Babà Napoletano – Neapolitan rum babà

Step 1

Combine the yeast, milk and 30g of flour until you have a smooth ball of dough. Set in a bowl wrapped with cling film and leave to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size

Step 2

Place the remaining flour in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Add the yeast mixture and run on a medium-low speed. Add the sugar and eggs and let the mixer run for about 20 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and starts to come away from the side of the bowl

Step 3

Switch to the dough hook attachment. Turn the mixer back on and add the salt. Add the butter, one cube at a time, ensuring each cube is fully incorporated before adding the next one. After you add all the butter, keep working the dough for 10 more minutes, until the dough looks soft and is a pale yellow

Step 4

Turn off the mixer, remove the bowl and wrap it in cling film. Leave the dough to rise in a warm place for 3 hours

Step 5

While the dough rises, make the syrup. Place the water in a pot and add the lemon zest, orange zest and sugar. Place the over a medium heat and bring to a simmer. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat, allow it to cool slightly, then add the rum. Reserve to one side

Step 6

Grease and flour the moulds. Preaheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4

Step 7

Knock back the dough. Take small portions, approximately 70g each, and place a ball into each mould. Leave them to rise in a warm place, until the dough grows into the mould and forms a dome on top

Step 8

Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until deeply golden brown. Remove and allow to cool in their moulds for about 10 minutes. Turn the cakes out of the moulds and place them on a rack to cool

Step 9

To soak, heat the syrup until just warm. Remove from the heat and use a pair of tongs to dip each babà into the syrup, turning so they are thoroughly soaked on all sides. Gently squeeze out any excess syrup. Transfer the soaked babà to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet, turning occasionally so they soak evenly

Step 10

To finish, brush the babà with apricot jam

Step 11

To serve, drizzle the babà with a little more syrup. They are delicious with a dollop of whipped cream. The soaked babà can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving