Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (2024)

By Amy @ Positively Splendid

Few things can rival freshly baked sweet bread, warm from the oven. And when you roll it up with a luscious cream cheese filling and cover it with a warm vanilla glaze, the result it out-of-this-world delicious. This Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread is a tradition each Christmas morning in our family. Why not bake some this Christmas to start a new tradition of your own?

Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread

  • 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream (not reduced fat)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 packages dry yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)
  • 1/2 cup warm water (105-115 degrees)
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • Filling (recipe follows)
  • Glaze (recipe follows)

Combine sour cream, sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan; heat until butter melts. Cool to 105-115 degrees. Dissolve yeast in warm water in the bowl of an electric stand mixer or a large bowl; allow to bloom for 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream mixture and eggs. Using your mixer’s paddle attachment, gradually stir in flour. (The resulting dough will be sticky.) Cover dough tightly, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.

Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Turn each portion onto a heavily floured surface, and knead 4 or 5 times. Roll each portion into a 12- x 8-inch rectangle. Spread one-fourth of the filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch margin around the edges. Fold in each of the short sides, and then carefully roll up dough jellyroll fashion, starting at long side. Pinch the seam and ends to seal. Place loaves, seam side down, on greased baking sheets. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to make 6 equally spaced x-shaped cuts across the top o each loaf.

Cover the loaves and let rise for for 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes. Drizzle loaves with glaze while warm.

Filling

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Stir to combine.

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl; whisk together to combine.

Because this recipe yields four generously sized loaves, you can save two for your family and give two away. These make a gorgeous gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a pretty ribbon!

Looking for even more delicious recipes to add your your repertoire? Check out these other tasty treats from the PS archives!

Pecan Cheescake Squares

Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (5)

Apple-Praline Bread

Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (6)

Apple-Cream Cheese Cake with Praline Frosting

Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (7)

Thanks so much for stopping in!

Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (8)

Amy @ Positively Splendid

Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.

EVEN MORE GREAT IDEAS JUST FOR YOU!

Previous Post: « Chalkboard Christmas Wrapping Paper + Free Printable (Swell Noel #17)

Next Post: Positively Splendid’s Top 12 of 2012 »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (9)Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

    Hi Amy! I found you through Pinterest. I LOVE this bread idea!!! And the filling possibilities – oh my! Thanks for sharing!

    • Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (10)Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      Thanks so much, Anna!

  2. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (11)Dawn says

    I love bread so much I have a Pin board just for it! And with cream cheese and icing? Yes, please! I’ll be trying this one ASAP! Gorgeous pics too!

  3. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (13)Katie {Sweet Rose Studio} says

    Amy–These look absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing an amazing recipe!

  4. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (14)Annie says

    How far ahead have you ever made the dough? I see refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Have you ever let it refrigerate for a whole day?

  5. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (15)Marsha says

    Can this be frozen?

    • Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (16)Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      Marsha, I have frozen these with great success. I always wrap tightly in two layers of foil before freezing. To thaw, place on the counter to defrost at room temp.

  6. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (17)Mary Ann says

    Thank you for this recipe. I thought my bread machine cinnamon rolls were the best, but this recipe may top them. I’m going to try it this week!

  7. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (18)Aimee @ ShugarySweets says

    Pinning this recipe for sure. I LOVE how gorgeous this turned out!!

  8. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (19)Denise says

    Thanks, nice recipe. For one I tried mixing in frozen raspberries in the cream cheese mixture. It was delicious.

  9. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (20)Averie @ Averie Cooks says

    This is gorgeous! Just pinned it! I love making bread and with cream cheese filling, even better!

  10. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (21)Paula says

    I have been making these for Christmas presents for about 20 years now. If I am a little late, I have friends wondering where there Cream Cheese Braid is. I make the dough and leave in refrig overnight. I have to make two batches at a time. My son always wants his two or three to take with him. Love it.

    • Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (22)Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      Paula, my mother has made these as Christmas gifts for many years, too! How neat that we share a tradition!

  11. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (23)Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says

    Love this! And I know this makes 4 and all but I really just want to keep all of them for myself!

  12. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (24)eva says

    this recipe looks amazing, do you think I can freeze the unbaked dough? I always get a little confused when freezing yeast doughs, would I let it rise, work it a little then freeze?
    thanks so much for any help!

  13. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (25)Shannon says

    This looks awesome, I think I’ll be making this for Christmas morning breakfast this year!

  14. Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (26)Danielle says

    If I were to freeze this, would you do it after baked, filled and glazed? If not, at what stage of the process would you freeze?

    • Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (27)Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      I always freeze after the rolls are complete, glaze and all. I wrap in plastic wrap, and then wrap in heavy-duty foil. Before serving, I defrost in the fridge overnight.

Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is cream cheese good on white bread? ›

Yes, very good. Especially if you find a cream cheese brand that you really like. You can try these options on your toast: Cream cheese and fried eye egg on top. Of course, it is good on most other breads, bagels, and such.

How do you make cream cheese filling thicker? ›

There are a few ways you can increase the stability of this frosting or make it a bit thicker. – Add in more icing/powdered sugar (if you don't mind a little extra sweetness). Add in a tablespoon at a time and taste test as you go. – Secondly, you can add in some cornstarch to thicken up the frosting.

Why use cream cheese in baking? ›

Baking with this ingredient is not only easy to do but can add a mouthwatering flavor to your baked goods. While there are some techniques to create a fluffy frosting for a cake and delectable cheesecakes with it, it's a simple ingredient that will make your baked dishes stand out.

Should bread with cream cheese be refrigerated? ›

Bottom Line. While most baked goods can be left out at room temperature, there are some exceptions. Always store cakes with fresh fruit, whipped cream or cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator along with breads featuring meat or hard-boiled eggs.

Does cream cheese bread need to be refrigerated? ›

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that any foods made with cream cheese, including cream cheese frosting, need to be refrigerated within two hours. This includes baked goods made with cream cheese, such as pound cakes and cream cheese cookies.

Can you put cream cheese on regular bread? ›

This is a great spread for bread or crackers. It goes particularly well spread on bread with any pasta meal. Serve with sliced French bread or any other bread you like.

When not to use cream cheese? ›

Cream cheese that has been continuously refrigerated can last for several weeks. “Cream cheese packages that haven't been opened can be used for up to two to three weeks past their best by date,” Edwards says. “Once opened, it's best to use cream cheese within ten days.

What can I do with too much cream cheese? ›

Leftover cream cheese recipes
  1. Omelette. Enrich a thick, grilled frittata with cream cheese. ...
  2. Cakes and bakes. While other dairy products like yogurt or buttermilk can be used within a cake batter, cream cheese is best reserved as a topping. ...
  3. The ultimate sandwich. ...
  4. Fondue. ...
  5. Frosting. ...
  6. Sauces. ...
  7. Cheat's cheesecake. ...
  8. Meatballs.

Can dogs eat cream cheese? ›

Cream cheese is fine to feed to dogs but choose the plain varieties. Any cream cheese with garlic, onion, or chives must be avoided as the allium family of plants is toxic to dogs. Cottage cheese is one of the best options as it has a lower fat content and less salt. Blue cheese must never be fed to dogs.

Is cream cheese and bread healthy? ›

While cream cheese is high in fat and calories, it also contains essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and protein. Consuming cream cheese in moderation can be part of a healthy diet, especially if you choose lower-fat varieties or pair it with nutritious foods like whole-grain bread and fresh vegetables.

How long is cream cheese bread good for? ›

Yes, you can make this cream cheese sweet bread ahead of time. It tastes delicious fresh out of the oven but even better on the next day after it has been warmed slightly. Store it covered at room temperature (or in a cold place if it's a hot day). It will keep fresh for 2-3 days.

What is the best bread and cheese combination? ›

Bread & cheese

For soft rind-washed cheeses, such as Camembert, Brie, or Chaource, a French baguette is the best. It provides a tasty contrast of creamy cheese and crispy baguette. Bleu du Vercors, Fourme d'Ambert, and other blue cheeses go well with rye bread.

Is cream cheese in a tub the same as cream cheese in a block? ›

The answer: It depends on the brand. Some tubbed cream cheeses have very similar ingredients to block cream cheese — the only big difference is in preparation. In order to increase spreadability, tubbed cream cheese gets whipped with lactic acid before packaging.

Is cream cheese made from heavy cream? ›

Ingredients for Homemade Cream Cheese

Dairy – We need heavy cream, whole milk and buttermilk. Rennet – You can use vegetable or animal rennet. Salt – I like to use kosher salt. That's it!

What is the watery substance in cream cheese? ›

Excess Moisture: If the cream cheese was initially too soft or contained excess moisture, it can release water as it sits. Freezing and Thawing: Freezing cream cheese can alter its texture, and when it's thawed, it may become watery due to the separation of liquids from the solids.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Melvina Ondricka

Last Updated:

Views: 5949

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Melvina Ondricka

Birthday: 2000-12-23

Address: Suite 382 139 Shaniqua Locks, Paulaborough, UT 90498

Phone: +636383657021

Job: Dynamic Government Specialist

Hobby: Kite flying, Watching movies, Knitting, Model building, Reading, Wood carving, Paintball

Introduction: My name is Melvina Ondricka, I am a helpful, fancy, friendly, innocent, outstanding, courageous, thoughtful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.