Babka are small cakes made from yeast dough containing raisins or currants.
Dough:
1 envelope dry yeast
1/2 cup light cream or half-and-half
1/3 cup sugar
2 cups flour
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 Tablespoon melted butter
1/4 cup raisins
Icing:
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1 Tablespoon rum or lemon juice
Dissolve yeast in cream. Combine with half the sugar and flour and let double in size. Add all the remaining ingredients except the raisins and knead until smooth. Add raisins, while continuing to knead. Grease and flour babka pan or Loaf Pan. Place dough in pan, cover with a clean cloth and leave in a very warm, draft-free place until doubled in size. Bake at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes. When cool, remove from pan.
Mix icing ingredients well and drizzle over cake.
