Milk Bread Loaf
This Milk Bread Loaf recipe produces an irresistibly soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet bread with a tender crumb and pillowy texture. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, it transforms simple ingredients into a versatile loaf ideal for toast, sandwiches, snacks, and more.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Activate the Yeast: Begin by warming your milk to about 110°F (43°C), then stir in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it froths up, signaling your yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. To this, add the activated yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead Until Smooth: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky, which helps develop the gluten for structure.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Gently punch down the dough to release air, then shape it into a loaf form. Place it into a greased loaf pan, smooth the surface, and cover again for the second rise.
- Second Rise: Allow the dough to rise for another 45 minutes until it nearly doubles, ensuring a fluffy and airy texture.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. Once cooled, slice and enjoy fresh.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and optimal yeast activity.
- Don’t over-knead; stop when dough is smooth and elastic to maintain a tender crumb.
- Find a warm, draft-free spot for rising to speed up the process.
- Brush the loaf with milk before baking for a soft, lightly browned crust.
- Cool completely before slicing to avoid gummy texture inside.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: milk bread, soft bread, homemade loaf, fluffy bread, pillowy bread, yeast bread, breakfast bread, sandwich bread