Walnut Filled Star Bread (Easy & Impressive!)

This Walnut-Filled Star Bread isn't your everyday bread. This is the kind of baking project that makes you feel like a superstar. I know it looks fancy, but trust me, it's so much easier than it looks. If you can roll out dough and use a knife, you can make this gorgeous walnut-filled star bread.

The best part? That amazing smell of sweet walnuts and baking bread will fill your entire house. It's pure magic. Everyone will think you spent all day in the kitchen, but this beautiful star bread is actually simple to make.

🍞 Serves 8 | 🌰 Walnut Filling | ⏱ 2.5 Hours

If you love impressive, homemade baked goods, this Walnut Filled Star Bread is a must-try! It features soft, sweet layers twisted around a cosy, nutty filling-just like something from a European bakery.

If you enjoy pastries with delicious fillings, you have to try my jam and walnut-filled pastries next! They're pillowy, sweet, and filled with a fruity jam and walnut swirl. Or, if you're craving something with warm spices, my cinnamon rolls with Biscoff spread with their gooey caramelised topping are always a favourite.

And if you find yourself with extra walnuts, simply toast them and sprinkle them over your morning oatmeal or yoghurt for a crunchy, healthy boost.

💗 Why This Recipe Works

This bread is the perfect mix of a soft, fluffy dough and a sweet, nutty filling. The step-by-step photos below make the twisting process super simple. Additionally, you can prepare the filling while the dough is rising. It's a fun baking project with a huge reward, much like my easy apple raisin bundt cake!

🥧 Ingredients

*See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

• Use whole milk for the richest, softest dough. I always make sure to use milk that's just lukewarm to the touch-you want it to feel warm but not hot. If it's too hot, you'll kill the yeast and your dough won't rise properly.
• I always proof my yeast first to make sure it's active. Just mix it with warm water and sugar-if it foams within 10 minutes, you're good to go. No foam means it's time for new yeast.
• Grind your walnuts yourself for a fine, fluffy texture; pre-ground can be too oily. Use a grinder for the best results.
• While optional, diced Turkish Delight is a traditional addition that introduces a delightful chewy texture and a burst of rosy, floral hint against the rich walnuts.
• Rum extract can be found in Romanian, Polish or Lithuanian shops, even Turkish.
• Always use freshly grated lemon zest for the brightest flavour

♻️ Simple Swaps

• No Walnuts? Pecans or almonds beautifully. For a different nutty twist, try the pistachio filling from my easy pistachio babka recipe!
• Dairy-Free? Use your favourite plant-based milk and vegan butter.
• No Rum Extract? Just use an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract.

📋 Fun Variations

• Chocolate-Hazelnut Star: Swap the walnut filling for a jar of chocolate-hazelnut spread.
• Cinnamon Sugar Star: Mix ½ cup of soft butter with ¾ cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon instead of the nut filling.
• Fruity Star: Use a thick fruit jam or lekvar (prune butter).

👩‍🍳 How To Make Walnut Filled Star Bread (Easy & Impressive!)

Love the rich, nutty filling and soft, sweet dough? You have to try my classic Romanian Cozonac next. It's a traditional sweet bread that's wonderfully festive and perfect for special occasions. Discover more beloved baked treats in our Romanian Desserts collection.

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine lukewarm milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoon flour. Let sit 10 minutes until foamy. Stir in wet ingredienst and stir until combined.

Step 2: Mix in the flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.

Step 5: Roll one dough piece into a circle. Top with half the filling and toppings. Add second dough circle and repeat. Seal edges with final layer.

Step 6: Cut dough around a center glass into 16 strips. Twist pairs and pinch ends. Rest 30 minutes, brush with egg wash and bake until golden.

*See the recipe card for detailed instructions. 

🎯 Tips for a Perfect Star

• Make sure your filling is completely cool before spreading it.
• Use a pizza cutter to make clean, easy cuts in the dough.
• Don't be afraid to twist the strips tightly! They can handle it.
• Brushing with a little melted butter right after baking makes it extra soft and shiny.

🥗 The Best Ways to Serve It

This walnut-filled star bread is perfect for a weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast like Christmas morning. It's sweet enough on its own but also incredibly warm with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. It's a real centrepiece!

