off.  

Then, cover the dough with a damp towel and place it in the oven.

This trick works for me every time.  On occasion, I may need to remove the dough and preheat the oven another time or two, but usually just once does the trick.

Some bakers feel it doesn’t allow flavors to really develop. Personally, I’ve never noticed much of a difference.

PUNCHING DOUGH DOWN

“Punching” is a bit of a strong word.  Yeast is a delicate living thing, so you actually need to treat it with care.  

What you’re really doing is lightly pressing down the dough through the center with your fist.  This removes gases that have formed during the first rise.

By doing this, you are also bringing the yeast, sugar, and moisture back together, which is important for the second rise as the yeast feeds on the sugar.

After you “punch” down the dough, you should pull the edges of the dough to the center. Then, take the dough out of the bowl and place it on a lightly floured board. Next, scrape out the remaining dough from the bowl using a rubber spatula.

Lastly, shape your dough into a ball, and if desired, you can knead the dough two or three times to release additional air bubbles.

I like kneading my dough a few times by hand after the mixer has done most of the work. This creates an extra smooth crust.

THE SECOND RISE

The second rise allows the yeast to feed longer on the sugar.  This allows the bread to become larger, have a better crumb, and develop a better flavor.  

Also, if you were to let it rise only once, punch it down, shape it, and stick it in the oven, your bread would rise somewhat, but not enough for it to become fluffy.  

Overproofing Dough

Letting the dough rise is known as “proofing the dough.” Overproofing is when you let the dough rise too much.

If you let your dough rise too much, it will seem big and beautiful at first, and then it will fall and become dense after it’s removed from the oven.

If you’ve found that you left the dough to rise to much larger than double its original size, punch it down, reshape it, and then let it rise to its proper size.

How long can I keep dough in the refrigerator?

You can refrigerate dough for up to 2-3 days. After that, the yeast may lose potency.

Keep in mind, the dough will continue to rise slowly during that time.

Can I freeze unbaked dough for later use?

You can freeze dough in airtight freezer container for up to four weeks.

When you’re ready to use it, first thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight.

It will take up to twice as long for the dough to rise as it would if it hadn’t been frozen. 

Why did my dough turn out dense and heavy?

This can be due to overkneading, not letting it rise completely, overproofing, or using too much flour.

Baking with Humidity

Humidity can have a big impact on how your baked goods come out.

This is because when humidity is extremely high (think 70 percent or more), baking ingredients like flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda soak up moisture from the air.

This can negatively impact the outcome of your cakes, cookies, yeast breads, and quick breads.

There are some things you can do to try to save your baking.

Try to counterbalance the additional moisture

To help counterbalance the additional moisture your dry ingredients soak up from the air, try reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe by about one quarter.

If the batter or dough looks too dry once all the ingredients are mixed together, add additional liquid a tablespoon at a time until you have the desired consistency.

This is not usually possible to do for cookies, but it does work for cakes and breads.

Store Ingredients in the Fridge

If flour and sugar are stored in the refrigerator or freezer rather than in a cupboard or pantry, they are better protected from humidity.

As an added benefit, keeping these ingredients cool also helps keep them fresher longer, in addition to helping them stay bug-free.

For the best results, let them warm to room temperature before using.

Bake for Longer

If you bake your goodies for a few extra minutes, it can help the liquid to cook off.

To avoid overbaking, continue testing for doneness every couple of minutes for breads, quick breads, cakes, cupcakes, and muffins.  Cookies, on the other hand, need to be checked every minute.

Use Air Conditioning

To help lower humidity levels on humid summer days, air condition the room for at least an hour before you start baking.

Cooler air isn’t able to hold as much moisture as warm air.

Store your baked goods in an airtight container

Humidity can also ruin your fresh-baked goods because when they are left out, they can absorb moisture.

To avoid this, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag.

DO EGGS NEED TO BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE?

The short answer is “no.”  While a side-by-side comparison shows that baking with eggs at room temperature makes a better crumb, it’s not otherwise noticeable.

What are Eggs used for?

Eggs do three things in most recipes: they help bind the ingredients together, act as a mild leavening agent, and they add moisture.

ARE EGGS DAIRY?

No, eggs are not dairy.  Dairy is milk and any food products made from milk, including cheese, cream, butter, and yogurt. 

So, while eggs are an animal product, they are not dairy. In fact, eggs fall under the protein food group.

How to tell if your eggs are still good

Fill a glass with cool water and submerge the eggs.

If the eggs sink to the bottom and lay flat on their side, they’re still fresh.

