If you’re searching for a show-stopping treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, the Nutella Star Bread Recipe is your answer. This beautiful pull-apart bread is layered generously with creamy chocolate hazelnut spread and shaped into an eye-catching star, making it perfect for everything from festive holiday mornings to indulgent weekend breakfasts. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table, sharing sweet bites and smiles all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a step-by-step process of making a twisted dough star on a white marbled surface with parchment paper underneath. The dough is in the shape of a large circle with a white ramekin placed in the middle as a guide. In the first frame, the dough is divided into 4 large sections with three cuts. In the second frame, the circle is cut into 8 sections with more cuts around the ramekin. In the third frame, the dough is cut into 16 thin wedge shapes radiating from the center. In the fourth frame, a woman's hands start twisting pairs of dough wedges outward, forming twisted petal shapes that show thin layers of dough with a chocolate or cinnamon filling. The last two frames show the woman's hands continuing to twist each pair of wedges evenly, creating a circular star pattern with 16 twisted points around the smooth center circle. The dough is pale beige with visible dusty flour on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every amazing recipe starts with simple, quality ingredients that bring texture, flavor, and richness to the final creation, and the Nutella Star Bread Recipe is no exception. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s creating a soft dough or delivering that irresistible Nutella goodness.

  • 2½ cups flour: The foundation of our bread, providing structure and softness.
  • 2¼ tsp yeast: Activates the dough, helping it rise perfectly fluffy.
  • ¾ cup warm milk: Warms the yeast and adds moisture and richness, making the dough tender.
  • 2 tbsp sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness to balance the Nutella.
  • 1 egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
  • ¼ cup butter, melted: Enriches the dough, delivering a soft crumb and buttery flavor.
  • ½ tsp salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
  • ½ cup Nutella: The star ingredient that delivers that luscious chocolate hazelnut filling.
  • Powdered sugar (optional): Adds a delicate, snowy finish for extra sweetness and presentation.

How to Make Nutella Star Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by mixing warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let this rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is crucial because it shows your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic to make the bread rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, add the egg, melted butter, salt, and flour. Stir until combined, then knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This hands-on step is so satisfying, and kneading develops gluten that gives your bread its perfect, soft texture without being sticky.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Watching this transformation is almost like magic and essential for that tender crumb.

Step 4: Shape and Layer the Dough

After the rise, divide the dough into four equal balls. Roll each ball out into a circle. Layer them with Nutella spread generously between each. This layering infuses every bite with creamy chocolate and hazelnut flavor that’s utterly irresistible.

Step 5: Cut and Twist into a Star

Place the layered circles on top of each other and cut the stack into strips. Twist pairs of strips outward to reveal beautiful swirls and shapes, creating the signature star design. This step transforms your bread from ordinary to extraordinary, making it perfect for impressing guests or delighting your family.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake your creation in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes. Once out of the oven, feel free to dust it with powdered sugar for a delicate, festive touch. The aroma of freshly baked bread and Nutella will fill your kitchen and make it impossible to wait to dive in.

How to Serve Nutella Star Bread Recipe

A round star-shaped bread with a shiny golden-brown crust stands on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bread has about ten twisted sections wrapping around a smooth, raised center layer that is slightly darker and softer looking. Each twisted section shows light brown dough layers joined by thinner dark layers filled with chocolate or a similar spread. The bread is dusted with powdered sugar, giving a snowy touch especially on the folds of the twisted sections and the plate below. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar elevates the star bread’s gorgeous appearance, but you can also sprinkle chopped hazelnuts for added crunch and nutty notes. Fresh berries make a lovely, colorful contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of Nutella.

Side Dishes

This bread shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent brunch or dessert experience. A cup of your favorite coffee or hot chocolate also complements the flavors perfectly, making every bite even cozier.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring your Nutella Star Bread Recipe to the table on a decorative platter decorated with edible flowers or sprigs of fresh mint. For a festive occasion, serve it alongside little bowls of Nutella or berry compote for guests to personalize their slices. This bread looks stunning when pulled apart, encouraging sharing and smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Nutella Star Bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it soft and fresh for up to two days at room temperature. The slight sweetness and soft texture remain inviting even the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread before or after baking. If freezing dough, wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and let it rise before baking. Once baked, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked pleasure, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at low heat for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, to prevent sogginess, ensuring every bite tastes like it’s freshly made from scratch.

FAQs

Can I use a different filling instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While Nutella is the classic choice in this recipe, cinnamon sugar or fruit preserves make delicious alternatives that provide new flavor twists without sacrificing the bread’s starry appeal.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes! The steps are straightforward, and the end result looks fantastic even if you’re new to baking bread. Just take your time with the rising and shaping steps, and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.

Why is the dough sticky, and how can I fix it?

If your dough feels sticky, try dusting lightly with flour during kneading. It’s important not to add too much flour, as that can make the bread dry. Soft dough that’s slightly tacky is normal and will turn out wonderfully soft after baking.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The taste may vary slightly, but the bread’s comforting texture and beautiful star shape will remain intact.

How long does the bread keep at room temperature?

The Nutella Star Bread keeps well for up to two days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.

Final Thoughts

This Nutella Star Bread Recipe is more than just a tasty treat — it’s a little celebratory moment you can create at home, anytime you want to impress or indulge yourself and your loved ones. Its enchanting shape and rich layers of Nutella make it a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a treasured favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

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Nutella Star Bread Recipe

Nutella Star Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 25 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (serves 8)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Nutella Star Bread is a stunning pull-apart sweet bread featuring layers of rich chocolate hazelnut spread in a beautifully twisted star shape. This impressive yet easy-to-make bread is perfect for festive gatherings, special breakfasts, or as a delightful dessert that combines a soft dough with the irresistible flavor of Nutella.


Ingredients

Dough

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ tsp salt

Filling

  • ½ cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)

Topping (Optional)

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting


Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, melted butter, salt, and the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and knead until you form a smooth, elastic dough that is soft but not sticky.
  3. First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Prepare Dough Circles: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal balls. Roll each ball into a circle approximately 8 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface.
  5. Layer and Spread Nutella: Place the first dough circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread half of the Nutella evenly over it, then place the second circle on top and spread the remaining Nutella. Layer the remaining two circles on top without additional Nutella.
  6. Shape the Star: Place a small cup or glass in the center of the stacked circles and press lightly. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 16 equal strips around the cup. Take two adjacent strips, twist them outward twice away from each other, and pinch together the ends to form points of the star. Repeat this for all pairs around the circle.
  7. Second Rise (Optional): Let the shaped bread rest for about 15 minutes to puff up slightly before baking.
  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the shaped star bread for 20–25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and fully cooked inside.
  9. Finish: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Notes

  • The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky to the touch; add a little flour or milk if needed.
  • For a different flavor, you can substitute the Nutella with cinnamon sugar or other spreads.
  • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to get clean, even strips when cutting the dough.
  • If you don’t have a glass or cup for the center, you can carefully place a small bowl or simply mark the center to guide your cuts.
  • Serve bread warm for the best texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour rise + 15 minutes second rise)
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast / Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: European-Inspired

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