Apple Cinnamon Star Bread
This Apple Cinnamon Star Bread is the better looking, show-stopping rival to the classic Cinnamon roll or bun. It has layers of caramelised cinnamon sugar and notes of apple running all the way through this wonderfully soft and fluffy pull apart bread. it is a stunning bread that will impress everyone. A great breakfast treat (or treat for any time of the day) for the holiday season.
The best thing is it is easy to make - ‘Easy Delicious Baking’ in 5 simple steps, Ssssssh! No-one has to know!
The other great thing is that this bread can done in variety of other filling variations, I have come up with 15 others filling flavours so make sure you keep reading.
15 OTHER FILLING VARIATIONS THAT YOU WILL LOVE
The first time I saw a Star bread, a few years back, I stared at it for hours. I kid you not! It just looked so detailed, intricate and intimidating, my mind was boggled. I loved it from the moment I laid my eyes on it, but I just couldn’t figure how such an stunning bread design had been done. The only way I could find out, was to give it a try, since then I have made it many times in different flavour combinations and the wonderful thing is, this showstopper never ceases to amaze people.
I love apple in pretty much all desserts, so I decided to put my spin on this star bread and include apple along with the cinnamon sugar, it is definitely worth doing, since it taste magnificent!
This bread looks fabulous unadorned, dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy effect or served up warm with jam, butter, apple sauce or caramel toffee sauce.
How To Make Star Bread In 5 Simple Steps
Step 1: Make The Dough
This is a no brainer, no dough, no star bread! This is a basic enriched sweet yeast dough. You can use a stand mixer to make this dough, however I love making bread by hand. If you opt for making it by hand, you will get a great work out, since you will need to knead the dough for about 10 - 15 mins for the gluten to become soft, supple and stretchy, ready for the first proofing.
Step 2: First Proofing
The dough needs to be placed in a slightly warm environment for it to rise and double in size, which takes about 1 - 2 hours. Living in a warm climate, I normally place mine in an airing cupboard. If your environment is cooler or cold, I suggest using the oven either:
Place the dough inside the oven with the oven light on.
OR
Preheat the oven to 65 °C (150 °F) for a few minutes, turn off the oven after preheating. Place the covered bowl inside the oven then shut the oven door.
Just before the dough finishes proofing, make the cinnamon sugar, melt the butter and finely chop/dice the apple(s). It is important to chop the apple(s) finely, so you do not have problems with chucks of apple popping out when you shape the dough.
Step 3: Divide & Shape The Dough
After the dough has risen, knock back the dough to release the air bubbles.
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, ready to be rolled out into 10 inch circles. Roll the first circle out on a sheet of greaseproof paper. Rolling it on the greaseproof paper, will make it easier to transfer onto a baking sheet, when it is time to bake it. If you struggle to get the circle shape, use a plate roughly about 10 inches in size and cut round it.
Use a pastry brush and brush the first circle with the melted butter (you can add as much or as little as you like). Then sprinkle over the cinnamon sugar (again you add as much or as little as you wish). Sprinkle over the apple and push the apple pieces gently into the dough. Repeat this process until you have 2 further filled layers. Do not put anything on the final top layer.
Place a glass or cookie cutter that has a diameter of about 2.5 inches into the centre. Then use a sharp knife, start by cutting the circle into 4 quarters, keep cutting until you have 16 even strips. Make sure you cut through all of the layers or you will find it difficult to shape.
Take two strips next to each other and twist them twice away from each other, then securing the two ends by pressing them together. The final star design will have 8 points.
Step 4: Final Proofing
Transfer the star bread onto a baking sheet. Cover with a clean tea towel and let it rest and puff up for about 40 minutes. When it is ready brush with egg wash. The egg wash will give the star bread a gorgeous golden shiny colour.
Pre heat the oven towards the end of the final proofing use a temperature of 180 °C (350 °F).
Step 5: Bake That Stunning Beauty!
Bake in the oven for about 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover with baking foil.
The smell while this bread is baking will fill your home with the wonderful aroma of Christmas!
Remove the star bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a cooling rack for about 10 mins before removing the greaseproof paper.
While the bread is still warm, brush with some melted butter and dust with icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar). It is best eaten when still warm.
Your friends and family will be in awe of your brilliant artist baking skills!
Storing Left Over Bread
If you are able to do so, cover and store leftover star bread at room temperature for 1-2 days (I can’t do this living in Thailand, every insect under the sun would think I have let them out party food! Or humidity would build up inside a plastic container). It can also be placed in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To revive the bread: Place star bread onto baking tray, brush the top with water or spray some water on top, then reheat in a 180 °C (350°F) oven for about 5 minutes, until it is warmed through. The bread will be soft and taste fresh.