If they sink, but stand on one end at the bottom of the glass, the eggs are not as fresh but still good.

An egg that floats to the top is likely spoiled.

EGGLESS OPTION

Eggs can be substituted with 1/4 cup of unsweetened apple sauce per egg.  This means that for recipes calling for 2 eggs, you’d need 1/2 cup of unsweetened apple sauce.

The reason applesauce makes a good binder is that it’s high in pectin. Pectin is a naturally occurring starch in fruits and berries that acts as a thickening agent and stabilizer in food.

This happens when combined with sugar and acid (if the fruit or berry isn’t naturally acidic).

Just keep in mind that it may change the flavor slightly.

Cocoa

Cocoa adds a rich chocolate flavor and a nice brown color to recipes. It also helps balance sweetness in recipes, adds moisture to baked goods, and can be used to decorate food.

It’s used to make recipes like brownies, chocolate cake, chocolate sauce, chocolate cookies, chocolate muffins, and chocolate cupcakes. Cocoa can also be found in surprising places like cinnamon babka (just for the purpose of coloring) and savory dishes, such as chili and mole sauces.

The color can vary depending on the type of cocoa used. Natural cocoa powder tends to create a lighter color, while Dutch-processed cocoa results in a darker one.

Cocoa also adds moisture to recipes, giving baked goods a softer and tenderer texture.

Also, when combined with baking soda, cocoa’s acidity activates the leavening agent, contributing to the rise and lightness of baked goods.

Furthermore, cocoa is often used for decorative purposes. It is dusted on top of cakes, used as a coating for truffles, sprinkled over whipped cream, and to create a dusted effect for plated desserts.

WHICH TYPE OF COCOA TO USE

When a recipe calls for cocoa, always use unsweetened cocoa powder, unless specified otherwise. 

This allows you to have better control of the sweetness of what you’re making. 

There are three basic forms of unsweetened cocoa powder: natural cocoa powder, dutch-processed cocoa power, and raw cocoa powder.

NATURAL COCOA POWDER

Natural cocoa powder comes from cocoa beans that are fermented, roasted, processed at a higher heat, and milled into a powder.

It’s bitter with a very strong and concentrated chocolate flavor.  

This cocoa powder is acidic and is often used in recipes calling for baking soda because the two react with each other to allow your baked good to rise.

This is most commonly used, and should be used, in recipes that simply say “cocoa powder.”

DUTCH-PROCESSED COCOA POWDER

Dutch-processed cocoa powder starts with cocoa beans that have been washed in potassium carbonate, which neutralizes their acidity.  

Since Dutch-processed cocoa powder is neutral, it does not react with baking soda.

When baking, Dutch-processed cocoa is often paired with baking powder. 

Dutch-processed cocoa powder can also be used in place of natural cocoa powder in recipes that don’t require leavening.

These include sauces, hot cocoa, frostings, ice cream, pudding, etc.

If you only have Dutch-processed cocoa powder on hand, you can substitute it for neutral cocoa powder.

Just make sure to add 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar, white vinegar, or lemon juice for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder called for in the recipe.

RAW CACAO POWDER

Raw cacao powder is different from natural and Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder.

It’s pure powder from the cacao bean and isn’t nearly as processed as either natural or Dutch-processed.

Cocoa is processed at high heat, which destroys much of the nutritional benefits of the cacao seed.

Also, cocoa powder is often alkalized during processing to reduce acidity. The result is a product that’s less bitter and more soluble when added to liquids.

Cacao powder, on the other hand, is made of fermented – not roasted – seeds that are processed at low temperatures and then milled into a powder, ensuring that its nutritional benefits and its bitter flavor are preserved.

You can use raw cacao powder in recipes that don’t specify Dutch-processed cocoa powder, however it is best not to try to.

Compared to cocoa powder, cacao powder has a stronger flavor, it is not as absorbent as cocoa powder, and it is more acidic, so it will react differently with baking soda. 

Sweetened Cocoa

Sweetened cocoa contains sugar and is suitable as a hot chocolate mix, but not suitable for recipes.

What’s the difference between cocoa powder and cacao powder?

Cocoa powder is made by roasting cacao beans and processing them at high heat.

Cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans. It’s often considered more “raw” and retains more nutrients.

Both can be used interchangeably in recipes.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of natural cocoa?

Yes, but it can affect the acidity and leavening in the recipe. Adjustments may be needed for baking powder or baking soda.

To do this, simply add 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar, white vinegar, or lemon juice for every 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder called for in the recipe.

