Easy Milk Bread Loaf is a soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread made with milk that gives it a rich and tender crumb. This bread is perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a bit of butter. It’s relatively simple to make, especially if you’ve got some basic baking ingredients on hand, and it fills your kitchen with the most wonderful smell as it bakes!
Here’s a step-by-step recipe for a delicious Easy Milk Bread Loaf:
Easy Milk Bread Loaf
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (60ml) warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 egg (optional, for a slightly richer dough)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (1/4 cup) and the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir to dissolve. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to rise.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix them together to distribute evenly.
- Add the yeast mixture, the remaining warm milk (1 cup), and the softened butter into the flour mixture. If you’re using an egg, add it at this stage as well.
- Mix everything together until the dough begins to come together. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook to knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes.
3. First Rise:
- Once the dough is smooth and elastic, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaf:
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. To do this, flatten the dough into a rectangle, then fold the sides in and roll it up tightly from the shorter edge. Pinch the seams closed and tuck the ends under to form a neat loaf shape.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
5. Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
6. Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- If you want an extra soft crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right after it comes out of the oven.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy the bread fresh, or store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Tips for the Best Milk Bread Loaf:
- Flour Measurement: For the best results, measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Too much flour can result in a dense loaf.
- Kneading: Proper kneading is key to developing the gluten that gives this bread its soft texture. You can test if the dough is ready by performing the “windowpane test”—stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers, and if it forms a thin, translucent membrane without tearing, it’s ready.
- Milk Temperature: Make sure the milk is warm (not too hot) to help activate the yeast. A temperature of around 110°F (43°C) is ideal.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Milk Bread Loaf:
- Soft & Fluffy: This bread has a tender, airy texture thanks to the milk and careful kneading.
- Versatile: It’s perfect for making sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a bit of butter or jam.
- Simple & Quick: While it does require a couple of rises, it’s a fairly straightforward recipe and doesn’t take too long to put together.
This Easy Milk Bread Loaf is a great way to enjoy homemade bread with minimal effort. Its soft, pillowy texture and slight sweetness make it a favorite for all ages. Happy baking!