Indulge in the heavenly aroma and soft texture of freshly baked bread with our Easy and Moist Milk Bread recipe. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this delightful bread combines simple ingredients with foolproof techniques to create a loaf that’s tender, moist, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it as toast for breakfast or as the base for your favorite sandwiches, this milk bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Let’s embark on a baking adventure and discover the joy of homemade bread!
Ingredients:
- 450 g all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 225 ml milk
- 25 g sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 50 g butter
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, crumble the fresh yeast and add a pinch of sugar. Pour in a little warm milk (about 50 ml) and stir gently to dissolve the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, along with the remaining milk and beaten eggs.
- Use a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment on a stand mixer to mix the ingredients until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
- Gradually add the softened butter, kneading until it is fully incorporated into the dough and the dough becomes soft and pliable.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
- Place the shaped dough balls in a greased loaf pan, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and slightly risen.
- Bake the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the risen dough with a little milk or beaten egg for a shiny crust, if desired.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. You can test for doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf – it should sound hollow.
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Once baked, 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. Slice and enjoy your freshly baked milk bread with your favorite spreads or toppings.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, you can use whole milk instead of regular milk, or even substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
- Feel free to customize your milk bread by adding ingredients like raisins, nuts, or seeds to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
- To enhance the aroma and flavor of your bread, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to the dough.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- While traditional milk bread is not suitable for keto or low-carb diets due to its high flour and sugar content, you can experiment with alternative flours such as almond flour or coconut flour to create a keto-friendly version. Substitute sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia to reduce the carbohydrate content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast with dry yeast in this recipe. Use 7 grams of active dry yeast or instant yeast, and follow the instructions on the packaging for activating the yeast.
- Can I make this bread without eggs? While eggs contribute to the richness and texture of the bread, you can omit them if necessary. Increase the amount of milk slightly to compensate for the lack of eggs, and adjust the consistency of the dough as needed.
- How should I store leftover milk bread? To keep your milk bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage – simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
In conclusion, our Easy and Moist Milk Bread recipe offers a delightful baking experience that yields soft, tender loaves perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bread without the hassle. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this milk bread recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible flavor and fluffy texture. So why wait? Roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked bread fill your kitchen – it’s time to indulge in the joy of baking!
