Homemade Soft Milk Bread

If you’re craving soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread, this Homemade Soft Milk Bread is the perfect recipe for you. With a smooth and tender texture, this bread is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a snack. The milk and butter add a rich flavor, while the yeast ensures a perfect rise and a light, airy crumb. This simple recipe is a great way to enjoy freshly baked bread at home with minimal ingredients and effort. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Rising Time: 2 hours

Baking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients

• 150 ml milk
• 6 g yeast (about 2 tsp)
• 250 g wheat flour (about 2 cups)
• 50 g powdered sugar (about ¼ cup)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 10 g milk powder (about 1 tbsp)
• 15 g butter (about 1 tbsp)
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Directions

Activate the Yeast:

• Pour 150 ml of milk into a large bowl.
• Add 6 g of yeast into the milk and let it activate for 5 minutes. You should see bubbles or froth, indicating that the yeast is working.

Prepare the Dough:

• To the activated yeast mixture, add 250 g of flour, 50 g powdered sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and 10 g of milk powder.
• Mix the ingredients well until they form a dough. Then, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Add 15 g of butter to the dough and continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is soft and smooth.

First Rise:

• Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Dough:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
• Divide the dough into 3 equal parts.
• Shape each part of dough into a loaf or rolls, following the technique shown in the video (you can form simple round or elongated loaves, or use a loaf pan for a more classic shape).
• Let the shaped dough rest for 15 minutes to rise again before baking.

Prepare for Baking:

• Brush the top of each loaf with egg yolk for a golden, glossy finish.
• Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Bake the Bread:

• Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
• Bake the bread for about 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• With butter: Serve a warm slice of bread with butter for a simple yet comforting treat.
• For sandwiches: This bread is perfect for making soft and fluffy sandwiches. Try it with ham, cheese, or your favorite fillings.
• With jam or honey: Spread some homemade jam or honey on a slice of warm bread for a sweet breakfast or snack.
• With soup: Pair this soft bread with your favorite soup or stew for a hearty meal.
• As toast: Toast a slice of this bread with butter and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure the yeast is active before mixing the ingredients. If the milk doesn’t froth after 5 minutes, the yeast might be expired, so replace it with fresh yeast.
• If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.
• Be patient during the rising times; a good rise is essential for light, fluffy bread.
• You can substitute the butter with oil or margarine if you prefer, though butter gives the bread a richer flavor.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the bread is baked through; it should read around 200°F (93°C) when done in the center.

Nutritional Benefits

• Milk: A good source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which supports bone health.
• Yeast: Contains B vitamins and protein that are beneficial for energy production and immune function.
• Butter: Provides healthy fats and vitamin A, though it’s best used in moderation.
• Flour: Whole wheat flour provides more fiber and nutrients than refined flour, helping with digestion and blood sugar regulation.

Dietary Information

• Vegetarian-friendly: This recipe contains no animal-based products except for the egg yolk.
• Can be made dairy-free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a dairy-free milk alternative for a vegan option.
• Not gluten-free: This bread is made with wheat flour, so it’s not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Contains eggs: This recipe includes eggs for structure and richness, but it can be replaced with flax eggs or other egg substitutes for an egg-free version.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 120 mg

Storage

• Room temperature: Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the bread for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
• To reheat: For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: This recipe uses basic ingredients that are easy to find in any kitchen.
• Soft and fluffy texture: The combination of milk, butter, and yeast creates a perfectly light, airy bread.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings (like sesame seeds) or add-ins (like raisins or nuts) to suit your taste.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this bread can be enjoyed with any meal.

Conclusion

This Homemade Soft Milk Bread is a delightful recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. With its light and fluffy texture, subtle sweetness, and golden crust, it’s perfect for every occasion. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, this homemade bread will definitely leave you craving more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of wheat flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used in place of wheat flour if you prefer. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still work well.

2. Can I make this bread without yeast?
No, yeast is essential for this bread to rise. If you want to make a quick bread, you would need a recipe with baking powder or baking soda instead.

3. Can I substitute milk for a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk as a substitute for regular milk in this recipe.

4. How can I make this bread sweeter?
You can add an extra tablespoon of sugar or honey to the dough to make it sweeter, but be careful not to add too much, as it could affect the texture.

5. How do I store leftover bread?
Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to a month.

6. Can I add raisins or other fruits to the dough?
Yes, feel free to add raisins, cranberries, or other dried fruits to the dough for added flavor.

7. Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?
Yes, you can follow the same steps for a bread machine, but check the manufacturer’s instructions for yeast-based bread recipes.

8. How do I know when the bread is done?
Tap the bottom of the bread after baking—if it sounds hollow, it’s done. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 200°F (93°C).

9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure to adjust the baking time as needed and use a larger pan.

10. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If the dough doesn’t rise, it might be because the yeast was expired or the environment was too cold. Try placing the dough in a warmer spot or using fresh yeast.