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!

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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

What is cream cheese filling made of? ›

Instructions on how to make Cream Cheese Filling for Pastry

Start by whipping the cream cheese and the granulated sugar in a large bowl, with a mixer. Whip for about 2 minutes over medium speed, until creamy. Add the egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix just until combined.

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.

What can I substitute cream cheese with in a recipe? ›

Cream Cheese Substitutes:
  1. Sour Cream. Sour cream replicates cream cheese's taste but isn't quite as caloric, making it a good choice for a lower-calorie substitute. ...
  2. Greek Yogurt. ...
  3. Neufchâtel. ...
  4. Mascarpone. ...
  5. Silken Tofu. ...
  6. Cottage Cheese. ...
  7. Hummus. ...
  8. Quark.
Oct 18, 2023

Does cream cheese taste good on regular bread? ›

Of course, it is good on most other breads, bagels, and such. It's even good on crackers and biscuits (Brit cookies). Add a little jam or marmalade or drizzle honey and that is a delicious breakfast!

How do you make cream cheese filling thicker? ›

Mix 1 tablespoon (25 grams) of cornstarch into the frosting. If it is still too runny, add a little more. Continue to add cornstarch until you are happy with the texture. Avoid adding more than 1/2 cup (62.5 grams) of cornstarch per 8 oz (226 grams) of cream cheese.

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.

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.

Can I eat cream cheese that sat out all night? ›

Cream cheese should not be left out longer than two hours at room temp (or higher than 40 degrees F) because it then becomes a playground for nasty bacteria like salmonella. No one wants a trip to the emergency room over the carrot cake. If it's been out for longer than two hours, toss it—better safe than sorry.

Can cream cheese go bad? ›

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.

Can I use sour cream instead of cream cheese? ›

Substituting Sour Cream For Cream Cheese

Use it in place of cream cheese in savory dips and sauces. For maximum richness, use full-fat sour cream, which has about 2/3 of the saturated fat of cream cheese.

Is Neufchatel the same as cream cheese? ›

Neufchâtel cheese has a slightly lower fat content than cream cheese and a slightly higher moisture content. For use as a spread, this difference will be unnoticeable, and you can make substitutions in a 1:1 ratio. But if you're planning to bake with your Neufchâtel cheese, it could be problematic.

What is better than cream cheese? ›

Greek yogurt is a great alternative to cream cheese. It also gives your favorite dishes a healthy twist because it's rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin B12 ( 3 ). Use an equal amount of Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese to make dips, spreads, frostings, and baked goods.

What pairs with cream cheese? ›

Some popular options for pairing with cream cheese include crackers, bagels, fruit (such as berries or grapes), vegetables (such as cucumbers or bell peppers), smoked salmon, and nuts. Additionally, cream cheese can be used as an ingredient in various recipes, such as dips, spreads, and baked goods.

How do you mimic the taste of cream cheese? ›

To use as a cream cheese substitute in baked goods and dips, blend one cup ricotta with one cup plain yogurt to equal two cups substitute. For frosting and cheesecakes, blend one cup ricotta with one cup heavy cream to equal two cups substitute.

Should cream cheese be sweet? ›

Cream cheese is a soft, neutral-tasting cheese made from cow's milk and cream. Its subtle sweetness, mild tanginess, and silky smooth texture make it extremely versatile: Spread it on a bagel, mix it into cookie dough or cake batter, or use it as a base for your next creamy frosting.

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

When cream cheese is in a tub it is whipped making it lighter, creamier, and airier then the brick style. It should really taste the same, but it might just be lighter in consistency causing the effect of a different taste.

Is cream cheese made from heavy cream? ›

Whole milk thins the heavy cream and makes for a lighter finished product. Most commercial cream cheese is made from a blend of milk and cream, but feel free to play with the ratio to adjust to your personal preference.

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.

What is the liquid in cream cheese? ›

That's why you might see a little whey liquid in the packaging. Whey is simply your quality assurance for a fresh cream cheese made from only natural ingredients and without any stabilizers! You can either mix the whey back into the cream cheese – or strain it and use it in cooking or baking.

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