Soft and Fluffy Condensed Milk Bread Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort of soft and fluffy condensed milk bread, a perfect pull-apart bread that’s ideal for any occasion. This bread boasts a tender crumb and a subtle sweetness that comes from condensed milk, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, tea time, or a delightful snack. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this delightful bread, and enjoy the heavenly aroma of freshly baked goodness in your home.

Introduction

Condensed milk bread, known for its incredibly soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, is a beloved recipe in many cultures. This bread combines the richness of condensed milk with a buttery, tender dough that pulls apart easily, making it a joy to eat. With its origins likely tied to the popularity of sweetened dairy products in European and Asian baking traditions, this bread has become a favorite worldwide. It’s perfect for those who love a light, airy loaf that’s just sweet enough to enjoy on its own or with a spread of butter or jam.

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough:

  • 1 egg
  • 140g (2/3 cup) milk (room temperature)
  • 30g (2 tablespoons) condensed milk
  • 30g (2 1/2 tablespoons) sugar
  • 5g (1 teaspoon) salt
  • 5g (1 1/2 teaspoons) instant dry yeast
  • 300g (2 1/2 cups) strong flour (bread flour)
  • 45g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)

For the Condensed Milk Cream:

  • 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 15g (1 tablespoon) sugar
  • 30g (2 tablespoons) condensed milk

For the Egg Wash:

  • 10g (1 egg yolk)
  • 10g (2 teaspoons) milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Bread Dough

  1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, crack the egg and whisk lightly. Add the milk, condensed milk, sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
  2. Combine with Flour: Gradually add the strong flour to the mixture, stirring with a spatula until it begins to form a shaggy dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This rest period allows the flour to hydrate and the yeast to start activating.
  3. Knead the Dough: Add the softened unsalted butter to the dough. Knead the dough by hand for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it develops the gluten, which will give the bread its light, airy texture.
  4. First Proofing: Place the kneaded dough in a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes, or until it doubles in size. The dough should be soft and puffy at this stage.

Making the Condensed Milk Cream

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Condensed Milk: Add the condensed milk to the butter mixture and continue to mix until fully incorporated. The result should be a smooth, creamy spread that will add extra richness to the bread.

Shaping and Final Proofing

  1. Prepare the Molds: Spread a generous layer of the condensed milk cream evenly on the bottom and sides of your baking molds. This will add flavor and prevent sticking.
  2. Divide and Rest the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release excess gas. Divide the dough into three equal portions, about 200g each. Shape each portion into a ball, cover them with plastic wrap, and let them rest for 15 minutes.
  3. Roll and Fill: Using a rolling pin, roll each ball of dough into a long rectangle. Spread a thin layer of condensed milk cream over the dough, then roll it up tightly from one end to the other, forming a log.
  4. Cut and Arrange: Cut each rolled log into six equal pieces and place them cut side up into the prepared molds. The pieces should be snug but not overly tight, as they will expand during the final proofing.
  5. Final Proofing: Cover the molds with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until doubled in size. The dough should be visibly puffy and have risen to fill most of the mold.

Baking the Bread

  1. Apply the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Gently brush this egg wash over the tops of the risen dough, which will give the bread a beautiful golden-brown finish.
  2. Bake: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake the bread for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
  3. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the molds for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the pillowy soft texture and the sweet, buttery flavor of the condensed milk bread.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 7g

Tips for Perfect Condensed Milk Bread

  • Temperature is Key: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the milk and butter, are at room temperature to help the yeast activate properly.
  • Kneading: Proper kneading develops gluten, which is essential for the bread’s structure. If the dough feels sticky, lightly flour your hands, but avoid adding too much flour to keep the bread soft.
  • Proofing Environment: Proof the dough in a warm, draft-free place. If your kitchen is cold, you can proof the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm appliance.

With this recipe, you’re not just making bread—you’re creating a delightful experience that’s sure to impress family and friends. The soft texture and sweet aroma of condensed milk bread will make it a go-to recipe for any baker looking to create something truly special. Enjoy baking!