Easy Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Star Bread: A Festive Holiday Centerpiece
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread, intricately twisted into a beautiful star, and filled with a rich, dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread. This isn’t just a dream; it’s an incredibly achievable reality with our easy vegan chocolate hazelnut star bread recipe! Designed for festive holiday mornings, this plant-based delight is surprisingly simple to prepare, with an overnight rise option that ensures a stress-free start to your celebrations. Get ready to bake a show-stopping breakfast or brunch that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
What is Star Bread? A Holiday Tradition with a Vegan Twist
If you’re new to the world of star bread, prepare to be enchanted! Originating from Sweden, this festive bread is a delightful variation of traditional sweet rolls, often likened to a giant, twisted cinnamon bun. Instead of individual swirls, layers of soft, sweet dough are filled, stacked, and artfully cut and twisted to form a stunning star shape. It’s a true masterpiece that always impresses, especially during the holiday season.
While classic star bread typically features a cinnamon-sugar filling, our rendition elevates the experience with a rich, velvety vegan chocolate hazelnut spread. This transforms a beloved tradition into an inclusive, dairy-free treat, perfect for everyone at your holiday table. We’ve meticulously tested this recipe to ensure it’s not only incredibly simple to follow but also yields consistently incredible results. The combination of warm, vanilla-infused bread with gooey chocolate hazelnut layers and a delicate sprinkle of granular sugar is nothing short of heavenly. Serving it warm, straight from the oven on Christmas morning, truly captures the magic of the season.
Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Star Bread
- Festive & Visually Stunning: Its star shape makes it an instant holiday showstopper.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to enjoy delicious plant-based baking.
- Incredibly Easy: Don’t be intimidated by its intricate appearance; the shaping process is straightforward with our clear guide.
- Overnight Option: Prep the dough the day before and let it rise in the fridge, making Christmas morning baking a breeze.
- Irresistible Flavor: Sweet, soft bread infused with vanilla, generously filled with luscious vegan chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While ideal for holidays, it’s also wonderful for special brunches, gatherings, or a sweet weekend treat.
Crafting Your Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Star Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
For the complete detailed instructions, exact ingredient measurements, and a printable recipe card, please scroll to the bottom of this post. Here, you’ll find a helpful overview of the process, complemented by visuals to guide you through each stage.
If you’ve ever successfully made cinnamon rolls, you’ll find baking this star bread remarkably familiar. The dough preparation is quite similar to our beloved vegan cinnamon roll recipe; the primary difference lies in the enchanting way we shape it. Let’s embark on this delicious journey together!
Step 1: Preparing the Perfect Vegan Star Bread Dough
Our journey begins with crafting a soft, pliable dough, much like you would for classic cinnamon rolls:
- Activate the Yeast: Gently warm your dairy-free milk (coconut milk works wonderfully) to precisely 110°F (43°C). This temperature is crucial: too hot will kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising, while too cool will fail to activate it. Combine the warmed milk with yeast and a touch of sugar in a bowl, then let it rest for 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the yeast is active and thriving when it starts to foam and emit a distinct, pleasant yeasty aroma.
- Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Once your yeast is bubbling, gently whisk in the remaining wet ingredients. Gradually add the flour, mixing thoroughly. You can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or simply a sturdy spoon.
- Knead to Perfection: Knead the dough for about 7-10 minutes. This process develops the gluten, resulting in a smooth, elastic dough that is no longer excessively tacky to the touch. Proper kneading is key for that signature soft, chewy texture.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large glass bowl with a bit of coconut or olive oil. Place your vegan star bread dough into the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and find a warm, draft-free spot for it to rise. If your oven has a “proof” setting, that’s ideal! Otherwise, a warm countertop or a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven will do. Allow the dough to rise for approximately 60 minutes, or until it has visibly doubled in size, as shown in the comparison photos below.
With your dough perfectly risen, you’re now ready to transform it into a stunning vegan star bread!
Step 2: Layering and Filling the Star Bread
This is where the magic truly begins as we prepare the layers for our star:
Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into four equal portions. Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour. For easiest transfer, we recommend rolling on a piece of parchment paper. Roll one piece of dough into a perfect circle, approximately 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. Consistency is key here; aim for all four circles to be roughly the same size.
Repeat this process for the remaining three dough portions, setting each rolled circle aside as you work.
Now, let’s assemble! Place your first rolled dough circle onto a flour-dusted baking sheet (or leave it on the parchment). Lightly brush the surface with melted coconut oil, then generously spread 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen vegan chocolate hazelnut spread across it, leaving a small border around the edge.
Carefully place a second dough circle directly on top of the first, aligning the edges. Repeat the brushing with coconut oil and spreading of chocolate hazelnut goodness. Do the same for the third circle. For the final, fourth layer of dough, place it on top as before, but *do not* add any coconut oil or chocolate hazelnut spread to its surface. This top layer will remain plain to provide a clean finish for your star.
