When you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and utterly delicious treat, this fluffy milk bread is the answer. With just a few simple ingredients – an egg, flour, and milk – you can create a soft, pillowy bread that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a side dish at dinner. The subtle sweetness from the vanilla sugar and the rich, buttery flavor make this bread irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 230 ml lukewarm milk – Milk is the base liquid for this bread, providing richness and moisture.
- 1/2 tbsp sugar – Just a touch of sugar helps to activate the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness.
- 8 g dried yeast – Yeast is what makes this bread rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1 egg – The egg adds structure and richness to the dough, contributing to the soft texture.
- 8 g vanilla sugar – Vanilla sugar infuses the bread with a delicate vanilla flavor that complements the buttery taste.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 360 g flour – Flour forms the structure of the bread, giving it body and shape.
- 31 g butter, softened – Butter adds moisture and a rich, creamy flavor to the bread.
- Icing sugar for dusting – A light dusting of icing sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes the bread look beautiful.
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and dried yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring your bread will rise properly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly and add the vanilla sugar and salt. Pour in the frothy milk mixture and stir to combine. The vanilla sugar gives the bread a delightful aroma and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the butter.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a dough begins to form. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet. If necessary, add a little more flour until the dough reaches the right consistency.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You’ll know the dough is ready when it’s smooth, elastic, and doesn’t stick to your hands. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, giving the bread its structure and chewy texture.
- Add the Butter: Gradually incorporate the softened butter into the dough, kneading it in bit by bit. The butter should be fully absorbed into the dough, making it even more soft and pliable. This step adds a rich, buttery flavor to the bread that’s truly irresistible.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. The yeast will work its magic, making the dough light and airy.
- Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls, depending on your preference.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough in a greased baking pan or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
- Cool and Dust: Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Before serving, dust it lightly with icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Cooking Tips:
- Temperature is Key: Make sure your milk is lukewarm – not too hot, not too cold – to properly activate the yeast. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.
- Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is soft but not melted. This allows it to incorporate smoothly into the dough, creating a rich, even flavor.
- Kneading Technique: Kneading is essential for developing the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its structure. If you’re new to kneading, don’t worry – it’s all about folding the dough over itself and pushing it away from you with the heel of your hand.
Nutritional Benefits:
This milk bread is not only delicious but also has some nutritional benefits:
- Rich in Protein: The egg and milk in this recipe provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Calcium Boost: Thanks to the milk, this bread is a good source of calcium, important for bone health.
- Energy-Packed: The combination of carbohydrates from the flour and fats from the butter makes this bread a great source of energy, perfect for a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and the pure joy it brings when you take that first bite. The bread is incredibly soft and tender, with a slightly sweet, buttery flavor that makes it perfect for any occasion. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own, with a spread of butter, or paired with your favorite jam or honey. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples like flour, milk, and eggs. The process of making this bread is therapeutic, and the result is a beautiful loaf that you’ll be proud to share with family and friends.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products.
- No Added Preservatives: Unlike store-bought bread, this homemade version contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients.
- Adjustable Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar or omit the icing sugar dusting.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe works because it combines the perfect ratio of ingredients to create a dough that rises beautifully and bakes into a soft, airy bread. The combination of milk and butter adds richness, while the egg provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together. The yeast is given the optimal environment to ferment, resulting in a loaf that is light, fluffy, and full of flavor. Additionally, the simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine through, making this bread a timeless classic.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this fluffy milk bread is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Its delicate vanilla flavor, soft texture, and buttery richness make it a versatile bread that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results. So why not give it a try? With just an egg, some flour, and milk, you can create something truly special that your whole family will love