❓Walnut Filled Star Bread FAQs

If You Enjoyed This Recipe, You Will Love These Too 

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📖 Recipe

Walnut Filled Star Bread (Easy & Impressive!)

Claudia Ciorteanu

This stunning Walnut Filled Star Bread is easier than it looks! Soft, sweet layers twisted around a cozy walnut filling. Perfect for a special morning.

5 from 14 votes

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Romanian

Servings 10

Calories 765 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  A stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easy, but your hands work great too!
• ▢
  A rolling pin for shaping the dough.
• ▢
  A 15x13-inch rectangle cake pan or baking sheet. I used the pan that comes with the oven.
• ▢
  Parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• ▢
  Walnut Grinder.

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• ▢ 4 cups all-purpose flour , plus more for dusting
• ▢ 1 cup whole milk , lukewarm
• ▢ 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• ▢ ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
• ▢ 2 large egg yolks
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt

For the Walnut Filling:

• ▢ 4 cups finely ground walnuts
• ▢ ½ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 cup whole milk
• ▢ 2 oz unsalted butter
• ▢ 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Extra

• ▢ ½ cup Turkish Delight diced, optional
• ▢ ½ cup golden raisins drained after being soaked in warm water and 1 teaspoon rum extract for 10 minutes, optional

For the Egg Wash:

• ▢ 1 egg
• ▢ 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

 

• First, let's wake up the yeast. In a large bowl, stir the lukewarm milk and yeast together with 2 tablespoons of flour. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it gets foamy.
  1 cup whole milk, 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• Add the melted butter, egg yolks, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Give it a good stir. Now, mix in the flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
  4 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 large egg yolks, ½ teaspoon salt
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes or use a standmixer, until the dough it's smooth and elastic. Pop it into a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for 60 minutes. It should double in size.
• While that's happening, make the filling. Combine the milk, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, rum extract, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Heat it over medium until it simmers and the butter melts. Stir in the ground walnuts and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it's thick. Spread it on a plate to cool down if you like.
  ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 cup whole milk, 2 oz unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, 4 cups finely ground walnuts
• Now for the fun part! Once the dough has risen, punch it down. Divide it into three equal pieces. Roll the first piece into a 13-inch circle and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread half of the cooled walnut filling over the top with half of the Turkish delight and/or soaked raisins.
  ½ cup Turkish Delight, ½ cup golden raisins
• Roll out the second piece of dough and place it on top. Gently press it down. Spread the rest of the filling on it and the remaining Turkish delight and raisins. Top with the final rolled-out dough circle and press the edges to seal.
• Place a small glass upside-down in the very center of the circle. Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 16 equal strips, using the glass as a guide to stop your cuts.
• Take two strips next to each other and twist them away from each other two full times. Pinch the ends together to make a point. Repeat with all the strips until you have a beautiful star.
• Cover your star with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Whisk the egg and milk for the wash, and brush it gently over the entire star. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until it's a deep golden brown. Let it cool in the pan or transfer on a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before you slice and serve.
  1 egg, 1 tablespoon milk

Video

Notes

Dough and Proofing Tips

• Lukewarm Milk: Ensure the whole milk is truly lukewarm (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it. Test it: it should feel warm to the touch.
• Yeast Check: If the yeast/milk mixture does not become foamy within 10 minutes, the yeast is likely dead and you need to use a fresh packet.
• Kneading: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, whether by hand (5-7 minutes) or with a stand mixer. Proper kneading is key for a soft loaf.

Filling and Assembly Tips

• Cool the Filling: The walnut filling must be completely cool before spreading on the dough. Warm filling will melt the butter in the dough, making it sticky and impossible to shape.
• Sealing Layers: Gently but firmly press the edges of the dough layers together to seal the star bread before twisting. This prevents the filling from leaking out during the final rise and bake.
• Twisting: Don't be gentle when twisting the strips-twist them two full times to create a defined star shape.
• Bake Time: If the top browns too quickly before the center is done, loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 765kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 16gFat: 48gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 23gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 151mgPotassium: 430mgFiber: 5gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 596IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 139mgIron: 4mg

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