Now, you’re ready for the most exciting part: shaping and cutting your spectacular chocolate star bread!
Step 3: Mastering the Star Shape
Don’t be intimidated by the beautiful twists; shaping the star bread is simpler than it looks!
- Mark the Center: Gently press the rim of a 3-inch (7.5 cm) bowl into the very center of your stacked dough. This creates a light circular indentation, which will serve as your guide for where to stop your cuts.
- Slice into Strips: Using a pizza cutter, slice 16 even strips from the edge of the dough, stopping at the inner circular mark. A helpful tip for even cuts: first, divide the dough into quarters, then each quarter into half (creating eighths), and finally, divide each eighth in half again to get 16 uniform strips.
Now for the truly fun part – twisting the star! Take two adjacent strips of the sliced dough. Twist each strip away from the other *once*. Then, firmly pinch the ends of these two twisted strips together to form a distinct point, creating one of the “rays” of your star. Repeat this process for all remaining pairs of sliced dough, working your way around the circle until your magnificent star bread takes shape.
Once your star is fully formed, brush the entire surface with the remaining melted coconut oil. For a beautiful sparkle and touch of sweetness, sprinkle a little granular sugar evenly over the top. Cover your star bread and let it rest in a warm spot while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). This brief second rise will ensure an even lighter and fluffier texture.
Step 4: Baking Your Golden Star
With your oven preheated and the dough sufficiently rested, it’s time for the final, transformative step:
- The Vegan “Egg Wash”: Before baking, for that irresistible golden-brown crust and gentle shine, brush the top of your star bread with a simple vegan “egg wash.” We recommend a mixture of 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1 tablespoon soy milk (or any other dairy-free milk). This creates a finish remarkably similar to traditional egg washes. After applying the wash, sprinkle on your preferred sugar for extra sparkle.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the uncovered baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the star bread achieves a beautiful, golden-brown hue and is cooked through. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it!
Once baked, allow the star bread to cool slightly. For an extra touch of elegance and sweetness, a dusting of powdered sugar before serving is highly recommended. Each tear-apart piece offers layers of soft, sweet dough and melted chocolate hazelnut bliss. This bread is truly best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven!
Storage and Reheating Tips
While it’s hard to resist finishing this vegan star bread in one sitting, leftovers are also a treat! Store the bread at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, or extend its freshness by refrigerating it for 4 to 6 days in an airtight container.
To best enjoy reheated star bread, warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. The gentle heat will bring back its soft texture and melt the chocolate filling beautifully. For an extra indulgent experience, spread a little more vegan chocolate hazelnut spread on top immediately after warming – because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love extra chocolate?
Creative Star Bread Filling Variations
While the vegan chocolate hazelnut filling is undeniably a star, this versatile bread can be adapted with a myriad of other sweet or savory fillings. Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor your star bread to your personal preferences or the occasion:
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar: For a taste reminiscent of traditional cinnamon rolls, mix ground cinnamon with granulated sugar and a touch of melted vegan butter.
- Fruity Spreads: Cranberry jam or raspberry jam offer a delightful tart sweetness, especially fitting for holiday themes.
- Savory Indulgence: Explore savory options! A vibrant vegan pesto, like the fantastic recipe from our friend Francesca at Plantifully Based, makes for an unexpected and delicious twist.
- Garlic & Herb: Inspired by our cheesy vegan garlic pull-apart bread, a garlic and herb filling (think vegan butter, minced garlic, parsley) can transform this into a savory appetizer.
- Seasonal Butters: Apple butter or pumpkin butter infused with spices are fantastic for autumn and winter.
- Dried Fruit & Nut: A mixture of finely chopped dried fruits (like apricots, cranberries, or figs) combined with date puree creates a naturally sweet and textured filling.
Can You Freeze Star Bread? Absolutely!
Yes, you can easily prepare this star bread in advance and freeze it to enjoy later! Once baked and cooled completely, store the entire star bread or individual slices in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. This is perfect for meal prepping holiday treats or ensuring you always have a delightful breakfast on hand.
When you’re ready to enjoy a piece, simply preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place your desired amount of frozen star bread on it, and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. It will taste almost as fresh as the day it was baked!
We are confident that you and your guests will absolutely adore this amazing vegan chocolate hazelnut star bread. It’s truly a labor of love that pays off with every delectable bite. If you decide to give this recipe a try, please share your experience and any questions you might have in the comments section below!
As always, we cherish seeing your beautiful culinary creations! Be sure to tag us on Instagram and Pinterest so we can admire your star bread masterpieces!
Happy kneading, twisting, and festive baking!