This Dough Can Be Made Ahead Of Time
Prepare dough as per Step 1, after the first proof, knock back the dough to release the air bubbles. Then wrap the dough tightly in cling film (saran wrap). It can be kept like this in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge. Remove the dough from the fridge and allow to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Knock the dough back again to release any air bubbles. Then continue with Step 3.
Make The Star Bread Then freeze It
This bread can be baked and frozen for up to 1 month before serving. Bake, then once it has cooled, wrap it tightly and store in the freezer. To prepare it for serving, thaw it overnight in the fridge, still wrapped up. Then bring to room temperature for 30 minutes.
Do the same steps to revive the bread: Place star bread onto baking tray, brush the top with water or spray some water on top, then reheat in a 180 °C (350°F) oven for about 5 minutes, until it is warmed through.
I do not recommend freezing this bread unbaked. When it thaws the cinnamon filling will drain out and leave a pool of sticky liquid around the loaf. It is better to bake it completely, then rewarm just before serving.
15 OTHER FILLING VARIATIONS THAT YOU WILL LOVE
*SWEET SUGGESTIONS*
The important thing to keep in mind: Make sure you do not choose fillings that are to wet, since this may make the dough super soggy and will ooze out everywhere as you twist the dough. Or don’t have pieces that are too chunky, which will make the dough difficult to twist and shape.
1.CINNAMON SUGAR
This is a classic flavour combination, so you can’t go wrong with this.
2. NUTELLA OR ANY OTHER CHOCOLATE SPREAD
This is a chocolate lovers delight. Which also works well on puff pastry.
3. LEMON & RASPBERRY - DRIZZLED WITH TANGY LEMON ICING!
The title alone, lets you know how delicious this will be! This flavour combo on my list to try out. If I do a video I will definitely post it!
4. APPLE SAUCE (with or without Cinnamon Sugar)
You could purchase pre-made apple sauce or make your own apple sauce which is much nicer. I have done the hard work on this, here is the link to my Easy Homemade Applesauce. It can be spread on its own or paired with cinnamon sugar.
5. ANY TYPE OF NUT BUTTER SPREAD - PEANUT BUTTER, ALMOND BUTTER, CASHEW BUTTER ETC.
Nut butters always pack a punch on flavour, so spread between the layers of this star bread will be sensational!
6. CINNAMON SUGAR + ORANGE ZEST + FRESH OR DRIED CRANBERRIES
This is Autumnal and Christmas on a plate! The aroma would be absolutely delightful!
7. FRUIT JAM
Either homemade or purchased. Spread your favourite fruit jam onto each of the 3 circles. Make sure the jam does not have any thick bits. Chunky bits popping out will cause problems when you are shaping your bread.
8. FRESH FRUIT, DRIED FRUIT OR FROZEN FRUIT
We used apple already in this recipe. Just make sure whatever fruit you use, make sure it is not to wet. You could let your imagination run wild and use any type of dried or frozen fruit or fruit combination for this. Even add nuts all mixed with melted butter.
9. GOOD OLD CHOCOLATE
Nutella is great, but if you want a classic chocolate flavour. Add either dark, milk or white chocolate, chocolate chips or grated dark, milk or white chocolate. Super indulgent!
*SAVOURY SUGGESTIONS*
If you make a savoury option, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough to 1 tbsp (from 3 tbsp).
10. PIZZA DELIGHT
Tomato paste, sundried tomatoes, pizza seasoning with finely grated cheese, need I say more!
11. GARLIC BUTTER
Chopped garlic and coriander mixed in melted butter, will be divine.
12. HERBED BUTTER
A mix of coriander and mint or go for an Italian herb combination of basil, parsley and rosemary warmed in melted butter and brush onto each of the circles.
13. PESTO / PINE NUTS
Speaking of Italian herbs, using classic Pesto would be delicious! A step further would be to add some toasted pine nuts and grated parmesan.
14. CHEESE COMBO
A blend of cream cheese or creamy ricotta mixed with caramelised garlic or onions. Super special!
15 BACON, HERBS & CHEESE
This is basically a very posh bacon and cheese sandwich! Cook the bacon, rest on a paper towel. Brush circles with a layer of egg (instead of melted butter), add herbs of your choice i.e. thyme, basil, oregano, then grate with cheese.
