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!

    • Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread Recipe (12)Amy @ Positively Splendid says

      Thanks so much, Dawn!

  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

Can sour cream be substituted for cream cheese? ›

Sour cream replicates cream cheese's taste but isn't quite as caloric, making it a good choice for a lower-calorie substitute. It gives baked goods a texture that's airy and moist, and even adds an extra bit of creaminess to cheesecake. You can substitute an equal amount of sour cream for cream cheese in recipes.

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.

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.

Can you whip cream cheese? ›

Using your mixer, beat the cream cheese until whipped. At this point, you can gradually add in the milk until you get your desired "whipped" consistency.

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.

Is Laughing Cow just cream cheese? ›

What is the Laughing Cow made of? The Laughing Cow is creamy and delicious because of its secret recipe that includes skimmed milk and a variety of cheeses (Cheddar, Gouda, Edam, Emmental, Comté …) melted and blended in a way similar to a cheese fondue.

What's the difference between cream cheese and Neufchatel? ›

The main difference is that cream cheese can be used as an ingredient for baked goods or as a thickening agent for sauces and soups. It provides a denser texture and sweeter taste. Neufchâtel can be a good option for use as a soft cheese with a richer, tangier flavor, but isn't as well suited for cooked applications.

What does Neufchatel mean? ›

Meaning of Neufchatel in English

a soft cow's milk cheese, originally made in northern France, often in a heart shape: Neufchâtel is a white, creamy, delicate, and often heart-shaped cheese.

Can you eat cream cheese with bread? ›

Avoid them getting soggy while adding serious creaminess and tang by spreading the inside of each slice of bread with cream cheese instead of mayo before adding the rest of your ingredients.

When not to use cream cheese? ›

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.

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.

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.

What can I use instead of cream cheese filling? ›

Ricotta Cheese

You're probably most familiar with it as the creamy filling tucked inside lasagna and manicotti. 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.

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.

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