- 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.
Sourdough Discard Nutella Star Bread
This Sourdough Discard Nutella Star Bread has soft layers of dough filled with sweet Nutella twisted together to create a beautiful star shape. With just one rise and a quick timeline, it’s an easy holiday bake that never fails to impress.
Servings: 10 servings
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
Nutrition
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 194mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 0.002mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg
