Orange Star Bread

Gathering around the table is (not surprisingly) one of our favorite things to do. And what better way to make it an unforgettable meal than to serve up some homemade goodies? We’re often tasked with bringing something sweet to a party or gathering, giving us plenty of opportunities to whip up something really special. That’s where this orange star bread recipe comes in! You’ve likely already tasted the original version of this pull-apart bread that is made with cinnamon and sugar. We turned this classic recipe on its head and are so pleased with the results. Made with fruity orange extract, it’s the ultimate addition to any dessert or brunch spread!

Dough Options

The choice is yours when it comes to what type of dough to use for your orange bread. We typically use our homemade cinnamon roll dough, which is indicated on the recipe card below. You may 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)

Troubleshooting: Dry Star Bread

There are a few different reasons that you may end up with hard or dry bread. First, be careful not to over-knead the dough. The flour you use could also be the culprit — make sure to use traditional all-purpose for the best results. Finally, don’t over bake your bread! If you leave it in the oven for too long, it will come out hard, dry, and crumbly. 

Topping Options

Now that your star bread is warm and delicious and ready to eat, what are you going to top it with? In this recipe, we use a simple glaze, but here are a few other topping ideas:

• 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.
• Melted Butter: Simply brush 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top of the finished star bread.
• Brown sugar and cinnamon crumble: In a medium bowl, stir together the 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until well combined. Add in 1/4 cup of melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the star bread just before baking.

Freezer Instructions

If you want to make a double batch of orange star bread, you may want to freeze some of it for later use. You can freeze it after baking, or you can freeze the dough:

• Freeze already-baked orange bread: Allow the bread to cool completely before placing it in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in your freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight first. Then, reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes, or until warm.
• Freeze the dough: If you’re making your own dough, follow the dough recipe instructions on the recipe card. After the dough has risen, use your hands to remove any excess air. Place the dough in a freezer-safe bag or container, then wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in your freezer. Allow it to thaw completely in the fridge before following the shaping and baking instructions on the recipe card.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover orange bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap on your countertop or in your pantry. It will keep for about 4 days at room temperature. You can also store it in the fridge to make it last a bit longer — up to one week. If you want to reheat it before eating, you can do so in the microwave at 30-second increments until warmed through.