Fluffy Milk Bread Loaf is a soft, slightly sweet bread with a tender crumb, often made with ingredients like milk, butter, and sometimes a bit of sugar. It has a delicate texture that’s perfect for toasting or simply enjoying with a spread of butter or jam. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp instant yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 tbsp honey or condensed milk (optional, for added sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast:
• In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the Dough:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg (if using). Mix until the dough starts to come together.
• Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes on a floured surface, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour, but don’t overdo it.
3. First Rise:
• Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Loaf:
• Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it with your hands.
• Roll each flattened piece into a tight log, and then place the three logs side by side in a greased loaf pan.
5. Second Rise:
• Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30–45 minutes, or until it rises above the edge of the pan.
6. Bake:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Cool:
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
• For extra softness, you can use milk powder or add a bit of cream to the dough.
• The bread can be brushed with butter right after baking for a glossy finish.
Enjoy your soft, fluffy milk bread loaf with a cup of tea or as part of any meal!