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This Sourdough Discard Nutella Star Bread has soft layers of dough filled with sweet Nutella twisted together to create a beautiful centerpiece. With just one rise and a quick timeline, it’s an easy holiday bake that never fails to impress.
One of my favorite holiday recipes is my Sourdough Cinnamon Star Bread, but I wanted a version that could fit into even the busiest holiday schedule. With the help of yeast, this sourdough discard star bread is ready in just two hours. It only has one rise, and is super easy to shape and bake!
Why you will love this recipe
- Only one rise – This Sourdough Discard Nutella Star Bread only has one 1-hour rise, so you can have the recipe ready in about 2 hours, just like my Quick Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls recipe.
- Festive Christmas shape – This star bread is a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. More festive-shaped holiday sourdough recipes include Cheesy Sourdough Star Bread, Sourdough Pizza Wreath and Sourdough Gingerbread Scones.
- A sweet treat or special breakfast- This star bread is versatile and can be served as a sweet dessert at a holiday party or as a special Christmas morning breakfast.
Important Ingredients and Substitutions
- Sourdough Discard – Be sure to use room temperature sourdough discard to help speed up the process. If you are looking for a naturally leavened version made with active sourdough starter, see my Sourdough Cinnamon Star Recipe.
- Yeast – I used instant yeast, so I can just add it directly in with the rest of the ingredients. If you use active dry yeast, be sure to read the instructions on how to activate it.
- Flour- I use unbleached all-purpose flour, but bread flour also works for this recipe.
- Milk – Warm the milk for the dough to 115°F to help speed up the process. I like to use whole milk for the fat content. For a dairy free option use full-fat coconut milk.
- Nutella – This sweet hazelnut spread can be found next to the peanut butter in the grocery store or you can make your own.
See all the ingredients and amounts in the recipe card below.
Instructions to make Sourdough Discard Nutella Star Bread
Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the sugar, instant yeast, salt and flour and mix to combine. Add the remaining ingredients, warm milk, melted butter, sourdough discard and the egg. Knead with the dough hook attachment for about 8-10 minutes or until a smooth ball forms. Alternatively, mix the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and then knead by hand.
Step 2: Dump the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide into four equal pieces.
Step 3: Roll out each section in a 10-inch diameter circle. I like to roll it on a round silicone mat.
Place one piece of dough down on the silicone mat or on a piece of parchment paper. Spread 1/3 cup of Nutella on top of the dough.
Step 4: Place a second layer of dough on top. Repeat that 2 more times, ending with dough on top.
Step 5: Place a shot glass or similar sized cup in the center of the dough. Begin by cutting the dough into 4 equal sections, stopping at the cup so the center stays intact. Then cut each section into an additional 4 equal sections. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to easily cut the dough into equal strips. Now you should have 16 cuts around the dough.
Step 6: Take 2 strips of dough and twist them in opposite directions two or three times. Squeeze the ends together. Repeat this 7 more times.
Step 7: Place the star bread on a sheet pan and cover it with foil. Let the dough rise at 85°F for 1 hour or until the star bread is puffy.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Make an egg wash with one egg and a teaspoon of water. Brush it on top of the star with a pastry brush.
Step 9: Bake covered with foil for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until lightly browned and the internal temperature reaches 190ºF. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Switch up the filling: You can easily swap the Nutella for another filling. Just use the same filling quantities from my Cinnamon Star or Cheesy Star recipes.
- Glaze options: Instead of a powdered sugar dusting, feel free to drizzle the star with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a cream cheese glaze for a richer finish.
- Speed up the rise: If your kitchen runs cold, you can increase the yeast to 9 grams (1 Tablespoon) to help the dough rise more quickly.
- Create a warm environment: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot like the oven (turned off) with the light on. During the winter months, a temperature-regulated dough mat (use code country10 for 10% off) or proofing box works especially well for a quick, consistent rise.
- Watch the dough, not the clock: Make sure the dough looks visibly puffy before baking. This ensures a soft, fluffy star bread.
- Use warm ingredients: Warm milk and room-temperature sourdough discard help encourage a faster rise. If your ingredients are cold, expect the rise time to take a bit longer.
Sample baking schedule
This schedule can vary but as a general rule of thumb here is what you can expect if your dough is kept in a warm spot. If the dough is at a cooler temperature or you use cold sourdough discard expect longer rise times.
| Step | Time |
| Mix dough together & shape | 8 am |
| Let dough rise until puffy | 8:30 am – 9:30 am |
| Bake | 9:30 am |
Storage instructions
The star bread can be stored on the counter at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container or in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. You can reheat by adding the star bread back to a warm oven until hot, or you can microwave smaller pieces to warm through. Sprinkle with more powdered sugar.
The star bread freezes well. After baking the bread let it cool completely. Place the dough in a freezer-safe bag or double wrap in aluminum foil. The night before eating it place the star on the counter to thaw. To reheat, place the star on a rimmed baking sheet and tent with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes at 350℉ until warmed through.
