Are you craving a deliciously sweet and soft bread that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This condensed milk bread recipe is a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack. It's a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can yield incredibly satisfying results, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends. This recipe is one of the best recipes for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious, healthy meal.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (around 105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 ½ - 5 cups (560-630g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Made Easy
Getting Started:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
Combining Ingredients:
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Whisk in the egg, melted butter, and salt until well combined. This is where the magic begins – bringing together the base flavors of our delicious bread.
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Gradually add the condensed milk, stirring until it's fully incorporated into the wet ingredients. The sweetness of the condensed milk will add a wonderful touch to the final product.
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Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Don't be tempted to add all the flour at once; you want to achieve the right consistency.
Kneading and Rising:
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you're new to kneading, don't worry! It gets easier with practice. A stand mixer with a dough hook can also be used for this step.
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Baking:
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Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
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Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled in size.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations for Delicious Results
- For a richer flavor: Use whole milk instead of regular milk.
- Add some flair: Incorporate chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts into the dough for extra deliciousness.
- Experiment with spices: A dash of cinnamon or cardamom can add a wonderful warmth to the bread.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use vegan butter.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate)
This will vary depending on the size of your loaf and the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate would be:
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Fat: Around 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-35g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
This nutritional information is an approximation and should not be considered a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
Enjoy your homemade condensed milk bread! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!