This Soft Layered Bread is a delightful and versatile addition to any meal. With its golden, buttery crust and soft, fluffy layers, it’s perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or even as a snack. The process of layering the dough with butter creates a rich and indulgent texture, while the combination of simple ingredients results in a bread that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. The dough is enriched with milk and egg, which gives the bread a tender crumb and a beautiful color. The added step of refrigerating the layered dough ensures that the layers are distinct and the bread rises beautifully during baking.|

 

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups warm milk (400 ml)
• 1 tablespoon yeast (10 g)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (20 g)
• Half a tea glass of oil (50 ml)
• 1 teaspoon salt (8 g)
• 1 egg white (reserve yolk for brushing)
• 5.5 cups flour (550 g)

For the Layers:

• 50 g butter, softened

For Brushing:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon milk (15 ml)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Mix until the yeast dissolves completely.
   • Add the oil and egg white, and mix well.
   • Gradually add the salt and flour, mixing in a controlled manner until a very soft dough forms that doesn’t stick to your hands.
   • Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic.
   • Cover the dough and leave it to ferment for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Layers:
   • After 1 hour, punch down the dough to release the air and knead it briefly.
   • Divide the dough into 11 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
3. Create the Layers:
   • Roll out the first 5 dough balls to the size of a dessert plate.
   • Grease each of the 5 rolled-out pieces with softened butter and stack them on top of each other, but do not grease the top layer.
   • Cover and refrigerate.
   • Repeat the same process with the next 5 dough balls and refrigerate.
4. Shape the Bread:
   • Take the first stack of layered dough from the fridge and roll it out gently to expand it.
   • Cut the expanded dough into 8 equal triangular pieces.
   • Line a 26 cm baking tray with parchment paper and grease the edges.
   • Arrange the triangular pieces in the tray as shown in the video, and brush them with butter.
   • Repeat with the second stack of dough, cutting it into 9 pieces and arranging them in the tray.
   • Place the final piece of dough in the center of the tray.
5. Final Rise and Baking:
   • Let the assembled dough rest, covered, for another 20 minutes.
   • Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
   • Mix the reserved egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush the top of the dough with this mixture.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
   • Enjoy the bread warm for breakfast or as a delicious side dish.

Tips:

• Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
• Allow enough time for the dough to rise to achieve a light and airy texture.

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour for rising) | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours

Kcal: 200 kcal per serving (approximate) | Servings: Makes about 12 servings

 

Here are some additional tips and information about this recipe:

Tips for Making the Best Soft Layered Bread

1. Proper Yeast Activation: Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast.
2. Resting Time: Allow enough time for the dough to rise to achieve a light and airy texture. Don’t rush the rising process.
3. Even Layers: When rolling out the dough and layering with butter, try to keep the layers even for a consistent texture throughout the bread.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

1. Herbed Butter: Add finely chopped herbs to the butter for an aromatic and flavorful variation.
2. Cheese Layers: Sprinkle grated cheese between the layers for a cheesy twist.
3. Serving Ideas: Serve with homemade jam, butter, or as a side with your favorite soups and salads.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: The baked bread can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a brief look at the nutritional content per serving (approximate values):

• Calories: 200 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Possible Questions About This Recipe

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   • Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Adjust the liquid as needed.
2. What if I don’t have a baking tray?
   • You can use a round or square cake tin instead.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, the dough can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out.
4. How do I know if the dough has risen enough?
   • The dough should double in size and be puffy and airy.
5. What other fillings can I use?
   • You can use sweet fillings like cinnamon sugar or savory options like garlic butter.
6. How do I prevent the bread from sticking?
   • Ensure your baking tray is well-greased or lined with parchment paper.
7. Can I add seeds to the dough?
   • Yes, seeds like sesame or poppy seeds can be added to the dough or sprinkled on top before baking.
8. What’s the best way to reheat the bread?
   • Reheat in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 10 minutes.
9. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   • Substitute the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
10. How do I get a shinier crust?
    • Brushing the dough with egg yolk mixed with milk before baking helps achieve a shiny crust.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. The dough is enriched with milk and egg, which gives the bread a tender crumb and a beautiful color. The added step of refrigerating the layered dough ensures that the layers are distinct and the bread rises beautifully during baking.

Serve this Soft Layered Bread warm, straight from the oven, with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s also perfect for making sandwiches or serving alongside soups and salads. The combination of soft, pillowy bread and the slightly crisp, buttery crust makes it irresistible. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade bread with this easy and delicious recipe.