Recipe FAQ
Yes! You could use other fillings such as jam, or a cinnamon and sugar mixture like my original Sourdough Cinnamon Star Bread. If you want a savory filling, follow the filling ingredients and measurements for my Cheesy Sourdough Star Bread.
Yes! For a dairy-free option, replace the milk with full-fat coconut milk and the butter with vegan butter.
Yes! If you prefer to make a naturally leavened version with your sourdough starter instead of yeast, just follow the instructions for the Sourdough Cinnamon Star Bread and use Nutella as the filling instead of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Yes after making the star shape cover and place in the fridge overnight. In the morning pull it out of the fridge and place it in a warm spot to rise. Once puffy, bake.
More sourdough holiday recipes
Sourdough Focaccia Recipes
Sourdough Gingerbread Cinnamon Roll Focaccia
Holiday Sourdough Recipes
Sourdough Cinnamon Star Bread
Christmas Sourdough Recipes
Cheesy Sourdough Star Bread
Sourdough Artisan Bread Recipes
Chocolate Sourdough Bread
Tried this Sourdough Discard Nutella Star Bread or another recipe from the site? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments—can’t wait to see what you’re baking!
Sourdough Discard Nutella Star Bread
Ingredients
- 180 grams milk, warmed to 115℉, ¾ cup
- 40 grams butter, melted, 3 Tablespoons
- 150 grams sourdough discard, ⅔ cup
- 1 large egg, 50 grams
- 50 grams sugar, ¼ cup
- 7 grams instant yeast, 2¼ teaspoons
- 5 grams salt, 1 teaspoon
- 400 grams All-purpose flour, scant 3 cups
- 270 grams Nutella, 1 cup
- Dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the sugar, instant yeast, salt and flour and mix to combine. Add the remaining ingredients, warm milk, melted butter, sourdough discard and the egg. Knead with the dough hook attachment for about 8-10 minutes or until a smooth ball forms. Alternatively, mix the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and then knead by hand.180 grams milk, warmed to 115℉, 40 grams butter, melted, 150 grams sourdough discard, 1 large egg, 50 grams sugar, 7 grams instant yeast, 5 grams salt, 400 grams All-purpose flour
- Dump the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide into four equal pieces. If the dough is really sticky sprinkle on a little more flour.
- Roll out one section in roughly 10 inch diameter circles. I like to roll it on a round silicone mat. Set aside and repeat with the remaining 3 sections.
- Place one piece of dough down on the silicone mat or on a piece of parchment paper. Spread ⅓ cup of Nutella evenly over the dough. Place another piece of dough on top and spread another ⅓ cup of Nutella on top. Repeat one more time. 270 grams Nutella
- Place a shot glass or small mason jar ring in the center of the dough. Begin by cutting the dough into 4 equal sections, stopping at the cup so the center stays intact. Then cut each section into an additional 4 equal sections. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to easily cut the dough into equal strips. Now you should have 16 cuts around the dough.
- Take 2 strips of dough and twist them in opposite directions two or three times. Squeeze the ends together. Repeat this 7 more times.
- Place the star bread on a sheet pan and cover it with a lid or foil. Let the dough rise at 85°F for 1 hour or until the star bread has increased in size and is puffy. At cooler temperatures, expect a slightly longer rise time.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Make an egg wash with one egg and a teaspoon of water. Brush it on top of the star with a pastry brush. Bake covered with foil for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until lightly browned and the internal temperature reaches 190ºF. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Switch up the filling: You can easily swap the Nutella for another filling. Just use the same filling quantities from my Cinnamon Star or Cheesy Star recipes.
- Glaze options: Instead of a powdered sugar dusting, feel free to drizzle the star with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a cream cheese glaze for a richer finish.
- Speed up the rise: If your kitchen runs cold, you can increase the yeast to 9 grams (1 Tablespoon) to help the dough rise more quickly.
- Create a warm environment: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot like the oven (turned off) with the light on. During the winter months, a temperature-regulated dough mat (use code country10 for 10% off) or proofing box works especially well for a quick, consistent rise.
- Watch the dough, not the clock: Make sure the dough looks visibly puffy before baking. This ensures a soft, fluffy star bread.
- Use warm ingredients: Warm milk and room-temperature sourdough discard help encourage a faster rise. If your ingredients are cold, expect the rise time to take a bit longer.
- Make-ahead tip: After making the star shape, cover it and place it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, pull it out of the fridge and place it in a warm spot to rise. Once puffy, bake.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made this for a dinner party and it was a hit! Even someone there who claimed they weren’t ever a “dessert person” had 2 servings. I will definitely make it again.
So glad you liked it thanks for sharing!
This quick and easy nutella star is going to be a favorite! It comes together in under 2 hours and tastes delicious.