Description
Milk Bread Loaf is a soft, tender, and buttery loaf with a delicate crumb and gentle sweetness. Perfect for creating golden, fluffy toast, this bread elevates any breakfast with its light yet filling texture and versatile use, from simple toasts to sandwiches and French toast.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk (warmed to about 100°F / 38°C)
- 3 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 large Egg (beaten)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk to about 100°F (38°C). Stir in the sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, beaten egg, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead by hand for about 10 minutes or 6 minutes with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.
- First Proofing: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Second Proof: Gently punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf by rolling or folding it into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the dough reaches the top of the pan.
- Bake the Loaf: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C). Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use milk and eggs at room temperature for consistent dough texture.
- Knead gently and patiently to maintain softness without overworking the dough.
- Proof the dough fully in a warm, draft-free environment for best rise and flavor.
- Grease the loaf pan well or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing to preserve crumb integrity.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg