This homemade milk bread is soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made with simple ingredients, including milk, flour, and yeast, it creates a delightful texture and flavor that everyone will enjoy.
The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. You can easily customize it by adding herbs, seeds, or other flavors to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Milk Bread
Milk bread stands out for its soft, fluffy texture and rich flavor. The addition of milk not only enhances the taste but also contributes to its tender crumb, making it a favorite for sandwiches and toast alike.
To achieve this delightful loaf, a few simple ingredients are essential. All-purpose flour, whole milk, sugar, butter, yeast, and salt come together to create a dough that rises beautifully. The process is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients for Success
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in baking milk bread. The foundation is built on 4 cups of all-purpose flour, which provides structure and texture. Whole milk, warmed to activate the yeast, plays a crucial role in achieving that soft crumb.
Granulated sugar adds a hint of sweetness, while unsalted butter contributes richness. Active dry yeast is necessary for leavening, and a touch of salt balances the flavors. Optional egg wash can give the loaf a beautiful golden finish.
The Baking Process
The journey begins with activating the yeast. Combining warm milk, sugar, and yeast allows the mixture to froth, indicating that the yeast is ready to work its magic.
Next, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, creating a well for the yeast mixture and melted butter. This step is crucial for ensuring that the ingredients blend evenly, forming a smooth dough.
Kneading and Rising
Kneading the dough on a floured surface is where the magic happens. This process develops the gluten, resulting in a smooth and elastic texture. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, ensuring the dough is well-formed.
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, which typically takes about 1-2 hours. This step is vital for creating the airy texture characteristic of milk bread.
Shaping and Second Rise
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it. Punching down the dough releases excess air, and turning it out onto a floured surface allows for easy shaping into a loaf.
Place the shaped loaf into a greased loaf pan and cover it again. The second rise, lasting about 30-45 minutes, allows the dough to expand further, ensuring a light and fluffy final product.
Baking and Enjoying
Before baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If desired, brushing the top with beaten egg creates a beautiful golden crust. Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period helps maintain the bread’s texture. Once cooled, slice into the loaf to reveal its soft, airy interior, perfect for slathering with butter.
Easy Milk Bread Recipe
This milk bread features a rich, tender crumb thanks to the addition of milk, which enhances its flavor and moisture. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it rises above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: If desired, brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g