Sourdough Chai Spice Star Bread Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you adore that warm, spicy-sweet aroma that fills the kitchen, especially when the holidays roll around. That’s why I’m beyond excited to share this Sourdough Chai Spice Star Bread Recipe with you—it’s one of those fan-freaking-tastic treats that’s both stunning to look at and utterly delicious to eat. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with cozy chai spices, this star-shaped bread is truly a showstopper that’s easier to make than you might think. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sourdough Chai Spice Star Bread Recipe plays a key role in layering flavors and achieving that perfect texture. I always make sure to use fresh spices and full-fat coconut milk to get the richness just right—they really bring out the bread’s character.

• Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle warmth that’s classic in chai blends.
• Ground All-Spice: Brings a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes to deepen the spice profile.
• Black Pepper: A surprising touch that gives the chai a gentle kick.
• Ground Cloves: Intensifies the aromatic warmth without overpowering.
• Ground Star Anise: Provides a distinctive licorice-like flavor typical in chai blends.
• Grated Whole Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg is so much more vibrant—don’t skip this!
• Ground Cardamom: Offers that signature floral and citrusy note.
• Ground Cinnamon: The backbone of the chai spice mix, so make sure it’s good quality.
• Active Sourdough Starter: The magic that gives the bread its tender crumb and complex flavor.
• Full Fat Coconut Milk: Adds moisture and a subtle richness—full fat is the way to go here.
• Raw Honey: Sweetens the dough gently and supports yeast activity.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Keeps the crumb soft without overpowering the spice.
• Vanilla Extract: A little dash to round out the flavors beautifully.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of our dough, providing structure.
• Whole Cane Sugar or Coconut Palm Sugar: For the filling, giving that rich, caramelized sweetness.
• Chai Spice Blend: Your homemade mix (from above!) makes this filling unforgettable.
• Melted Vegan Butter: Keeps the layers tender and adds buttery richness.
• Confectioner’s Sugar: Optional for a pretty finishing dusting.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Sourdough Chai Spice Star Bread Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—baking should be fun and flexible!

• Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of ground cardamom or increase cinnamon if I’m craving an extra warm flavor.
• Sweetener swap: Coconut sugar works beautifully, but maple syrup is also a lovely alternative if you prefer a different natural sweetener.
• Dairy variation: If you’re not on a vegan path, using regular butter instead of vegan butter adds a different richness that some family members prefer.
• Gluten-free option: I haven’t tried this bread gluten-free yet, but swapping flour for a gluten-free blend designed for yeast breads could work—just be prepared for a slightly different texture.

How to Make Sourdough Chai Spice Star Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough

Start by combining all your dough ingredients in your mixer bowl—flour, sourdough starter, coconut milk, raw honey, olive oil, vanilla, salt, and 2 tablespoons of your chai spice mix. I usually stir everything with a big spoon or my hands to get it roughly combined. Then, switch to your dough hook and knead on low speed for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll want to see the dough become soft, smooth, and pulling away from the bowl into a nice ball. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much or the dough will get tough. No stand mixer? No worries! Knead by hand on a floured surface for 10 minutes—just get ready for a good arm workout.

Step 2: Bulk Ferment the Dough

Once kneaded, place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size and feels soft and pillowy. This usually takes 8-10 hours at room temperature, but if your kitchen is cool, it might take a bit longer. I love doing this overnight so the bread is ready to shape and bake first thing in the morning—it builds flavor beautifully this way.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Shape Your Star

While the dough is fermenting, mix together your sugar and the remainder of your chai spice blend in a small bowl. Have your melted vegan butter ready in another bowl with a pastry brush close by. When the dough’s ready, transfer it to an oiled surface and divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a round about a quarter-inch thick. Layer them one on top of the other on a parchment-lined sheet pan, brushing melted butter between each and sprinkling the spiced sugar evenly over the top three layers. It’s like layering cinnamon rolls, but with an exciting twist.

Next, use a small glass flipped upside down in the center of the top dough round as a guide. Cut from the edge of the glass all the way out to the edges of the dough in 16 equal slices—start with quarters, then eighths, then sixteenths. Press the glass down firmly to create an indentation, then remove it.

Now comes the fun part: take two adjacent dough strips and twist them away from each other, making sure they stay paired as mirrored twists. Each pair creates a point of your star. Repeat this all around until you have an eight-pointed star shape. Pinch the ends of each twist together to seal them.

Step 4: Proof and Bake Your Star Bread

Brush the entire top with more melted vegan butter, then cover the dough loosely with a clean tea towel. Let it proof in a warm spot for about an hour until it puffs up nicely. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the bread at that temperature for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the bread is a rich golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. That hollow sound is my favorite sign of perfectly baked bread!

Once baked, transfer to a wire rack to cool. Before serving, give the top one last brush with melted butter and a light dusting of confectioner’s sugar for a beautiful glossy finish. Enjoy warm or at room temperature—you’ll find it just as delicious either way.

How to Serve Sourdough Chai Spice Star Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this bread with just a dusting of confectioner’s sugar—it looks like a fresh layer of snow and adds a touch of sweetness. Sometimes, I brush on a bit more melted vegan butter for a shiny glaze that makes it even more inviting. Fresh mint or edible flowers are cute additions if you’re serving it for a brunch or special event.

Side Dishes

This chai spice star bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee. I also like serving it alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt dip to balance the sweetness. It’s wonderful with vegan cream cheese or a smear of nut butter if you want a little protein on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I’ve arranged this star bread as the centerpiece on a wooden board surrounded by little bowls of flavored butters and honey. Cutting it into individual star points makes for a perfect grab-and-go treat at parties. Kids love pulling apart each twist like a fun communal bread. It’s always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover star bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature—it stays soft for up to 3 days that way. If your kitchen is warm or humid, I’d pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh a little longer, though it might lose some softness.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option! I slice the star bread into individual pieces first, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to a month. This way, you can thaw just what you need without sacrificing freshness.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes—this refreshes the bread’s fluffy texture and revives the warm spice aroma. You can also microwave briefly for convenience, but I prefer the oven for the crisp edges and fuller flavor revival.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sourdough Chai Spice Star Bread Recipe has quickly become one of my most treasured baking projects—it’s warm, indulgent without being overly sweet, and so much fun to share with friends and family. There’s something truly magical about pulling those twisted star points apart fresh from the oven, with the smell of chai spices filling the air. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and see just how spectacular homemade bread can be with a little sourdough love and a fragrant spice blend. Happy baking, friend!

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