INTRODUCTION
Cranberry Star Bread is not just a regular bread; it’s a festive treat that looks amazing on any table. The shape is beautiful, and the combination of sweet dough and tart cranberries is simply delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a family brunch, or just want to impress your friends, this bread will be the star of the show. With its unique design and enjoyable flavors, everyone will want a piece!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe for Cranberry Star Bread is special for many reasons. First, it is visually stunning, making it perfect for celebrations and holiday dinners. The star shape grabs attention and adds a touch of elegance to your table.
Secondly, the taste is delightful. The sweet bread has a rich flavor, and when paired with the tangy cranberry filling, it creates a perfect balance. Each bite offers a mix of sweetness and tartness that is hard to resist.
Lastly, making this recipe is easy! The steps are straightforward, even for novice bakers. You can enjoy the process of mixing, rolling, and shaping the dough. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible.
HOW TO MAKE Cranberry Star Bread
Making Cranberry Star Bread is a fun and rewarding experience. Follow the steps below to create a delicious treat that everyone will love.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make this lovely bread, you will need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with a dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Pot for making cranberry sauce
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife or bench scraper
- Pastry brush
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for dough)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Make the Cranberry Sauce
To begin, start by making the cranberry sauce. In a medium pot, combine the 2 cups of cranberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of water.
Simmer this mixture over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Once it has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Next, let’s make the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Mix these dry ingredients together well.
Now, add in the 2 large eggs, the melted 1/4 cup of butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of sparkling water. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook to mix everything until it is smooth and elastic. If you are mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon and then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes.
Once the dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread
After the dough has risen, punch it down lightly to release any air. Now, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a circle about 10 inches in diameter.
Place the first circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread a layer of cranberry sauce on top, leaving a small border around the edges. Take the second circle and place it on top of the cranberry-covered one, then add another layer of sauce. Repeat this for the third circle. Finally, place the fourth circle on top without sauce.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
Now it’s time to cut and shape the bread. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the stacked circles into 16 equal sections, with the cuts starting from the center and going outward, but not cutting all the way to the edges.
Now, take two pieces next to each other and twist them away from each other to create points of the star. Repeat this method with each adjacent pair of sections until you have twisted all the sections.
Cover the bread with a towel again, and let it rise for another 45 to 60 minutes until it has puffed up.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the bread has risen, gently brush it with an egg wash made from the beaten large egg. This will give the bread a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 35 minutes or until the top is a deep golden brown.
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, dust it lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
HOW TO SERVE Cranberry Star Bread
Cranberry Star Bread is best served warm. You can slice it like a pizza and enjoy it at any time of day. It is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert.
Consider serving it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. You may also want to offer extra cranberry sauce on the side for those who love a bit more tanginess.
Gather friends and family around the table, and let everyone enjoy pulling apart the star points.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Cranberry Star Bread
To keep your Cranberry Star Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the bread.
To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw at room temperature. You can warm it slightly in the oven to restore its delicious, fresh-baked taste.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Here are some great ideas to enjoy your Cranberry Star Bread even more:
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese spread on top of each slice for a creamy touch.
- Serve it with a side of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert treat.
- Pair it with fruit preserves or honey for added sweetness.
- Consider a light drizzling of maple syrup for a warm breakfast feeling.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to change up your Cranberry Star Bread recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Nutty Version: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cranberry filling for extra crunch.
- Spiced Twist: Mix in spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm flavor.
- Cheesy Delight: Add a layer of cream cheese mixed with sugar for a sweeter and richer middle layer.
- Other Fruit: Substitute cranberries with other fruits like blueberries or cherries for a different taste.
FAQs
Question 1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but you will need to add water to rehydrate them before making the sauce.
Question 2: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may differ from traditional bread.
Question 3: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown on the outside. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow when it is fully cooked.
Question 4: What can I do if my dough does not rise?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If your dough does not rise, try placing it in a warm area.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cranberry Star Bread
You can prepare the Cranberry Star Bread ahead of time:
- Prepare the Dough: You can make the dough a day in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator.
- Cranberry Sauce: Make the cranberry sauce and store it in the fridge for a few days before baking.
- Assemble the Bread: You can assemble the bread earlier in the day and let it rise until you’re ready to bake.
With these tips, you can enjoy this delicious treat with ease! Enjoy your baking and the wonderful moments around your table!
Cranberry Star Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium pot, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and water. Simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sparkling water. Mix until smooth and elastic, using a stand mixer or kneading by hand for 5-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch circle.
- Place the first circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread with a layer of cranberry sauce. Repeat with the second and third circles, layering the sauce in between and leaving the fourth circle plain on top.
- Cut the stacked circles into 16 equal sections from the center outward without cutting all the way to the edge.
- Twist adjacent sections away from each other to create points of the star. Cover the bread and let rise for another 45 to 60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the bread with an egg wash and bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.