Create bakery-style soft milk bread at home using sweetened condensed milk. This easy recipe yields a rich, tender crumb perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack bread.
Author:Cat
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:2 hr 40 min
Yield:1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Category:Baking
Method:Yeast Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup warm milk (about 105-115°F)
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sweetened condensed milk. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This confirms the yeast is active.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and the egg into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook for 6 to 8 minutes on medium-low speed. The dough should pass the windowpane test.
Lightly grease a large bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This first proof develops flavor.
Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a tight log.
Place the dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again in a warm spot for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the dough has crowned about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the final 15 minutes of the second rise.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
Remove the bread from the pan immediately after baking and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to achieve the best tender crumb.
Notes
For extra richness, brush the top of the loaf with a little melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven.
If you want rolls instead of a loaf, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, shape into balls, and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
This bread is excellent toasted for breakfast with jam or honey.