Can I use sweetened cocoa mix instead of unsweetened cocoa in baking?

No, because sweetened cocoa mix contains sugar. The added sugar can alter the sweetness and moisture of the recipe.

How to substitute chocolate with cocoa powder in recipes

How you substitute chocolate with cocoa powder depends on the type of chocolate that is called for. Mix the ingredients together in a bowl first before adding them to the rest of the recipe.

Cocoa substitute for sweet baking chocolate

To replace 4 ounces of sweet baking chocolate, use 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1/3 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons oil or shortening.

Cocoa substitute for semisweet and bittersweet baking chocolate

To replace 4 ounces of semisweet and bittersweet chocolate, use 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus 2 ½ tablespoons sugar and 3 tablespoons oil or shortening.

Cocoa substitute for unsweetened baking chocolate

To replace 4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate, use 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus and 3 tablespoons oil or shortening.

How do I prevent lumps when using cocoa in recipes?

Sift the cocoa into the bowl to remove lumps.

How to Store Cocoa

Store cocoa in an airtight container and keep in a cool, dark place to prevent moisture absorption and maintain flavor.

Sugar

The primary role of sugar is to be a sweetener. However, sugar also contributes to the tenderness and moistness of the baked good by absorbing and retaining moisture and helps create the golden brown color when baking as it caramelizes.

Recipes with more sugar often result in softer, moister textures. However, I learned the hard way that too much sugar leads to a sticky mess.

When it’s heated, sugar caramelizes, resulting in a rich, complex flavor and a brown color. This adds both flavor and color to baked goods and is also the process in which caramel sauce, dulce de leche, caramel candies, and regular candies are made.

When used in recipes containing yeast, the sugar is eaten by the yeast, producing carbon dioxide and causing the dough to rise.

Sugar also acts as a preservative in jams, jellies, and fruit preserves by reducing water activity and preventing microbial growth.

There are many different types of sugar, including white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla sugar, powdered sugar, turbinado sugar, and demerara sugar.

When a recipe calls for “sugar” without specifying anything else, it’s referring to regular white sugar.

White Sugar

White sugar (sometimes called granulated sugar, table sugar, or white granulated sugar) is made of either beet sugar or cane sugar, which has undergone a refining process.

It is the easiest to find and most commonly used.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is white sugar with molasses added to it.

It is commonly used in chocolate chip cookie recipes, and it’s rare for a recipe that calls for brown sugar not to also call for white sugar as well.

When a recipe calls for “brown sugar” but doesn’t specify what type (light or dark), it is referring to light brown sugar.

In my recipes, you can use whatever type of brown sugar you have on hand, whether it is dark brown sugar, light brown sugar, or demerara sugar – which is very common in Israel.

Just keep in mind that the flavor and color will be slightly different, depending on what you choose to use.

Turbinado Sugar

Turbinado sugar is better known as “raw sugar.” But, despite this name, the sugar is not really “raw.”

Instead, it’s partially refined sugar that retains some of the original molasses.

The term “raw sugar” may also give off the impression that it is somehow healthier.

In reality, turbinado sugar is nutritionally similar to white sugar.

Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar is very popular in Israel and is especially delicious in tea, but is also used for baking.

Unlike white sugar, demerara sugar undergoes minimal processing and retains some vitamins and minerals.

However, it is still not much healthier than white sugar.

Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is not very common in the States. However, it is common in Israel and parts of Europe.

This is sugar that sat for an extended period of time with vanilla beans, giving it a vanilla flavor.

Caster Sugar

This type of sugar is common in the United Kingdom.

It has a grain finer than white (granulated) sugar and larger than powdered sugar.

Caster sugar is often called for in recipes for delicate baked goods like meringues, souffles, and sponge cakes.

You can use a 1:1 conversion rate between caster sugar and white (granulated) sugar.

Powdered sugar

Powdered sugar, sometimes known as confectioners’ sugar, is a sugar with a powdered texture.

This sugar is rarely used for baking. Instead, it is used for dusting desserts and making frosting, icing, and glazes.

In some countries, you can also find powdered vanilla sugar.

It is made the exact same way regular vanilla sugar is made. However, the sugar used is powdered instead of granulated.

Vanilla Extract vs Vanilla sugar

In my recipes, I don’t specify what kind of vanilla to use.

The reason for this is that in the States, vanilla extract is exclusively used.

Meanwhile in Israel, along with many European countries, vanilla sugar is common.

In most, if not all recipes, both vanilla extract and vanilla sugar can be used.

