Imagine a bread so incredibly soft, tender, and subtly sweet that it practically melts in your mouth. This Soft and Fluffy Condensed Milk Bread is exactly that – a dream come true for any bread lover. Made with the magic of sweetened condensed milk, this loaf boasts an irresistible richness and a delicate crumb, making it perfect for breakfast, toast, sandwiches, or simply enjoyed on its own. It’s surprisingly easy to make and the aroma of it baking will fill your home with pure comfort.
Why I Love This Recipe
Baking bread from scratch can feel intimidating, but this Condensed Milk Bread recipe makes it an absolute joy. What I adore most about it is the unrivaled softness and tenderness that the sweetened condensed milk imparts. It’s not overly sweet, but just enough to give it a unique, comforting flavor that’s more nuanced than regular sugar. The dough is a pleasure to work with, and watching it transform from simple ingredients into a beautiful, golden loaf is incredibly rewarding. It’s versatile enough for savory spreads or sweet jams, and honestly, sometimes I just love tearing off a warm piece to enjoy plain. It’s a true winner that always impresses!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this soft and fluffy Condensed Milk Bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
Swaps and Notes
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. For a slightly different texture, you could try using bread flour, which might result in a chewier crumb.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the star ingredient! Do not substitute with evaporated milk or regular milk, as sweetened condensed milk provides both sweetness and a unique texture.
- Warm Milk: The temperature of the milk is crucial for activating the yeast. It should feel warm to the touch, not hot (which could kill the yeast) or cold (which wouldn’t activate it).
- Active Dry Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for a good rise. If unsure, test it first by letting it foam in the warm milk. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be old.
- Melted Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended, allowing you to control the salt content. Make sure it’s melted but not hot.
- Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the flavor of the bread.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Condensed Milk Bread baking!
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, pour the 1 cup warm milk. Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons active dry yeast over the top. Gently stir, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This indicates your yeast is active.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Mix Dough: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk, the ¼ cup melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture.
- Knead Dough: Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or by hand on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, elastic, and less sticky (though it will remain soft).
- First Rise: Lightly grease a clean large bowl. Place the kneaded dough in the greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Loaf: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a neat loaf and transfer it to a greased loaf pan (a 9×5 inch pan is ideal).
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise again for 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up and nearly doubled in size in the pan.
- Preheat Oven & Bake: While the dough is on its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated and the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing warm bread can sometimes make it gummy.
Tips for Success
- Yeast Activation: Ensure your warm milk is at the correct temperature (105-115°F) for yeast activation. Too hot will kill it, too cold won’t activate it.
- Don’t Rush Rising: Allow the dough to rise fully in both stages. This is key for a light, fluffy texture. A warm spot (like a slightly warmed oven turned off, or near a sunny window) helps.
- Kneading is Important: Knead for the full 10 minutes (or until smooth and elastic) to develop the gluten, which creates the bread’s structure.
- Proper Greasing: Grease your bowl and loaf pan well to prevent sticking.
- Cool Completely (or Mostly): While tempting, slicing into piping hot bread can make it dense. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes, or ideally longer, for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Soft and Fluffy Condensed Milk Bread is incredibly versatile and delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:
- Toasted with Butter and Jam: A classic and delightful breakfast or snack.
- French Toast: Its slightly sweet nature makes it perfect for a rich French toast.
- Simple Sandwiches: Excellent for ham and cheese or turkey sandwiches.
- With Coffee or Tea: A perfect accompaniment for your morning beverage.
- For other delightful baked goods, consider our This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas or These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat To Bake On Repeat.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This bread stays soft for days, making it great for meal prep!
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This bread freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat slices in a toaster or oven.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the easy baking and comforting results of this bread, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring joy to your kitchen:
- For another easy and delicious breakfast bake, try our This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip.
- If you’re a fan of unique and trendy breakfast options, our The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake Everyone’s is a must-try.
- And for a classic dessert that feeds a crowd, you can’t go wrong with This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert To Feed A Crowd.
Final Thoughts
This Soft and Fluffy Condensed Milk Bread recipe is a true gem – simple to make, yet yielding a loaf that’s unbelievably tender, sweet, and utterly comforting. It’s perfect for new bakers and seasoned pros alike, promising a delicious addition to your table any day of the week.
Give this recipe a try and fill your home with the glorious aroma of freshly baked bread! What’s your favorite type of homemade bread to bake? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
Leave a Reply