Chai Spiced Caramel Pear Babka

This Chai Spiced Caramel Babka captures everything cozy about fall. Warm cinnamon, fragrant cardamom, and clove meet a rich brown sugar caramel that melts into the soft, golden layers of bread. The result is a babka that tastes like a spiced latte turned into dessert. It is tender, sticky in all the right ways, and perfect for sharing on Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, or simply with a hot cup of tea on a cool evening.

Instructions

Prepare the dough:

Roll out your risen babka dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

Add the base layer:

Spread a thin layer of softened, salted butter then a thick layer of the Brown Sugar Chai Caramel Sauce evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.

Pear & Nut layer:

Scatter finely diced ripe pears (cooked briefly or raw if very ripe) evenly over the caramel for extra juiciness and fall flavor. Then evenly sprinkle over the chopped walnuts plus a light sprinkle of salt.

Roll and braid:

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log.
Slice the log lengthwise and twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up.
Tuck into a greased loaf pan.

Rise & bake:

Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Slice and Enjoy

Best served slightly warm, when the caramel is soft and gooey — but just as delicious at room temperature with tea or coffee.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.

Ingredient Swaps

• Butter: Swap unsalted butter for vegan butter and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream to make the caramel dairy-free.

• Spices: Adjust the chai blend to your taste(more cardamom for floral notes, extra cinnamon for warmth, or a hint of black pepper for a spicy kick)

• Add-ins: Sprinkle in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or layer with thin slices of pear for a caramel-pear twist.