There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, and with our Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread, that delightful experience is within effortless reach. This recipe delivers a loaf that's incredibly soft, wonderfully fluffy, and boasts a subtle, sweet richness that will have everyone asking for more. It's truly the ultimate comfort bread!
Sweetened condensed milk is the secret ingredient here, infusing the dough with an unparalleled moisture and tenderness. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into the world of yeast breads, you'll find this recipe straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Get ready to bake a loaf that feels like a warm hug and tastes like pure bliss!
Why This Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Will Become Your Go-To Loaf
This isn't just another bread recipe; it's an experience in simple baking joy. Here's what makes it so special:
- Effortlessly Delicious: Designed for ease, this recipe uses readily available ingredients and clear steps, making homemade bread baking accessible to everyone.
- Unbelievably Soft & Fluffy: The condensed milk creates a superior texture that is both tender and light, almost melting in your mouth.
- Subtly Sweet Perfection: It has just the right amount of sweetness to be a treat on its own, but also versatile enough to pair with savory spreads.
- Invites Coziness: The smell of this bread baking is a guaranteed way to make your kitchen feel like the warmest, most welcoming place on earth.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Its comforting flavor profile appeals to all ages, making it perfect for family meals, potlucks, or a thoughtful gift.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Loaf
Gather these simple ingredients, and let the baking magic begin!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pro Tip for Yeast: Always ensure your active dry yeast is fresh for the best rise! If you're unsure, you can proof it by mixing it with a small amount of warm water and a pinch of sugar. It should become foamy within 5-10 minutes. For more detailed tips on yeast, check out this excellent guide on yeast activation from King Arthur Baking.
Baking Your Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create a beautiful, golden-brown loaf:
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You'll see a foamy layer on top, confirming your yeast is active.
- Step 2: In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted unsalted butter, large egg, and optional vanilla extract until everything is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Step 3: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir well to fully integrate all components.
- Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula until a shaggy, cohesive dough starts to form.
- Step 5: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 5-7 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 4-5 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
- Step 6: Lightly grease a large clean bowl with oil. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for approximately 1 hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size.
- Step 7: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the trapped air. Turn the dough onto your floured work surface and carefully shape it into a neat loaf.
- Step 8: Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan. Transfer the shaped dough into the prepared pan. Cover again and allow it to rise for a second time, for 30-40 minutes, or until it has risen nicely above the rim of the pan.
- Step 9: While your dough is on its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 10: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when gently tapped on the bottom.
- Step 11: Remove the baked bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This cooling process helps achieve the perfect texture.
Tips for the Perfect Loaf and Delicious Variations
Want to elevate your sweet condensed milk bread even further? Here are some ideas:
- Golden Top: For an extra shiny, golden crust, brush the top of the loaf with a little milk or an egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water) before baking.
- Glaze It: A simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar whisked with a little milk or lemon juice) drizzled over the cooled bread adds extra sweetness and flair.
- Spice It Up: A teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg can be added with the dry ingredients for a spiced version.
- Sweet Swirl: After the first rise, roll the dough into a rectangle, spread a thin layer of butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, roll it up, and place it in the loaf pan for a sweet swirl.
Serving Suggestions for Your Heavenly Bread
This versatile bread is delicious in so many ways:
- Enjoy slices plain with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Toast it and spread with butter, jam, or your favorite nut butter.
- Use it as the base for an extraordinary French toast breakfast.
- It’s also wonderful alongside a hearty, comforting meal like our Creamy Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Meal.
More Recipes to Enjoy
If you love the warm, comforting flavors of homemade baked goods, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful recipes. For another easy and satisfying dish, check out our Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups: Easy & Irresistible for a savory treat.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread is more than just making food; it’s about creating warmth, comfort, and delicious memories. The process is simple, the aroma is intoxicating, and the result is a loaf that is so incredibly soft and sweet, it truly stands out. We hope this recipe brings a smile to your face and becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!
FAQs
What makes condensed milk bread so soft and unique?
Sweetened condensed milk is the star ingredient, providing not only a rich, delicate sweetness but also a high fat content that contributes to an exceptionally tender, moist, and cloud-like texture in the bread.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?
While a stand mixer can make the kneading process easier and quicker, it's absolutely possible to make this sweet condensed milk bread by hand. Expect to knead for about 7-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
How should I store leftover condensed milk bread?
Once completely cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped loaf for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before serving.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment. You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract (as suggested), cinnamon, cardamom, or even lemon zest to the dough. Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts can also be folded in during the last minute of kneading for added texture and flavor.
Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12-16 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An incredibly soft, fluffy, and subtly sweet bread loaf made effortlessly with sweetened condensed milk, perfect for any baker.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You'll see a foamy layer on top, confirming your yeast is active.
Step 2: In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted unsalted butter, large egg, and optional vanilla extract until everything is smooth and thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Pour the activated yeast mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir well to fully integrate all components.
Step 4: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula until a shaggy, cohesive dough starts to form.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 5-7 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 4-5 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
Step 6: Lightly grease a large clean bowl with oil. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for approximately 1 hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size.
Step 7: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the trapped air. Turn the dough onto your floured work surface and carefully shape it into a neat loaf.
Step 8: Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan. Transfer the shaped dough into the prepared pan. Cover again and allow it to rise for a second time, for 30-40 minutes, or until it has risen nicely above the rim of the pan.
Step 9: While your dough is on its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 10: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when gently tapped on the bottom.
Step 11: Remove the baked bread from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This cooling process helps achieve the perfect texture.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, you can brush the top of the bread with melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven. This also helps keep the crust soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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