Which flavour option will you try?
If you like this Apple Cinnamon Star Bread Recipe then let me know by tagging me on facebook or Instagram. I would love to see your baking creations.
APPLE CINNAMON STAR BREAD
Ingredients
- 150ml Whole milk
- 1 tsp of instant or active dry yeast
- 38g (3 Tbsp) Granulated sugar
- 50g (1/4) Unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 310g (2.5 cups) All Purpose flour, plus some for kneading dough
- 1 tsp salt
- 50g (1/4 cup) Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Ground allspice ¼ Nutmeg
- 28g (2 tbsp) Butter, melted
- 1 – 2 Apples peeled, cored and finely chopped/diced
- 1 egg
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Milk
Instructions
- If using a stand mixer add ingredients to your stand mixer bowl. If making by hand, add ingredients to a standard bowl.
- Warm the milk slightly, then pour it into a bowl. Add the instant or active dry yeast. If using active dry yeast you will have to wait 5 - 10 mins or it to bloom. If using instant yeast, not need to wait add the rest of the ingredients. Add the sugar and mix together then add the room temperature unsalted butter and egg and gently whisk
- together. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour and salt.
- Combine the dry ingredients (flour & salt) with the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to mix together until a dough is formed. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. You will need to knead the dough for about 10 -15 mins or the gluten to build up and the dough to become soft and stretchy. Pour some oil into a clean bowl and cover the dough with some of the oil, place the dough in the bowl and cover with cling film or saran wrap. Allow the dough to prove in the bowl for 1 -2 hours, until doubled in size.
- Just before the dough finishes proofing, make the cinnamon sugar - combine brown sugar with the cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Melt the butter and finely chop/dice the apple(s). It is important to chop the apple(s) finely, so you do not have problems with chucks of apple popping out when you shape the dough.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, knock the dough back, to release the air bubbles. Then divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, ready to be rolled out into 10 inch circles. Roll the first circle out on a sheet of greaseproof paper. Rolling it on the greaseproof paper, will make it easier to transfer onto a baking sheet, when it is time to bake it. If you struggle to get the circle shape, use a plate roughly about 10 inches in size and cut round it.
- Use a pastry brush and brush the first circle with the melted butter (you can add as much or as little as you like). Then sprinkle over the cinnamon sugar (again you add as much or as little as you wish). Sprinkle over the apple and push the apple pieces gently into the dough. Repeat this process until you have 2 further filled layers. Do not put anything on the final top layer.
- Place a glass or cookie cutter that has a diameter of about 2.5 inches into the centre. Then use a sharp knife, start by cutting circle into 4 quarters, keep cutting until you have 16 even strips. Make sure you cut through all of the layers or you will find it difficult to shape.
- Take two strips next to each other and twist them twice away from each other, then securing the two ends by pressing them together. The final star design will have 8 points.
- Transfer the star bread onto a baking sheet. Cover with a clean tea towel and let it rest and puff up for about 40 minutes. When it is ready brush with egg wash (make this by combining the egg and milk together). The egg wash will give the star bread a gorgeous golden shiny colour.
- Pre heat the oven towards the end of the final proofing - 180 °C (350 °F)
- Bake in the oven for about 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover with baking foil. The smell while this bread is baking will fill your home with the wonderful aroma of Christmas!
- Remove the star bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a cooling rack for about 10 mins before removing the greaseproof paper. While the bread is still warm, brush with some melted butter and dust with icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar). It is best eaten when still warm.
- Your friends and family will be in awe of your brilliant artist baking skills!
Notes:
MAKING THE DOUGH
The dough needs to be placed in a slightly warm environment for it to rise and double in size, which takes about 1 - 2 hours. If your environment is cooler or cold, I suggest using the oven either:
- Place the dough inside the oven with oven light on.
- OR
- Preheat the oven to 65 °C (150 °F) or a few minutes, turn off the oven after preheating. Place the covered bowl inside the oven then shut the oven door.
Storing Left Over Bread
If you are able to do so, cover and store leftover star bread at room temperature for 1-2 days. It can also be placed in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To revive the bread: Place star bread onto baking tray, brush the top with water or spray some water on top, then reheat in a 180 °C (350°F) oven for about 5 minutes, until it is warmed through. The bread will be soft and taste fresh.
This Dough Can Be Made Ahead Of Time
Prepare dough as per (Step 1 as explained in my blog), after the first proof, knock back the dough to release the air bubbles. Then wrap the dough tightly in cling film (saran wrap). It can be kept like this in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer or up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge. Remove the dough from the fridge and allow to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Knock the dough back again to release any air bubbles. Then continue with Step 3 as explained in my blog.
