Condensed milk bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a loaf that’s impossibly soft, slightly sweet, and downright dreamy, then you’re in for a treat with this condensed milk bread. This recipe captures that magical bakery-style fluffiness, pairing a pillowy texture with a gorgeous golden crust, all thanks to the magic touch of sweetened condensed milk. Whether you’re serving it alongside a steamy mug of tea or making an unforgettable French toast, this bread will become your new favorite, bite after irresistible bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s remarkable how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so special! Each one adds an essential note — from richness and sweetness to structure and color — making condensed milk bread a true harmony of flavors and textures.
- Bread Flour: Provides the perfect chew and helps the loaf rise high and fluffy.
- Instant Yeast: The secret hero behind that feather-light texture and beautiful rise.
- Warm Milk: Gives extra tenderness and activates the yeast quickly; make sure it’s just warm, not hot, for best results.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The namesake ingredient; lends sweetness, richness, and that signature milky aroma.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and a melt-in-your-mouth richness to every bite.
- Large Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds golden color to the crumb.
- Salt: Just the right amount enhances all the flavors without letting anything taste flat.
- Granulated Sugar: Gives the bread a gentle sweetness and aids in golden browning as it bakes.
How to Make Condensed milk bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing your warm milk and instant yeast in a small bowl. Give them a brief rest — about five minutes — until the mixture becomes foamy. This not only wakes up the yeast but also ensures your condensed milk bread will rise to cloud-like heights.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your bread flour, salt, and granulated sugar. By mixing the dry elements first, you help your dough come together smoothly and evenly, with no pesky lumps.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Pour in the foamy yeast-milk, sweetened condensed milk, softened butter, and egg into the bowl with your dry mix. Stir everything together (a sturdy spatula works wonders) until a sticky dough starts to form. If you have a stand mixer, switch to a dough hook for the next part — otherwise, roll up your sleeves!
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it becomes soft, smooth, and slightly elastic. This step really unlocks that signature pull-apart texture that makes condensed milk bread so irresistible.
Step 5: First Rise
Pop the silky dough into a greased bowl and cover it up with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest somewhere warm for 1 to 2 hours, until it doubles in size. Watching it puff up never gets old!
Step 6: Shape the Loaf
Punch down your dough gently, then divide it into six equal pieces. Roll each portion into a ball, tucking the edges underneath for a round, tidy shape. This gives each slice of condensed milk bread a beautifully swirled interior once baked.
Step 7: Second Rise
Arrange your six dough balls into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, placing each one seam side-down. Cover them again and let the dough rise for 45 minutes to an hour, until the loaf has filled out the pan and looks plush and pillowy.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slide in the pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is a deep golden brown and makes a hollow sound when tapped gently. Resist cutting immediately — allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Condensed milk bread
Garnishes
This bread almost begs for a lavish finish! Brush the top with a bit more sweetened condensed milk after baking for shine and a hint of extra sweetness. A sprinkling of toasted coconut or sliced almonds is also a lovely touch for added flair.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of condensed milk bread with fresh fruit, a dollop of clotted cream, or a drizzle of honey. It makes a dreamy base for a hearty breakfast with eggs, or you can serve it alongside soups and stews as a subtly sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
This loaf is a showstopper on its own, but try slicing it into thick pieces and griddling them for the ultimate French toast. You can even shape the dough into rolls for individual servings, or use cookie cutters to create adorable shapes for tea parties or kids’ lunches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you (miraculously) have leftovers, keep your condensed milk bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay soft for up to three days — if it lasts that long!
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first for convenience, then wrap the pieces well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Pull out a slice whenever those bread cravings strike; it should keep its tender texture for up to a month.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, toast slices briefly or pop them in an oven at 300°F for a few minutes. A quick zap in the microwave also does the trick, just keep it short (10–15 seconds) so the bread doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
Can I make condensed milk bread with all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely! While bread flour creates a fluffier loaf, all-purpose flour will still give you a lovely result. Your bread may be a tiny bit less chewy, but it’ll be just as delicious and soft.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead. Just be sure to dissolve it in the warm milk and let it proof until bubbly — the rise may take a bit longer, but the result is worth the wait.
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes, you can skip the egg if you need to, though the bread will be slightly less rich and may not rise quite as high. Try adding an extra splash of milk to compensate for the missing liquid.
How do I know if my condensed milk bread is done baking?
The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and when you tap the bottom of the loaf, it should sound hollow. If you’re unsure, a thermometer inserted into the center should read about 190°F (88°C).
Can I add fillings or flavors to this bread?
Of course! Swirl in cinnamon sugar, bits of chocolate, or even a touch of citrus zest to create your own signature version. Just add any ingredients after the first rise and shaping, before the second rise.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never baked bread before, this recipe is a foolproof place to start — and if you’re already a bread lover, condensed milk bread will quickly earn a permanent spot in your kitchen. Give it a try; everyone will be asking for another slice!
