Step 1

Add all ingredients to a small saucepan with a dash of water.

Step 2

Boil the raspberry mixture for 5 minutes. Reduce to a simmer for 5-10 minutes until the raspberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened. Remove from the heat. If you'd like the jam to be less lumpy, puree with a stick blender. Set aside to cool.

Step 3

Line an 8 inch (20 cm) loaf tin with parchment paper. A longer loaf tin will work well too.

Step 4

Combine all the dough ingredients in a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix until all ingredients come together.

Step 5

Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes. The dough is ready when it's soft, stretchy and comes away from the side of the bowl (or kneading surface). If the dough hasn't formed a smooth ball, add a dash of milk and knead again. If the dough sticks to the side of the bowl (or kneading surface), add a little more flour and knead again.

Step 6

Place the dough in a bowl and cover with a tea towel. Rest the dough in a warm place for at least 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size. If the dough doesn't double in size, place it in a WARMER spot and wait until it does.

Step 7

Dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape around 10 x 8 inches (25 x 20 inches) large. The long side of the dough should be a little longer than the length of your loaf tin.

Step 8

Spread the jam filling onto the dough leaving a 1 inch (2 cm) border around the edge.

Step 9

Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a log (note 4). Use a sharp knife to cut the log in half lengthways. This will create two long 'strips' of dough. Carefully twirl the two strips together. Use the pictures in the above blog post for guidance.

Step 10

Lift the twirled dough into your loaf tin. Cover with a tea towel and set aside to rise for at least 1 hour. The babka is ready when it rises by at least 20% and looks soft and puffy. You can also let it rest overnight in the fridge, as long as you bring the babka back to room temperature before baking.

Step 11

When your babka is ready for baking, preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).

Step 12

Bake the babka for 30-40 minutes. The babka is ready when its surface is be golden brown and if you insert a skewer into the middle and there's no wet dough on the skewer.

Step 13

If the top of the babka is browning too quickly (and the middle isn't cooked), reduce the oven to 150°C (300°F) and cover the babka with aluminium foil (or an oven-safe bowl which doesn't touch the top of the babka). Remove the babka from the oven.

Step 14

Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. While the babka is still hot from the oven, pour the sugar glaze on top.

Step 15

The babka is best eaten on the day it is baked. Alternatively, store it an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Warm up the leftovers before serving.