Make The Star Bread Then freeze It
This bread can be baked and frozen for up to 1 month before serving. Bake, then once it has cooled, wrap it tightly and store in the freezer. To prepare it for serving, thaw it overnight in the fridge, still wrapped up. Then bring to room temperature for 30 minutes.
Do the same steps to revive the bread: Place star bread onto baking tray, brush the top with water or spray some water on top, then reheat in a 180 °C (350°F) oven for about 5 minutes, until it is warmed through.
I do not recommend freezing this bread unbaked. When thawed the cinnamon filling will drain out and leave a sticky pool of liquid around the bread. It is better to bake it completely, then rewarm just before serving.
15 OTHER FILLING VARIATIONS THAT YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE
SWEET SUGGESTIONS:
The important thing to keep in mind: Make sure you do not choose fillings that are to wet, since this may make the dough too soggy and will ooze out everywhere as you twist the dough. Or don’t have pieces that are too chunky, which will make the dough difficult to twist and shape.
1.CINNAMON SUGAR
This is a classic flavour combination, so you can’t go wrong with this.
2. NUTELLA OR ANY OTHER CHOCOLATE SPREAD
This is a chocolate lovers delight. Which also works on puff pastry.
3. LEMON & RASPBERRY - DRIZZLED WITH TANGY LEMON ICING!
The title alone, lets you know how delicious this will be! This flavour combo on my list to try out. If I do a video I will definitely post it!
4. APPLE SAUCE (with or without Cinnamon Sugar)
You could purchase pre-made apple sauce or make apple sauce which is much nicer (I promise I will share and post a recipe for homemade Apple Sauce soon!). It can be spread on its own or paired with cinnamon sugar.
5. ANY TYPE OF NUT BUTTER SPREAD - PEANUT BUTTER, ALMOND BUTTER, CASHEW BUTTER ETC.
Nut butters always pack a punch on flavour, so spread between the layers of this star bread will be sensational!
6. CINNAMON SUGAR + ORANGE ZEST + FRESH OR DRIED CRANBERRIES
This is Autumnal and Christmas on a plate! The aroma would be absolutely delightful!
7. FRUIT JAM
Either homemade or purchased. Spread your favourite fruit jam onto each of the 3 circles. Make sure the jam does not have any thick bits. Chunky bits popping out will cause problems when you are shaping your bread.
8. FRESH FRUIT, DRIED FRUIT OR FROZEN FRUIT
We have done apple in this recipe. Just make sure whatever fruit you choose make sure it will not be be to wet. You could let your imagination run wild and use any type of dried or frozen fruit or fruit combination for this. Even add nuts all mixed with melted butter.
9. GOOD OLD CHOCOLATE
Nutella is great, but if you want a classic chocolate flavour. Add either dark, milk or white chocolate, chocolate chips or grated dark, milk or white chocolate. Super indulgent!
SAVOURY SUGGESTIONS:
If you make a savoury option, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough to 1 tbsp (from 3 tbsp).
10. PIZZA DELIGHT
Tomato paste, sundried tomatoes, pizza seasoning with finely grated cheese, need I say more!
11. GARLIC BUTTER
Chopped garlic and coriander mixed in melted butter, will be divine.
12. HERBED BUTTER
A mix of coriander and mint or go for an Italian herb combination of basil, parsley and rosemary warmed in melted butter and brush onto each of the circles.
13. PESTO
Speaking of Italian herbs, using classic Pesto would be delicious! A step further would be to add some toasted pine nuts and grated parmesan.
14. CHEESE COMBO
A blend of cream cheese or creamy ricotta mixed with caramelised garlic or onions. Super special!
15 BACON, HERBS & CHEESE
This is basically a very posh bacon and cheese sandwich! Cook the bacon, rest on a paper towel. Brush circles with a layer of egg (instead of melted butter), add herbs of your choice i.e. thyme, basil, oregano, then grate with cheese.
Which flavour option will you try?
If you like this Apple Cinnamon Star Bread Recipe then let me know by tagging me on facebook or Instagram. I would love to see your baking creations.
Calories
415.66Fat (grams)
17.58Sat. Fat (grams)
8.57Carbs (grams)
57.34Fiber (grams)
2.99Net carbs
54.35Sugar (grams)
11.05Protein (grams)
7.52Sodium (milligrams)
169.06Cholesterol (grams)
69.55