How To Make Date Caramel Star Bread

The dough, a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, rises to create a pillowy foundation for the star-shaped masterpiece. The star's magic lies in its layers, each one cradling a generous spread of date caramel made from plump medjoul dates, honey, and a touch of butter. This exquisite filling, with a hint of cinnamon, transforms the bread into a decadent treat.

A festive delight that combines the warmth of a classic bread with the luscious sweetness of dates - the Date Caramel Star Bread.

Ingredients you will need:

Date Caramel

• medjoul dates

• honey

• butter

• cinnamon

• Boiling water to soak dates

Bread dough

• lukewarm water

• instant yeast

• honey

• milk

• flour

• salt

Activating the Yeast:

In a bowl, combine lukewarm water, honey, and instant yeast. Allow the yeast to activate for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Making the Dough:

To the yeast mixture, add milk, all-purpose flour, and salt. Incorporate softened butter into the mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes soft. If kneading by hand, work for 10-15 minutes. If using a stand mixer, a shorter time will be sufficient. Place the dough in a bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1.5 to 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Preparing the Date Caramel:

While the dough is rising, remove the pits from the medjool dates and soak them in boiling water for 30 minutes.

In a food processor, combine the soaked dates, honey, butter, and a bit of the water used for soaking the dates. Blend until you get a smooth date caramel consistency , if needed you can add a few teaspoons of more water. Add cinnamon and refrigerate the mixture until the dough is ready.

Assembling the Star Bread:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal parts.

Roll each part into a circle and place parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. On a lined baking tray, place one circle of dough.

Spread a generous layer of date caramel over the dough. Add the second circle of dough on top, ensuring proper alignment. Repeat the process, layering the dough circles with date caramel.

Creating the Star Shape:

Using a biscuit cutter or small bowl, mark a circle in the centre of the layered dough. Make 16 cuts, dividing the circle evenly. I prefer starting with 4 even cuts, then dividing each section in half, and then half again.

Twist two pieces away from each other and pinch the ends together. Repeat this process for all pairs to create 8 points.

Baking and Finishing:

Whisk an egg and brush the top of the assembled star bread with the egg wash for a golden finish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bread is golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust the star bread with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice into the beautiful layers, serve, and enjoy the deliciousness of your Date Caramel Star Bread. Consider adding additional festive touches, such as a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

This delightful treat is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually impressive addition to any holiday spread. Share it with friends and family, and savour the joy that comes with creating and enjoying homemade delights during the festive season. Happy baking!

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Hi!! My name is Maleeha ,  your passionate host and fellow food enthusiast, and I'm thrilled to take you on a delectable journey through the world of baking, cooking, and dessert-making.