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Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Star Bread
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5 from 2 reviews
- Author: thebananadiaries
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Plant-Based
Description
This incredibly easy vegan chocolate hazelnut star bread is a dairy-free holiday breakfast dream! Layers of soft, vanilla-infused dough are filled with rich vegan chocolate hazelnut spread, twisted into a stunning star, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for Christmas morning or a special brunch, and easily prepped overnight!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 1/4 cups (540 grams) all-purpose flour, plus 1 tbsp for yeast activation and more for dusting
- 1 packet (8 grams) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup (90 grams) granulated sugar or coconut sugar, divided
- 1 1/4 cups (270 grams) unsweetened dairy-free milk, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) salted vegan butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (87 grams) unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Artisana Organics, Regioni di Assagio’s dairy-free nocciolata, or homemade vegan chocolate hazelnut spread)
- For Vegan “Egg Wash”: 1 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tbsp soy milk (or other dairy-free milk)
- Optional: Granular sugar for sprinkling
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting (for serving)
Instructions
- Before you begin: Please read through all instructions carefully. Notes on the overnight option and gluten-free option are provided below in the notes section.
- Prep: Lightly grease a medium-sized bowl with olive oil or coconut oil and set aside. Ensure your vegan butter is melted and cooled to room temperature for the dough.
- Activate the Yeast: In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the dairy-free milk until it reaches precisely 110°F (43°C). Use a food thermometer for accuracy; temperatures too hot or too cool will prevent proper yeast activation. Stir in 1 tbsp of sugar and the extra 1 tbsp of flour. Gently whisk to combine, then sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Mix lightly with a spoon, cover the bowl, and let it sit in a warm area for 10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy, indicating active yeast.
- Make the Dough: Once the yeast is activated, pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough attachment. Add the remaining sugar, applesauce, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until well combined. Gradually add about half of the all-purpose flour, mixing until it just starts to incorporate. Then, add the remaining flour and continue mixing on medium speed until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured clean surface, sprinkling a little extra flour on top if needed, or knead it lightly there.
- First Rise (Proofing): Knead the dough lightly for 2-4 minutes until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball that is no longer sticky. Place the dough into the greased medium bowl, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. If it’s warm outside (at least 80°F/27°C), you can place the bowl outdoors. Alternatively, place it in an oven that is turned off with the oven light on, or near/on top of your oven as it preheats to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the Star Bread:
- Divide the risen dough into 4 equal pieces. Lightly dust a clean work surface and your rolling pin with flour. Roll one piece of dough into a circle approximately 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. Don’t worry if it’s not exact, but ensure all four circles are roughly the same size.
- Repeat the rolling process for the remaining three dough pieces, setting each rolled circle aside.
- Place one rolled dough circle onto a flour-dusted baking sheet (or parchment paper). Lightly brush it with melted coconut oil, then spread 1-2 tbsp of vegan chocolate hazelnut spread evenly over the surface, leaving a small border.
- Carefully place a second dough circle on top and repeat the coconut oil and chocolate hazelnut spread application. Do the same for the third dough circle.
- For the final, fourth dough circle, place it on top of the third layer, but do NOT add coconut oil or chocolate hazelnut spread to its surface.
- To guide your cuts, gently press the rim of a 3-inch (7.5 cm) bowl lightly into the very center of your stacked dough. This creates a subtle circular mark.
- Using a pizza cutter, slice 16 equal strips into the dough, cutting from the outer edge inwards and stopping at the circular mark you made. For evenness, first make cuts to divide the circle into quarters, then eighths, then sixteenths.
- Now, for the twisting: take two adjacent strips of the sliced star bread dough. Twist each strip away from the other *once*. Then, firmly pinch the ends of these two twisted strips together to form a point, creating one ray of your star. Repeat this for all the remaining pairs of sliced dough around the circle.
- Second Rise & Prep for Bake: Once your star is fully formed, brush the entire surface of the star bread with the prepared vegan “egg wash” (1 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tbsp soy milk). If desired, sprinkle some granular sugar on top for sparkle. Cover the star bread and place it in a warm area to rest while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). This allows for a final brief rise.
- Bake: When the oven is fully preheated and the dough has rested, place the baking sheet into the oven (uncovered). Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the star bread is beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy! Allow the star bread to cool slightly. For a final flourish, dust with powdered sugar before serving. This bread is best enjoyed warm. Store leftovers at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for 4-6 days in an airtight container.
Notes
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a high-quality gluten-free vegan cinnamon roll dough. Follow that recipe up until the dough has completed its first rise, then proceed with shaping it into the star bread as described in this recipe.
Overnight Option (Make-Ahead): For a truly stress-free holiday morning, you can prepare the star bread the day before. Once you’ve completed shaping the dough into its star form (after Step 6.13), cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator to rise slowly overnight. In the morning, remove it from the fridge and let it sit on the counter at room temperature while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Then, apply the vegan egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake as directed in Step 15.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1/10th of star bread
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 4.7 g
- Sodium: 68.6 mg
- Fat: 14.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 31.6 g
- Protein: 8.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg