Fluffy Milk Bread Loaf

Milk bread is known for its light, fluffy texture, and slightly sweet taste, making it a delightful option for sweet and savory spreads. This type of bread, often referred to as Hokkaido milk bread, uses a special technique to create an ultra-soft loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or toast. The image shows a beautifully risen milk bread in the pan and the golden-brown final result after baking. You can create this irresistible loaf at home with a few simple ingredients and steps.

Recipe for Fluffy Milk Bread:

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups (330g) bread flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yeast:
   • Mix the yeast with warm milk (about 100°F or 37°C). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then add the heavy cream and the frothy yeast mixture.
4. Form the Dough:
   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring with a spoon or dough hook until it forms a sticky dough.
   • Knead the dough either by hand (for 10-15 minutes) or with a mixer (for 5-7 minutes) until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Incorporate Butter:
   • Gradually add in the softened butter while kneading, ensuring it is fully incorporated. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky.
6. First Rise:
   • Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
7. Shape the Dough:
   • Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into three equal parts. Roll each part into a smooth ball.
   • Place the dough balls into a greased loaf pan, side by side.
8. Second Rise:
   • Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until the dough reaches the top of the pan.
9. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
10. Cool:
    • Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy:

This milk bread is perfectly fresh out of the oven, lightly toasted, or paired with your favorite toppings. Its soft, tender crumb makes it a versatile addition to any meal or snack.

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