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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Second Rise (Optional): Let the shaped bread rest for about 15 minutes to puff up slightly before baking.
- 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.
- 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
