If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into soft, fluffy bread with that subtle, irresistible sweetness, then you are going to love this Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe. It’s the kind of homemade bread that feels like a warm hug in every bite, thanks to the creamy richness of condensed milk and a light, airy crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re new to bread making or simply looking for a delightful twist on classic loaf bread, this recipe is approachable, quick, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just simple pantry staples that come together beautifully to create the soft texture, slightly sweet flavor, and golden crust that make this bread a standout. Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing this Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe to life.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect softness when kneaded just right.
- 1 packet instant yeast: Ensures a nice, fluffy rise without extra fuss.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and feeds the yeast for a great rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
- 1/2 cup warm milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough.
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk: Gives the bread its signature sweet, creamy richness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create that soft, tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and gives the bread a beautiful golden color.
- 1/4 cup warm water: Keeps the dough light and activates the yeast perfectly.
How to Make Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk, warm water, and sweetened condensed milk in a mixing bowl. Add the instant yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the surface becomes frothy. This step is crucial because it confirms that the yeast is alive and kicking, ready to give your bread that beautiful rise and airy texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients form the basis of your dough, and mixing them separately helps even distribution before they meet the wet mixture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Knead
Gradually add the dry mixture into the frothy yeast mixture, stirring as you go to form a sticky dough. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading process develops the gluten, giving the bread a chewy yet tender structure that’s just perfect.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which usually takes about one hour. Seeing that dough puff up is so rewarding, and it lays the foundation for fluffy bread in the final bake.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Gently punch down the risen dough to release excess air, then shape it into a loaf form. Place it in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise makes the bread even lighter and prepares the dough for a beautiful oven spring once baked.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before popping the loaf in, brush the top with a beaten egg to get that shiny, golden-brown crust. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the bread is cooked through and the crust turns a gorgeous golden color. The smell alone will have you eager for that first bite!
How to Serve Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is a delight on its own, but you can elevate it with simple garnishes like a light spread of butter softened with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a thin drizzle of honey. Freshly sliced strawberries or bananas add a fruity contrast that complements the subtle sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your sweet condensed milk bread with a cup of warm tea or coffee for a comforting snack. It also goes wonderfully alongside creamy soups or fresh fruit salads for brunch. The bread’s subtly sweet profile makes it versatile enough to be served with both savory and sweet dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this bread into a star centerpiece by transforming slices into French toast topped with maple syrup and powdered sugar. You can also make mini sliders using the bread as sweet buns for brunch sandwiches filled with ham and cheese. Its soft texture makes it perfect for any creative presentation you dream up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them fresh by wrapping the bread tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain the bread’s softness and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, so if you want to make ahead, slice the bread first and wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To revive the softness and fresh-baked feeling, warm slices gently in a toaster or oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving too long, as that can dry the bread out. A brief reheat will restore that delightful fluffy texture and buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key to the bread’s signature sweetness and moisture. Using regular milk alone won’t give you the same rich flavor or tender crumb, so it’s best not to substitute it if you want that classic taste.
Is instant yeast necessary for this recipe?
Instant yeast works well because it activates quickly and doesn’t require proofing in warm water separately. However, you could use active dry yeast, but be sure to proof it first in warm water and adjust rising times accordingly.
Can I add flavors or fillings to this bread?
Absolutely! You can fold in raisins, chopped nuts, or even swirl in cinnamon and sugar before the second rise to make variations. Just be careful not to add too much extra flour or liquid, which could affect the dough’s consistency.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also check the internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer; it should read around 190°F (88°C) for fully baked bread.
Can I make this bread vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, replace the egg with a flax egg or other binder, and choose a non-dairy milk. You may need to tweak the rising time slightly, but it’s definitely doable with these adjustments.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly joyful about pulling a freshly baked loaf of this Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe from the oven, with its golden crust and soft, sweet crumb. Whether you’re breaking bread with family or just indulging in a cozy moment with yourself, this recipe delivers warmth and comfort in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite homemade bread!
Print
Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread is a soft, slightly sweet loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with basic pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and condensed milk, it yields a tender crumb and golden crust with minimal effort in just 40 minutes of active preparation plus rising times.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup warm water
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, and sweetened condensed milk. Add the instant yeast and stir gently. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt thoroughly.
- Mix dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet yeast mixture. Add the softened butter and the egg as you combine the mixture to create a dough.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second rise: Allow the dough in the loaf pan to rise again until nearly doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg to give it a shiny and golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure the liquids are warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute milk with half-and-half or cream diluted with water.
- Brush the loaf with melted butter instead of egg for a softer crust.
- Store bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- This bread is excellent for sandwiches or served toasted with butter and jam.
