Cranberry Orange Star Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious, the Cranberry Orange Star Bread is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with tangy fresh cranberries and bright orange zest, this bread is a delightful symphony of flavors wrapped in a soft, buttery dough that pulls apart like a dream. Whether you want to impress guests or simply enjoy a festive twist to your breakfast or brunch, this beautiful star-shaped bread will become a treasured favorite, offering a perfect balance of sweet-tart jam layers with a golden, glossy finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Though the Cranberry Orange Star Bread might look intricate, its magic lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays its part—fresh cranberries bring vibrant color and tartness, orange zest adds bright citrus notes, and rich butter creates the soft, luscious texture you’ll love.

• Active dry yeast: Activates the dough and gives the bread its perfect rise and airy crumb.
• Whole milk: Warmed milk helps dissolve the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides structure to the bread.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the tart cranberries perfectly.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Large eggs: Provide moisture, richness, and help bind the dough together.
• Orange zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma that brightens every bite.
• Unsalted butter: Cut into tablespoons for easy incorporation, it makes the bread tender and glossy.
• Fresh cranberries: Tart and juicy, they create a flavorful jam filling that’s naturally stunning in color.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed to give the jam that irresistible citrus punch.
• Egg (for wash) and water: Combined to give the bread a beautiful golden finish.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For dusting, bringing a delicate, snowy touch to the finished bread.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Star Bread

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by combining the active dry yeast with warm milk and allow it to bloom for about 10 minutes. This foaming step activates your yeast and ensures your bread will rise beautifully, setting the foundation for that fluffy texture you’re craving.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

While your yeast blooms, whisk together the flour, sugar, and kosher salt. These dry ingredients blend the right amount of sweetness and saltiness, creating a balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Attach your dough hook to the stand mixer and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and bright orange zest to your dry ingredients. Mix on low speed for a few minutes until the dough starts to come together into a messy ball—this rustic look is perfectly normal at this stage.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter Gradually

One tablespoon at a time, add the softened butter to the dough while mixing slowly. This patience-worthy step is key to developing a silky, glossy dough that’s irresistibly soft once baked.

Step 5: Knead Until Glossy and Soft

Keep the mixer running at low for 10 to 15 minutes after all butter is incorporated. You’ll notice the dough become smooth, stretchy, and beautifully shiny—signaling it’s ready for resting.

Step 6: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a bowl lightly sprayed with cooking spray, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This rise develops the bread’s airy, light texture and amplifies flavor.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Once doubled, pop the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle for the next steps and lets the flavors intensify. Bonus: you can keep it chilled up to 2 days if you want to bake later.

Step 8: Make the Cranberry Orange Jam

In a saucepan, bring fresh cranberries, sugar, and freshly squeezed orange juice to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. As the berries burst and soften, puree the mixture until smooth. This homemade jam is the star spread that adds sweet-tart bursts of flavor inside each layer.

Step 9: Roll and Layer the Dough

Divide the chilled dough into four equal parts. Roll each piece into a 12-inch circle and layer them on parchment paper alternated with your tangy cranberry orange jam. These layers promise each bite is bursting with fruity sweetness and rich dough flavor.

Step 10: Shape the Star

Make a circular indentation in the center of your stacked layers using a cookie cutter, then cut 16 equal wedge-shaped sections around it. Pick up two adjacent slices at a time, twist them outwards, and pinch the ends to form star points. This shaping creates that jaw-dropping star look everyone will admire.

Step 11: Second Rise and Preheat Oven

Cover your shaped bread with a towel and let it rise until doubled once more. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This final rest will help the bread reach that perfect fluffy, tender crumb.

Step 12: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the star bread evenly with an egg wash made from egg and water. This brush-up gives it a golden, shiny crust once baked. Pop the bread in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and enticingly fragrant.

Step 13: Cool and Dust

Allow the Cranberry Orange Star Bread to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar. This final snowy touch adds a pretty finish and a hint of sweetness that makes the bread picture-perfect for any occasion.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Star Bread

Garnishes

For a delightful presentation, dusting confectioners’ sugar right before serving adds a festive, snowy look that contrasts beautifully with the glossy orange tones of the bread’s crust. You can also garnish with a few fresh cranberries or extra orange zest for an inviting pop of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

The Cranberry Orange Star Bread pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or soft cream cheese for a creamy counterpoint to its sweet and tangy layers. It’s also a perfect companion to a cup of coffee, tea, or even a chilled glass of sparkling wine for festive gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice this star bread into individual wedge-shaped pull-aparts for easy sharing at brunch or holiday parties. You can serve it on a wooden board decorated with fresh herbs or citrus slices, turning your table into a celebration of colors and flavors that everyone will admire before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container at room temperature. The bread stays fresh for about 2 days, making it a perfect treat to savor the next morning without losing its soft, tender texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep the Cranberry Orange Star Bread longer, freeze the fully cooled bread wrapped well in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your bread warm and fresh, reheat slices wrapped in foil at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or pop individual pieces into the toaster oven. This reheats the bread gently, restoring that soft, buttery texture and bringing the fruity aroma back to life.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well for the jam filling. Just thaw them before cooking to prevent excess moisture from diluting the jam’s consistency.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before assembling?

Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and handle without sticking, and it helps develop the flavor and texture for a tender crumb. Skipping this step might make shaping trickier.

Can I make this bread vegan?

You could experiment with plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes, but the texture and flavor might differ from the original. The eggs and butter contribute a rich softness that’s crucial for this bread’s classic character.

How long will this bread stay fresh once baked?

The bread is best enjoyed within 2 days of baking when stored at room temperature. Beyond that, it may start to dry out unless refrigerated or frozen.

Can I prepare the jam ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cranberry orange jam keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, which makes assembling the bread faster and easier when you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Cranberry Orange Star Bread that turns baking into an unforgettable experience. Its radiant appearance alone will impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you, but it’s the vibrant flavors and tender, buttery crumb that makes this recipe an absolute joy to bake and devour. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten your day with something delicious, give this recipe a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this radiant star on your baking repertoire!

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