Strawberry cream cheese star bread is a delicious and creative twist on the traditional star bread recipe. It combines the flavors of sweet strawberries and tangy cream cheese to create a unique and delicious bread that is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack. The dough is shaped into the signature star shape, and it is filled with a mixture of cream cheese and strawberry jam before being baked.

Star bread — also known as snowflake bread — looks fairly elaborate and potentially even difficult to put together, but it is so easy to make! Add it to the menu for a yummy addition to a brunch, or as a sweet dessert after a savory meal. No matter where and when you decide to serve yours, it’s always a fan favorite!

Dough Options

There are many different directions you can take the dough for this star bread recipe. We almost always use our homemade cinnamon roll dough, but you can also use:

  • Store-bought dough (you’ll need about 2 pounds)
  • Crescent sheets (2 to 4 packages)
  • Puff pastry dough (2 pounds)
  • Pie crust circle dough (4 crust rounds)

Other Topping Ideas

This recipe uses a simple cream cheese glaze to drizzle over the top which pairs well with the cream cheese and strawberry jam filling, but you could also experiment with other topping options including:

  • Powdered sugar: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the star bread for a sweet and elegant touch.
  • Honey: Drizzle honey over the star bread for a sweet and sticky finish.
  • Simple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of water or milk and 1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract. Add more water or milk as needed to create a thin consistency that can easily be drizzled over the dough.

Freezer Instructions

One way to make this snowflake bread recipe ahead of time is to prep and then freeze it. You can either freeze the dough before baking or freeze it after you’ve baked it:

  • To freeze the dough: Follow the dough recipe instructions on the recipe card below. “Punch” the dough down after it’s risen to remove any excess air. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months! When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw in the fridge overnight, then follow the shaping and baking instructions as indicated.
  • To freeze already-baked star bread: Allow the bread to cool completely, then place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Other Flavor Options

Storage and Reheating Instructions

You can store any leftover star bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to get a bit more longevity out of it, you can also store it in the fridge where it will keep for one week. If you want to reheat it, you can do so in the microwave at 30-second increments until warmed through.