If you’re looking for a bread that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, look no further than this Strawberry Cream Cheese Star Bread. It’s a soft, fluffy dough layered with sweet strawberry jam and a velvety cream cheese filling, twisted into a stunning star shape that looks like it came straight from a bakery window. But the real secret? It’s easier to make than it looks.
I love serving this for breakfast or brunch, but it also makes a fantastic dessert or afternoon snack. The contrast of tangy cream cheese and fruity strawberry wrapped in buttery dough hits all the right notes—and it’s guaranteed to impress guests or just make your morning coffee extra special.
Why This Star Bread Works
Star bread might seem like a fancy, fussy recipe, but it’s actually very beginner-friendly. With a soft yeast dough and a simple layering process, it comes together with just a little patience and a touch of creativity. Here’s why this version is a favorite:
- Strawberry and cream cheese combo: Like a danish meets a cinnamon roll, this filling is sweet, creamy, and classic.
- Visually stunning: The twisted star shape looks like a professional pastry, but it’s easier than braiding or rolling.
- Soft, pillowy texture: Thanks to the enriched dough (eggs, butter, milk), each bite is tender and satisfying.
- Versatile: Swap the jam or add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for new flavor variations.
It’s perfect for holidays, brunches, birthdays—or anytime you want to bake something a little special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Finishing:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How I Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Star Bread (Step-by-Step)
1. Bloom the Yeast
I start by combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. After letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, it turns foamy and bubbly—that’s how I know the yeast is alive and ready to go.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, I stir together the flour, salt, softened butter, and eggs. Then I pour in the yeast mixture and mix until it forms a shaggy dough. I knead it for about 5–7 minutes (by hand or with a stand mixer dough hook) until it’s soft, smooth, and elastic.
3. Let It Rise
I transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours. It should double in size and feel airy to the touch.
4. Prep the Fillings
While the dough rises, I make the cream cheese filling by beating the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. I also warm the strawberry jam slightly if it’s too stiff—it makes spreading easier.
5. Roll and Layer
Once the dough is risen, I punch it down and divide it into four equal parts. I roll each piece into a circle about 9 inches across.
I place the first dough circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread a layer of strawberry jam across it. I top it with the second circle and spread the cream cheese mixture on that. Then I add the third circle (with more jam, if I’m feeling indulgent), and finally, the fourth dough circle on top.
6. Shape the Star
To create the star shape, I place a glass in the center of the stacked dough (don’t press all the way through—just mark it). Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, I cut the dough into 8 equal wedges around the glass, leaving the center intact.
Then, I take two adjacent strips and twist them away from each other twice. I pinch the ends together to form a point. I repeat with the remaining pairs until I have a beautiful star.
7. Egg Wash and Bake
I brush the entire star with a beaten egg for that golden, glossy finish, then bake it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes until it’s puffed and beautifully golden.
8. Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, I let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. It’s perfect warm, but still delicious at room temperature. If I want to dress it up a bit, I’ll dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.
How I Like to Serve It
- At brunch alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee
- As a holiday centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, or Mother’s Day
- For dessert with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- As a snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon
It pulls apart easily, making it great for sharing—but fair warning, it goes fast.
Tips for Star Bread Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the dough rise evenly and blend better.
- Chill the cream cheese just slightly if it’s too soft—this makes spreading easier.
- Don’t overload the filling: Too much can make the dough hard to twist and seal.
- Twist carefully: The star shape looks complicated but is surprisingly easy once you get into the rhythm.
- Let it cool slightly before cutting: This helps it hold its shape and avoids losing all that creamy filling.
FAQs From My Kitchen
Q: Can I use store-bought dough?
A: Yes! Pizza dough or even crescent roll dough works in a pinch, though the homemade version is fluffier and more flavorful.
Q: Can I swap the filling?
A: Absolutely. Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam all work beautifully. You could also use Nutella, cinnamon sugar, or a pumpkin spice filling.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave for that fresh-baked feel.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can assemble the star bread the night before, refrigerate it covered, and bake it fresh in the morning.
Why This Bread Belongs in Your Recipe Box
Strawberry Cream Cheese Star Bread is one of those recipes that feels like a bakery treat but is totally doable in your own kitchen. It’s soft, sweet, and just a little bit tangy, wrapped in layers that pull apart beautifully. And whether you’re serving it for brunch or sharing with friends over coffee, it’s a recipe that always makes people pause and say, “Wow—did you really make this?”
Yes, you did. And it’s just as good as it looks.
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Star Bread Is the Showstopper Your Brunch Table Needs
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups strawberry jam
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt. Add melted butter and the milk mixture. Knead until smooth.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a large circle on a floured surface. Spread strawberry jam evenly on top.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread this over the jam.
- Place a second rolled-out dough circle on top. Cut the circle into 16 equal wedges but do not cut all the way to the center.
- Twist each wedge to form a star shape. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the dough with an egg wash.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.
Nutrition Information
I wish you would include a video of how you make the star, your directions do not make sense to me based upon the picture provided of the finished bread.