Soft, buttery brioche-style babka filled with vanilla cream cheese and homemade blueberry jam, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat.

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1/2 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for filling)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon cornstarch

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese)

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)

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In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
In a stand mixer, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add eggs, vanilla, and the yeast mixture.
Mix with a dough hook until just combined, then add butter one tablespoon at a time. Knead for 8 minutes until soft and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1.5 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
To make the blueberry filling, cook blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan until berries burst. Stir in cornstarch and cook until thickened. Cool completely.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Roll out the risen dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, then top with the cooled blueberry filling.
Roll dough tightly into a log, then slice lengthwise and twist the halves together, keeping cut sides up.
Place twisted dough into a greased loaf pan and let rise for 45–60 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake babka for 45–50 minutes, covering loosely with foil if browning too fast.
While baking, simmer water and sugar in a saucepan to make syrup.
Brush babka with syrup immediately after baking. Let cool in the pan before slicing.

Swap blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for variety.

Add lemon zest to the cream cheese for a citrusy twist.

Sprinkle white chocolate chips over the blueberry filling for extra indulgence.

Try adding cinnamon to the dough for a warm flavor.

Top with chopped almonds or pecans before baking for added crunch.