Introduction: Indulge in the heavenly softness and delightful taste of homemade milk bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. Milk bread is renowned for its light, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a spongy and irresistible loaf of milk bread that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup milk, lukewarm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the lukewarm milk, melted unsalted butter, and room temperature eggs.
- Using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, mix the ingredients together until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky or a little more milk if it’s too dry.
2. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat it with oil.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Shaping the Bread:
- Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air bubbles.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions, depending on the size of loaf you desire.
- Shape each portion of dough into a smooth ball and place them in a greased loaf pan, leaving a little space between each ball of dough.
- Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for a second time for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Baking the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is undergoing its second rise.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, gently brush the top with some milk for a golden crust (optional).
- Bake the milk bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Enjoying the Milk Bread:
- Once the milk bread has cooled to room temperature, slice it and serve it as desired.
- Enjoy the soft, fluffy texture and delicate sweetness of homemade milk bread as toast, sandwiches, or simply as a delightful snack on its own.
- Store any leftover milk bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Conclusion: With its soft, fluffy texture and delicate sweetness, homemade milk bread is a true delight for the senses. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to create a spongy and irresistible loaf of milk bread right in your own kitchen. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted to perfection, this milk bread is sure to become a family favorite for breakfast, lunch, or any time of the day. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the joy of baking your own delicious milk bread at home.
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