Handmade sweet and savory babkas made to order in Vancouver, British Columbia

Originating in the 19th century Eastern-European Jewish community, babkas are a delicious and happy accident resulted from having too much leftover challah bread dough. The dough was filled with fruits, nuts, or cinnamon sugar and twisted before baking, giving it the beautiful braided look and marbeled interior. Chocolate only started becoming incorporated in the early 20th century, following the increase in immigration of Jews to New York City.

The sugar on top: Babka translates to "Little Grandmother" and the braided bread is said to resemble Grandmother's long pleated skirt.