Name: Honeycomb Bread with Cream Cheese and Honey Syrup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 cup lukewarm milk; 2 Tablespoons sugar; 1 ¼ oz packet yeast (about 2 teaspoons); ¼ cup butter (melted or oil); 1 egg (separated); 3 cups flour (plus more if needed); ½ teaspoon salt; 8 oz cream cheese (sliced into 32 pieces); Sesame seeds or nigella seeds (for garnish); Egg wash (1 egg yolk + 1 Tablespoon milk); ¾ cup sugar; ½ cup water; 2 Tablespoons honey

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a bread that’s soft, sweet, and totally irresistible, then this Honeycomb Bread with Cream Cheese and Honey Syrup Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. Imagine tender, fluffy dough baked into little pillowy balls, each hiding a creamy center of smooth cream cheese, all soaked in a luscious honey syrup that’s sticky-sweet perfection. This recipe isn’t just a treat; it’s a warm hug on a plate that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try this delightful honeycomb bread, it will quickly become a beloved staple you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There is a round baking pan filled with rows of small, smooth, light beige dough balls arranged neatly in concentric circles. The dough balls are resting on a sheet of parchment paper inside the pan. The pan is set on a white marbled surface next to a white cloth with thin black stripes. The lighting is soft and bright, creating gentle shadows around the dough balls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Honeycomb Bread with Cream Cheese and Honey Syrup Recipe lies in its simple yet wonderfully balanced ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully, to the cream cheese lending a creamy surprise inside, and the honey syrup that adds a golden, sweet finish that you’ll savor with every bite.

1 cup lukewarm milk: The perfect temperature helps activate the yeast gently so your dough rises just right.
2 Tablespoons sugar: Adds sweetness and helps feed the yeast for a bubbly, airy dough texture.
1 ¼ oz packet yeast (about 2 teaspoons): The essential leavening agent for fluffy honeycomb pockets.
¼ cup butter (melted or oil): Brings richness and tenderness to the bread crumb.
1 egg (separated): Egg white works in the dough for structure, while the yolk adds a glossy, golden glaze.
3 cups flour (plus more if needed): The main structure-builder of your bread, start with this and adjust if the dough feels too sticky.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
8 oz cream cheese (sliced into 32 pieces): The creamy, tangy center surprise in every bite.
Sesame seeds or nigella seeds (for garnish): Adds a subtle crunch and beautiful finishing touch.
Egg wash (1 egg yolk + 1 Tablespoon milk): Gives your bread that beautiful golden sheen.
¾ cup sugar: For the honey syrup base that beautifully sweetens the bread.
½ cup water: Combines with sugar to form the syrup’s base.
2 Tablespoons honey: The star ingredient of the honey syrup, adding natural floral sweetness.

How to Make Honeycomb Bread with Cream Cheese and Honey Syrup Recipe

Step 1: Create the Dough

Start by whisking together lukewarm milk, sugar, yeast, melted butter, and the egg white in a large bowl or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. This mixture creates the foundational flavor and structure for your dough. Slowly add the flour and salt, kneading gently until the dough is elastic and soft, just slightly tacky but not sticky. If it clings too much, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Once your dough is smooth and stretchy, cover it and let it rise for 30 minutes until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape the Mini Dough Balls with Cream Cheese

After your dough has risen, divide it into 32 small pieces—the size is key because each dough ball will hug a piece of cream cheese, creating those delightful pockets in the honeycomb bread. Roll each dough piece into a flat circle, place a slice of cream cheese in the center, then carefully seal the edges and shape it into a ball. Arrange these balls snugly into your greased baking pan, cover, and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until puffed and airy.

Step 3: Prepare and Apply the Egg Wash and Seeds

Whisk together the reserved egg yolk with a splash of milk to make the perfect egg wash. This step adds that irresistible golden glow to your bread crust once baked. Brush the tops of each dough ball gently with the wash, then sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds for a delicate crunch and visual appeal. If you prefer not to use egg wash, opting for milk alone is a great alternative.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Buttery

Preheat your oven to 375℉ and bake your honeycomb bread for about 20 minutes. Watch closely as the tops turn beautifully golden and puff up magnificently. That golden crust is a signal that your bread is nearly ready to become a tempting masterpiece.

Step 5: Make and Add the Honey Syrup

While the bread is rising or baking, it’s time to craft the luscious honey syrup that takes this dish to the next level. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan, bringing it to a boil and then simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and whisk in the honey for that deep, natural sweetness. As soon as your bread comes out of the oven, drizzle this syrup generously over the warm honeycomb bread so it soaks in beautiful, sticky goodness.

How to Serve Honeycomb Bread with Cream Cheese and Honey Syrup Recipe

The image shows a round dish filled with small golden brown bread rolls, arranged in a tight circle forming one visible layer. Each roll has a shiny surface topped with sprinkled white and black sesame seeds, giving a slightly textured look. One piece is taken out from the middle, showing soft and fluffy white bread inside. On the right, a close-up shows a silver fork lifting one of the small rolls, revealing the airy, light texture inside. The dish is white and is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While sesame or nigella seeds add a subtle crunch, feel free to get creative with your garnishes. A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or crushed toasted almonds can add an extra nutty flair. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can also add a pretty, sweet touch that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

This honeycomb bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits like berries or sliced mango to brighten your plate. A dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl of vanilla yogurt can provide a creamy contrast. For a savory twist, pair it with a sharp cheese or smoked salmon for a balanced flavor experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your honeycomb bread balls in a beautiful circular pattern on a serving platter for an eye-catching centerpiece. For parties, serve them in mini cupcake liners to keep each portion neat and easy to grab. You can also turn the honeycomb bread into a pull-apart loaf by placing the dough balls close together in a round pan, encouraging that delightful shared experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover honeycomb bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain the soft, fluffy texture while keeping the cream cheese centers creamy. Avoid refrigerating unless necessary, as it can dry the bread out.

Freezing

If you want to save honeycomb bread for later, it freezes beautifully before baking or after baking once cooled. Wrap the dough balls or baked bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating or baking.

Reheating

To bring your honeycomb bread back to life, warm it gently in a 325℉ oven for 5-7 minutes. This melts the cream cheese centers back to their dreamy consistency and revives the flaky crust. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread chewy or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a substitute for cream cheese?

While cream cheese adds a wonderful creamy tang, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind the texture and melting behavior might change slightly.

Is it necessary to use egg wash on the bread?

Egg wash helps give a glossy, golden crust but if you prefer a simpler finish, brushing with milk alone or skipping the wash altogether is perfectly fine—your bread will still taste amazing.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Gluten-free baking can be tricky, but using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for yeast breads could work with some adjustments. Be sure to check for added xanthan gum or other binders to mimic gluten’s elasticity.

How sweet is the honey syrup?

The syrup adds a sweet but not overpowering honey flavor that perfectly complements the subtle sweetness of the bread and cream cheese. You can adjust the sugar or honey amounts for your preferred level of sweetness.

What is the best pan to bake honeycomb bread in?

A 9×13 inch rectangular pan or a 14-16 inch round pan works beautifully, but you can also use two smaller cake pans. The key is to space the dough balls close enough for them to rise into one another, creating that signature honeycomb effect.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Honeycomb Bread with Cream Cheese and Honey Syrup Recipe is like treating yourself to a warm, comforting hug that you can eat right away. Its soft, cheesy center and sweet honey glaze make it a delight for any time of day, and you’ll love how simple ingredients turn into this heavenly treat. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and enjoy every sticky, creamy bite as much as I do.

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