Fluffy and Soft Milk Bread

Making soft and fluffy milk bread has never been easier with this simple recipe. With just 10 grams of milk powder and a few basic ingredients, you can create the perfect loaf with an amazing texture and flavor. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake a loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this milk bread will surely become a new favorite!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 120 ml milk (about 1/2 cup)
  • 6 g yeast (about 2 tsp)
  • 250 g wheat flour (about 2 cups)
  • 50 g powdered sugar (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 10 g milk powder (about 2 tsp)
  • 15 g butter (about 1 tbsp)

Directions:

  • Activate Yeast: Pour 120 ml of milk into a large bowl. Add 6 g of yeast and let it activate for about 5 minutes until bubbly.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: Add 250 g of wheat flour, 50 g of powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 10 g of milk powder to the bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Add Butter and Knead: Add 15 g of melted butter to the mixture and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5–10 minutes.
  • First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • Shape Dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal pieces. Shape them into loaves or rolls as desired.
  • Second Rise: Let the shaped dough rest for 15 minutes to rise slightly.
  • Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Brush the tops of the dough with egg yolk (optional) for a golden finish.
  • Bake: Bake the dough for 18 minutes at lower heat. After that, switch the oven to broil (upper heat) and bake for an additional 7 minutes to get a golden, crispy crust.
  • Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bread cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Serve warm with a spread of butter and honey.
  2. Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a light snack.
  3. Use slices for a sandwich with your favorite fillings.
  4. Enjoy with jam or marmalade for a sweet breakfast.
  5. Serve alongside soups and stews for a comforting meal.

Cooking Tips:

  • Make sure to knead the dough well to develop the gluten, which gives the bread its fluffy texture.
  • If you prefer a crispier crust, you can increase the broil time slightly, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can substitute with regular granulated sugar, but the texture might be slightly different.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Milk provides calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth.
  • Yeast helps with fermentation, creating a light texture and contributing to gut health.
  • Butter adds richness and healthy fats for energy.

Dietary Information:

  • Contains dairy and gluten.
  • Suitable for vegetarians (not for vegans).

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 8 slices):

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 5g

Storage:

  • Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Quick and easy to make, with ingredients you likely already have at home.
  • Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Versatile, perfect for both savory and sweet applications.

Conclusion:
This soft and fluffy milk bread is the perfect addition to any meal or snack. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, you can bake fresh, homemade bread that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or using it for sandwiches, this bread will become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today and experience the deliciousness yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

  1. Can I use regular milk instead of milk powder?
    Yes, you can replace the milk powder with an additional 120 ml of regular milk. Just reduce the amount of dry ingredients to balance the moisture.
  2. What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
    You can substitute regular granulated sugar for powdered sugar, but the texture may slightly differ.
  3. Can I add other flavorings to this bread?
    Yes, you can add vanilla extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon to the dough for a different flavor.
  4. How can I make this recipe vegan?
    To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk instead of regular milk.
  5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the bread will be denser and may require additional kneading.
  6. How can I make the bread more crispy?
    Brush the top of the bread with olive oil or melted butter before baking for a crispier crust.
  7. Can I double this recipe?
    Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan or two separate pans.
  8. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
    The bread is done when the top is golden brown, and you can tap on the bottom of the loaf to hear a hollow sound.
  9. Can I freeze this bread?
    Yes, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
  10. How do I store leftover bread?
    Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it.