If you’ve already enjoyed a savory babka, it’s time to switch gears to this gorgeous and sweet version: Forest Fruit Babka. With a homemade jam filling and soft, fluffy dough, this stunning vegan loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent afternoon treat. Plus, it looks absolutely beautiful on the table—like edible art with juicy fruit swirls!

Sliced vegan babka with swirls of berry jam on a wooden board with crumbs and berries around

Before diving into the step-by-step, let’s explore the diverse babka traditions from around the world.

🌍 A Tale of Babkas Around the World

American Style: Typically made with challah-like dough, this version is often topped with streusel and filled with chocolate or cinnamon. It’s rich, sweet, and deeply comforting.

Israeli Style: Made with laminated dough, like croissants or rugelach, this variation offers layers of flaky goodness. Fillings range from sweet chocolate and poppy seed to savory za’atar and labneh. They’re often rolled into beautiful twists or rose-shaped pastries.

Kokosh: This cousin of the babka, common in North American Jewish bakeries, skips the twist. It’s lower, longer, not braided, and not usually topped with streusel, but filled with sweet spreads like cinnamon or chocolate.

Whichever version you prefer, babka is a beloved baked good with rich cultural roots and endless room for creative fillings.

💚 Why You’ll Love This Forest Fruit Babka

🍇 Sweet, Tangy Homemade Jam Filling
🌱 100% Plant-Based & Dairy-Free
🍞 Soft, Fluffy Dough with a Swirled Look
🧁 Perfect for Gifting, Brunches, or Dessert
🕒 Make-Ahead Friendly

Print Recipe

Forest Fruit Babka – A Swirled Vegan Treat with Homemade Jam

This vegan forest fruit babka is made with homemade jam and fluffy dough. A perfect brunch or dessert treat with beautiful swirls and bold berry flavor.

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Resting Time2

Total Time3

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: Mediterranean / Jewish Fusion

Keyword: forest fruit dessert, vegan babka, vegan brunch recipes

Servings: 8 portions

Calories: 238kcal

Cost: €0.70

Ingredients

For the Yeast:

2/3 cup warm water not hot
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 packet 7g dry yeast

For the Dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
40 g sugar
1 tsp salt
5 tbsp vegan butter or margarine or coconut butter

For the Fruit Filling:

1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup raspberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a medium bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and flour. Add the dry yeast, stir, and let sit for 10 minutes until bubbly.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, softened vegan butter, and yeast mixture. Stir and knead until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Jam

In a small saucepan, combine all the filling ingredients. Simmer on low heat until thickened into a jam-like consistency. Let cool completely.

Step 5: Shape the Babkas

Sprinkle flour on your surface and divide the dough in half. Roll one half into a thin rectangle. Spread with fruit jam.

Step 6: Roll and Twist

Roll the dough into a log, then cut vertically into two strips. Twist them around each other and place in a loaf pan lined with parchment.

Step 7: Final Rise

Cover and let the babka rise again for 1 hour in a warm place.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden.

🍽️ Serving & Storage

Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Perfect with coffee or tea.

Store: In an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Can be frozen up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Forest Fruit Babka

Can I use other fruits?
Yes! You can substitute with cherries, strawberries, or even plum jam.

Can I make it ahead?
Definitely. You can refrigerate the dough overnight and shape it the next day.

Can I make a gluten-free version?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.

🔗 Useful Links

Related Recipes on the Blog:

External Resources:

History of Babka – Wikipedia

How to Make Forest Fruit Babka – A Beautiful, Vegan Swirled Dessert