Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and a soft, fluffy texture, you’ll love this cream cheese bread recipe.
I can’t get enough of its irresistibly creamy filling and the way each bite melts in my mouth. The sweet aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is absolutely heavenly.
Plus, it’s versatile! I enjoy it warm for breakfast or as a delightful dessert with coffee.
Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it alone, this bread never disappoints.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll crave it again and again.
Ingredients of Cream Cheese Bread
When you think of comfort food, cream cheese bread mightn’t be the first thing that comes to mind, but it definitely should be. This recipe calls for some simple ingredients that come together to create a deliciously rich and fluffy bread. The combination of the creamy filling and sweet glaze makes every bite a little piece of heaven.
Plus, it’s a fun project to tackle in the kitchen, and you might just impress your friends and family with your baking skills. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat.
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need for the cream cheese bread:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sugar (for the dough)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for the dough)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast (or 2 teaspoons if you’re feeling rebellious)
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water (105 to 115 degrees)
- 2 eggs, beaten (for the dough)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (because who doesn’t love cream cheese?)
- 3/4 cup sugar (for the filling)
- 1 egg, beaten (for the filling)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (for the filling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for that extra oomph)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- 1/4 cup milk (for the glaze)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for the glaze)
Now, when it comes to ingredients, there are a couple of fun considerations. For instance, if you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to experiment with flavored cream cheese—like strawberry or chive—for a unique twist on the classic.
But I’d advise sticking to the plain cream cheese for your first go, just so you can appreciate the original flavors. Also, remember that the temperature of your water is key when activating the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll end up with a sad little yeast situation, and we don’t want that.
How to Make Cream Cheese Bread
Making cream cheese bread is one of those kitchen adventures that feels like a warm hug. You start by heating 1 cup of sour cream in a saucepan over low heat. It’s important to take it slow here, just like when you’re trying to convince your cat to come inside.
Once it’s warmed up, stir in 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Let this mixture cool down to lukewarm—think cozy bath temperature. While that’s cooling, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast (or 2 teaspoons if you’re feeling cheeky) over 1/2 cup of lukewarm water (between 105 to 115 degrees—this is key, or your yeast might throw a tantrum).
Stir it gently to dissolve, then add the sour cream mixture along with 2 beaten eggs and 4 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix it all together until it’s a cohesive dough, then cover that bowl tightly and let it chill in the fridge overnight. Yup, this bread needs beauty sleep too.
The next day, it’s time to get rollin’. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and roll each one out on a well-floured surface to a massive rectangle of 12 by 28 inches. I know, it sounds like a yoga pose, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Now for the fun part: prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine 2 packages of softened cream cheese (that’s 16 ounces of creamy goodness), 3/4 cup sugar, 1 beaten egg, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Blend it until it’s smoother than a jazz radio host.
Spread a quarter of this filling on each rectangle of dough, and then roll them up like a jelly roll. Make sure to pinch the seams to seal them tight and tuck the ends under—no messy bread here.
Place these beauties seam side down on greased baking sheets and cut slits about two-thirds of the way through the rolls every two inches. Cover them and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place. Wait for about an hour, or until they’ve doubled in size—go ahead, do a little happy dance while you wait.
Preheat your oven to 375°, then bake those rolls for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re golden brown. While they bake, whip up a glaze by mixing 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of milk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla until it’s smooth as silk.
Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drench them in that glorious glaze. And just like that, you’ve created a treat that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart. Enjoy every last bite—because let’s be honest, you totally deserve it.
Cream Cheese Bread Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve whipped up those delightful cream cheese rolls, you might wonder about ways to mix things up. I love experimenting with different flavors!
For a fruity twist, try adding mashed bananas or chopped apples to the cream cheese filling. If you’re in the mood for something nutty, throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
You can even swap out the cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta for a lighter texture. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Don’t forget to explore various toppings like chocolate chips or dried fruit for an extra burst of flavor!
Additional Tips & Notes
To achieve the best results with your cream cheese bread, it’s helpful to keep a few key tips in mind.
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. I recommend chilling the dough overnight; this enhances flavor and makes it easier to handle.
When rolling out the dough, don’t hesitate to use extra flour to prevent sticking. For a richer glaze, try adding a splash of cream instead of milk.
Finally, keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is different, so check for a golden-brown color.
Enjoy every delicious bite of your creation!