In recipes where vanilla sugar can be used instead of extract, you can replace them 1:1.

Replacing Sugar with Honey

If you’d prefer to use honey instead of sugar, you can do so with pretty good results.

Honey can be two or even three times as sweet depending on the honey, so for every 1 cup of sugar, you can use 1/2 to 2/3 cup honey.

Since honey adds liquid, you need to remove some to balance it out.  For every cup of honey, remove a 1/4 cup of liquid.

Also, it burns faster than granulated sugar, so you want to lower the baking temperature by 25 F.  In addition, check it early and often to avoid burning or overbaking.

How to Store Sugar

Sugar should be stored in an airtight container to prevent clumping and moisture absorption, and kept in a cool, dry place.

BROWN SUGAR

What we call brown sugar is essentially white sugar that has had molasses added back to it.

It should not be confused with raw sugar or demerara, which are their own types of sugar. 

You can easily substitute brown sugar or even make brown sugar.

Both dark and light brown sugar can easily be made at home if you have a little white sugar and molasses.

It is commonly used in chocolate chip cookie recipes, and it’s rare for a recipe that calls for brown sugar not to also call for white sugar as well.

When a recipe calls for “brown sugar” but doesn’t specify what type (light or dark), it is referring to light brown sugar.

DARK BROWN SUGAR 

Dark brown sugar can be made with 1 cup white granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons molasses. 

Add both ingredients into a bowl and mix with a fork until completely mixed.

LIGHT BROWN SUGAR

Light brown sugar can be made with 1 cup white granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon molasses. 

Add both ingredients into a bowl and mix with a fork until completely mixed.

DEMERARA

Demerara is popular in Israel and is easier to find than light brown sugar. It is a type of cane sugar with a nice toffee flavor and can be used in place of brown sugar.

HOW TO SUBSTITUTE DARK AND LIGHT BROWN SUGAR

DARK BROWN SUGAR

Dark Brown Sugar can be made with 1 cup of light brown sugar and 1 tablespoon molasses. 

Add both ingredients into a bowl and mix with a fork until completely mixed.

LIGHT BROWN SUGAR

Light Brown sugar can easily be replaced in a recipe with half dark brown sugar and half white granulated sugar.

DOES THE TYPE OF BROWN SUGAR YOU USE REALLY MATTER?

Using the wrong brown sugar will change the flavor and likely the color.

Dark brown sugar has more molasses, which will give it a deeper, more complex flavor that’s closer to toffee or caramel.

Light brown sugar is more subtle, which is sometimes ideal.

However, I tend to use what’s on hand, which for me means dark brown sugar in Israel and light brown in the States.

I also happen to love the extra flavor dark brown sugar gives, so I like using it even if I have both on hand.

How to Store Brown Sugar

Store brown sugar in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent it from hardening.

Adjusting for a Convection Oven

Convection ovens blow the hot air around, producing around 25 to 30 percent more heat.

Since convection ovens produce more heat, you need either lowering the temperature or shortening the cooking time to compensate.

When recipes specify temperatures and cooking times, it’s for conventional ovens, unless specified otherwise.

A simple rule to follow is to lower the temperature by 25ºF or 14ºC when baking cookies and pies, and 50ºF or 28ºC when roasting meat and poultry. Some convection ovens offer separate settings for baking and for roasting.

You can also leave the temperature the same and instead, shorten the cooking time by 25 percent. For example, if your recipe calls for 60 minutes in the oven, check the food after 45 minutes instead.

However, keep in mind, some convection ovens actually make a heat adjustment for you. That is, if you set a convection oven for 350ºF, it might actually set itself to 325ºF to compensate. So, check your manual before making adjustments.

TROUBLESHOOTING

WHY IS IT TAKING LONGER THAN DESCRIBED TO BAKE?

Over time, the thermostat on ovens gets a little off, causing some ovens to run hot and others to run cool.  This is why recipes tend to say things like “10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.” 

So, if it takes you longer than expected that’s fine, don’t worry about it. Just keep baking until ready.

WHY DID MY RECIPE COME OUT TOO DRY?

Just like some ovens run cool, others run hot.  If your oven runs hot, bake these at a lower temperature.  Ideally, you should get an oven thermometer to know what temperature you’re really baking at.

MY SNAFU:

The first time I made this, I didn’t give it time to rise to double the size, figuring that one and a half is fine. This was a big mistake!

It made the babka heavier. On the other hand, you don’t want to let it rise too long either. When I did this, the moisture starts to accumulate around the bottom and the dough came out dryer.