Print

Almond Star Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

Almond Star Bread is a beautifully crafted, layered star-shaped bread filled with a rich almond paste. Soft, buttery dough circles are stacked and filled with a sweet almond filling, then intricately twisted into a stunning star pattern. Perfect for special occasions or festive breakfasts, this bread combines the comforting flavors of almonds and vanilla with a tender, golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread

  • 1/4 cup warm water (110–115 F)
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110–115 F)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 and 1/4 cups to 3 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Almond Filling

  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • 1/2 cup icing sugar
  • 2 tbsp softened butter
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1 large egg white, beaten

For Finishing

  • Melted butter, for brushing on the baked bread
  • Sugar, for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110-115°F) and let it stand for about 5 minutes, or until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, softened butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture to this bowl and stir together.
  3. Add Flour and Form Dough: Stir in 3 cups of the all-purpose flour with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated. Gradually add more flour as needed until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl and gathers in the center, forming a soft dough.
  4. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare Almond Filling: While the dough rises, combine ground almonds, icing sugar, and softened butter in a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until combined. Add almond extract and beaten egg white, and mix until smooth. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
  7. Divide Dough and Roll Circles: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll one portion into an 11-inch circle. Place it on a 14-inch parchment-lined pizza pan.
  8. Layer and Fill: Spread one-third of the almond filling evenly over the first circle, leaving a 1-inch border around edges. Repeat with the second and third dough portions, each topped with almond filling. Finish with the last dough circle on top without filling. Even the edges lightly with the rolling pin.
  9. Cut and Twist: Place a 2 and 1/2 inch cutter at the center of the stacked circles without pressing down. Cut 16 equal strips from the cutter to the edge of the bread. Remove the cutter. Grasp two adjacent strips, twist them twice away from each other, and pinch the ends together to form the star points.
  10. Second Rise: Loosely cover the shaped star bread with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for about 30 minutes until puffy.
  11. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 18-22 minutes, or until the surface turns lightly golden.
  12. Finish: Remove the bread from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with sugar if desired for extra sweetness and a sparkly finish.

Notes

  • Preparation time does not include rising times.
  • Dough recipe adapted from Taste of Home.
  • The almond filling can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Use a sharp cutter and a gentle hand when twisting the dough strips to maintain the star shape.

Keywords: Almond star bread, almond filling bread, star-shaped bread, festive bread, layered bread recipe

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/almond-star-bread-recipe/