Extra Soft & Fluffy Condensed Milk Bread
Extra Soft & Fluffy Condensed Milk Bread is a delightfully tender and sweet bread that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavor and light texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- Bread Dough
- 3.5 cups of cake flour see notes for all-purpose flour substitution
- 1 tablespoon of instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of whole milk room temperature
- ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 medium egg
- 2 oz of unsalted butter softened, at room temperature, cut into pieces
- Egg Wash
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tablespoon of whole milk
- Condensed Milk Glaze
- 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter softened, at room temperature
Instructions
- Mixing & Kneading by Mixer
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, yeast, and salt. Using a dough hook, add the wet ingredients—milk, condensed milk, and egg—to the dry mixture at slow speed. Mix for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the dough begins to come together and forms a cohesive mass. If any flour sticks to the sides of the bowl, use a rubber spatula to scrape it down.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium and start adding the softened butter, one piece at a time. Allow each piece to fully incorporate before adding the next. Continue mixing until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and completely pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Extra Kneading by Hand
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface (about 1 tablespoon of flour). Begin kneading by hand to form a rough ball. To do this, gently fold the farthest edge of the dough toward the center and press it down with the heel of your hand. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat the folding and pressing motion. Continue this process for about 1 to 2 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and round. If the dough becomes sticky, you can lightly sprinkle more flour as needed.
- First Proofing
- Place the smooth, round dough (seam side down) into a lightly greased large mixing bowl. Cover the bowl tightly and allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, which should take about 1.5 to 2 hours. This first proofing time is typical for most bread or dinner roll recipes.
- Shaping
- Once the dough has proofed, punch it down to deflate it, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Use your hands and a rolling pin to press the dough into a square or rectangle, making sure the length fits the size of your chosen baking pan.
- Next, pick up the edge of the dough closest to you and carefully roll it away from you, forming a cylinder. Tuck the sides in as you go and pinch the seam tightly when you reach the end.
- Using a serrated knife or a sharp knife, slice the cylinder into pieces of even thickness.
- Second Proofing
- Place the dough pieces neatly into a lightly greased baking pan, ensuring the seams are facing down. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise again until it nearly doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush the top of the proofed dough with the egg wash mixture. Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes, turning the pan halfway through the baking time for even cooking.
- Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and brush the top with the condensed milk glaze while it's still warm.
- Allow the bread to cool completely to room temperature before serving.
Notes
Substituting Cake Flour with All-Purpose Flour
If you don't have cake flour on hand, you can easily make a substitute using all-purpose flour and cornstarch. For each cup of cake flour required, measure out 1 cup of all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons, and replace them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift the mixture together to ensure it's well combined and aerated. This blend mimics the lower protein content of cake flour, resulting in a lighter texture suitable for delicate baked goods. Storing Milk Bread at Room Temperature
To keep your milk bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Properly stored, it can remain fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating the bread, as this can accelerate staling and negatively affect its texture. Freezing Milk Bread for Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the bread tightly in two layers of plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to use, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, on a cooling rack, or toast slices directly from the freezer for a quick snack. Repurposing Leftover Milk Bread
Don't let leftover milk bread go to waste. Transform it into a delightful dessert by making bread pudding. For a twist, consider using raisin bread pudding recipes, which add a rich, fruity flavor to the classic dish. This is a great way to enjoy your bread in a new and delicious form.
If you don't have cake flour on hand, you can easily make a substitute using all-purpose flour and cornstarch. For each cup of cake flour required, measure out 1 cup of all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons, and replace them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift the mixture together to ensure it's well combined and aerated. This blend mimics the lower protein content of cake flour, resulting in a lighter texture suitable for delicate baked goods. Storing Milk Bread at Room Temperature
To keep your milk bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Properly stored, it can remain fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating the bread, as this can accelerate staling and negatively affect its texture. Freezing Milk Bread for Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the bread tightly in two layers of plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to use, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, on a cooling rack, or toast slices directly from the freezer for a quick snack. Repurposing Leftover Milk Bread
Don't let leftover milk bread go to waste. Transform it into a delightful dessert by making bread pudding. For a twist, consider using raisin bread pudding recipes, which add a rich, fruity flavor to the classic dish. This is a great way to enjoy your bread in a new and delicious form.