Babka

Makes two (10 inch) cakes.
Makes about 1 1/4 cup icing.
===Ingredients===
*3 pk (1/4 oz) active dry yeast (3 tbsp)
*3/4 c warm water (110F)
*1 cup Sugar
*7 3/4 cups all purpose flour
*1 1/2 c milk
*1 1/4 c unsalted butter or margarine
*6 eggs
*2 egg yolks
*1 1/2 ts salt
*2 egg whites
===Directions===
#This desert, a cross between cake and sweet bread, is often baked for Easter. 
#Grease side and bottom of 2 (10 inch) tube pans. 
#In a shallow, medium bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. 
#Add 1 Tbsp Sugar and 1/2 cup flour; stir to combine. 
#Cover; let stand in a warm place 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. 
#Heat milk and butter or margarine in a small saucepan until melted. 
#Let stand until mixture cools to warm. In a large bowl, beat eggs, egg yolks and remaining 1 cup Sugar until pale and frothy. 
#Add cooled milk mixture, salt and yeast mixture. 
#Beat until smooth. Gradually beat in 4 1/2 cups flour. 
#Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. 
#Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface. 
#Knead dough into a soft, smooth dough. 
#Divide dough in 1/2. 
#Arrange 1 part dough in each greased pan. 
#Cover with a damp cloth; let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 2 hours. 
#Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly beat 2 egg whites in a small bowl until foamy. B
#rush beaten egg whites on top of dough. 
#Evenly sprinkle Topping over dough. 
#Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. 
#Cool cakes in pans 3 to 4 minutes on racks. 
#Turn out of pans; cool completely on racks. 
#Frost with powdered sugar Icing if desired. 
#Toppings: In a small bowl, combine Sugar, flour, and cinnamon. 
#Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter or margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. powdered sugar Icing: 2 egg whites 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar 1/2 tsp lemon juice. 
#In a medium bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating constantly. 
#Beat 10 minutes or until glossy. Add lemon juice; beat 2 minutes or until icing stands up in soft peaks. 
 
==See also==
Category: Polish DessertsCategory:Desserts Category:Recipes
Category:Polish Recipes
category:active dry yeast Recipes
category:butter Recipes
category:powdered sugar Recipes
category:lemon juice Recipes
category:margarine Recipes
category:cinnamon Recipes
category:Sugar Recipes
category:granulated sugar Recipes
category:flour Recipes
category:water Recipes
category:salt Recipes
category:milk Recipes
category:egg Recipes
category:yeast Recipes