If there’s one thing guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, it’s freshly baked bread that’s irresistibly soft, sweet, and comforting. This Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe is exactly that—a tender, fluffy loaf with a hint of sweetness from the condensed milk that makes every slice feel like a warm hug. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, this bread is straightforward to make and incredibly satisfying. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find your kitchen filled with a heavenly aroma and your heart entirely won over by the delicious simplicity of homemade bread with a delightful twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe. Together, they create a bread that is soft, sweet, and beautifully golden.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the crumb tender and moist.
- 1/2 cup milk: Gives the dough moisture and aids in activating the yeast.
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast: Essential for making the bread rise, creating that soft, airy texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the dough with a luscious flavor and soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
How to Make Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by combining your all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients together evenly ensures that the yeast is distributed throughout the flour, which helps your bread rise beautifully and develop great texture.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, regular milk, and melted butter until smooth. This combination not only brings sweetness but infuses the dough with rich moisture and flavor, setting the stage for that marvelous soft crumb.
Step 3: Combine and Knead
Gradually add the wet mixture to your dry ingredients while stirring until a dough begins to form. Once the dough comes together, knead it on a clean surface for 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten, which is key for that light, airy texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest and rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This step allows the yeast to work its magic, making your bread fluffy and soft.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
After the dough has puffed up, gently punch it down to release excess air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures your bread will be perfectly airy when baked.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This means your bread is baked all the way through and ready for the best part—the tasting!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow your Sweet Condensed Milk Bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial because it lets the crumb set properly, so each slice is perfectly soft without being gummy.
How to Serve Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While the bread is wonderful on its own, topping it with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey elevates every bite. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on toasted slices for a comforting treat. These simple garnishes enhance its delicate sweetness without overpowering the bread’s natural flavors.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs brilliantly with fresh fruit, creamy spreads like cream cheese or Nutella, or even alongside a hearty bowl of soup. Its subtly sweet taste complements both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile star at any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and using it for French toast, or turn it into a base for gourmet sandwiches with fresh veggies and flavorful proteins. Alternatively, make mini bread puddings by cubing leftover slices and baking them with custard for a rich dessert that no one will suspect came from humble bread slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Sweet Condensed Milk Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days – perfect for breakfast or snacks without any need for reheating.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread later, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before popping into the freezer. This method locks in freshness and sweetness for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked softness, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast them lightly. Reheating releases the sweet aromas and makes each bite tantalizingly tender once again.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast, but you’ll need to proof it first by dissolving it in warm milk with a bit of sugar until it becomes frothy, then proceed with the recipe. Instant yeast skips this step, making the process quicker.
Will this bread be very sweet?
The sweetness from the condensed milk is gentle and balanced, adding just enough to elevate the flavor without making the bread sugary. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their bread without it being overwhelming.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
While whole wheat flour can be used, it will change the texture and density of the bread, making it heavier and less fluffy. A mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour can be a good compromise while still retaining softness.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, allowing the dough to rise twice helps develop the bread’s texture and flavor. The first rise builds volume, and the second rise after shaping ensures a light, tender crumb in your finished loaf.
Can I add flavors like vanilla or citrus zest to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of finely grated citrus zest to the wet ingredients can add a lovely aroma and depth, complementing the sweetness of the condensed milk beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe is truly one of those delightful kitchen treasures that combines simplicity with incredible flavor and texture. It’s easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to share with family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy satisfaction that comes with slicing into a loaf of homemade bread that’s as sweet and soft as a warm embrace. You won’t regret bringing this delicious classic into your baking repertoire!
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Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Condensed Milk Bread recipe yields a soft, slightly sweet loaf perfect for breakfasts and snacks. Made with simple ingredients including sweetened condensed milk for a rich, tender crumb, this bread is easy to prepare with a straightforward rising and baking process, resulting in a golden, delicious homemade loaf.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix them well to ensure even distribution of the yeast and salt throughout the flour.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, regular milk, and melted butter until smooth and combined.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while stirring. Once the mixture begins to form a dough, knead it on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, indicating proper gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, then shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, cover, and let it rise again for 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, confirming it is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the soft, sweet bread.
Notes
- Ensure your milk is at room temperature to help activate the yeast properly.
- For a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter immediately after baking.
- You can store the bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
- If you prefer a slightly tangy flavor, substitute half the milk with buttermilk.
- Kneading time may vary slightly depending on humidity and flour type; dough should be smooth and elastic.
