Soft Vanilla Milk Bread Recipe – A Delightful, Fluffy Treat
Introduction:
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the house, and Soft Vanilla Milk Bread takes that experience to the next level. This bread is soft, fluffy, and lightly sweetened with a touch of vanilla, making it the perfect treat for breakfast, tea time, or any occasion when you want to indulge in something comforting and delicious. The addition of milk and vanilla essence gives the bread an irresistible flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring that you achieve the perfect loaf. It’s an ideal recipe for bread lovers who crave a soft, tender crumb and a sweet, aromatic flavor. Best of all, you can enjoy this bread as is, or you can use it for making sandwiches, toasts, or even as a base for bread pudding.
So, let’s get started on making Soft Vanilla Milk Bread that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
¼ cup sugar (you can adjust the sweetness)
1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
1 large egg (room temperature)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
For the Milk Mixture:
¼ cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping (optional):
Extra melted butter for brushing on top of the bread after baking
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by activating the yeast to ensure it’s active and ready to help the dough rise. In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of warm milk (make sure it’s not too hot or too cold—around 110°F or 43°C is perfect), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Stir the mixture gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. After this time, the mixture should become frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ cup of sugar. Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients. To this well, add the yeast mixture, along with 1 large egg, 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Mix everything together using a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough begins to come together. Once it starts to form into a dough, transfer it to a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The time may vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen, but it’s important to give the dough enough time to rise properly, as this will help create a light, fluffy texture in the bread.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any trapped air. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle shape (roughly 9×12 inches). Now, you’ll want to shape the dough to create that soft, pillowy texture that makes this bread so irresistible.
Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the longer edge of the rectangle. Pinch the seam tightly to seal it, and tuck the ends under to form a smooth loaf.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan (8×4 inches or 9×5 inches works well) and cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until it has risen just above the top of the pan. This second rise is crucial for achieving the soft, airy texture of the bread.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the ideal baking temperature, ensuring even cooking.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Once the dough has risen in the loaf pan, it’s time to bake it! Place the loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bread should have a golden-brown crust, and when tapped on the bottom, it should sound hollow.
If you find that the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil halfway through the baking process.
Step 8: Make the Milk Mixture
While the bread is baking, prepare the milk mixture by combining ¼ cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Heat it gently over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the milk becomes warm. This mixture will be brushed onto the bread after baking, giving it a shiny, sweet finish and an additional boost of vanilla flavor.
Step 9: Cool the Bread
Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. As the bread cools, brush the warm milk mixture over the top of the loaf to give it that beautiful finish. If desired, you can also brush it with extra melted butter for a richer taste.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Once the bread has cooled, it’s time to slice and enjoy! The soft texture and sweet aroma make this vanilla milk bread perfect on its own, or you can toast it lightly and serve it with butter, jam, or honey. It’s also perfect for making sandwiches, French toast, or serving as a dessert with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Tips and Variations:
Make It Vegan: You can easily make this bread vegan by using dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk), and substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). You can also replace the butter with a plant-based alternative.
Flavor Variations: While vanilla adds a lovely sweetness to this bread, you can experiment with other flavors. For a citrusy twist, add some grated lemon or orange zest to the dough. You could also add a little cinnamon for a warm, spicy touch.
Adding Extras: If you want to make this bread even more indulgent, consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even nuts into the dough before baking. These extras will add texture and additional flavors.
Storage: This bread stays soft for several days when stored in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, store it in a bread box or plastic bag. You can also freeze slices and toast them later for an easy breakfast or snack.
Why You’ll Love Soft Vanilla Milk Bread:
This soft vanilla milk bread is perfect for those who love slightly sweet, aromatic breads. The use of milk makes the bread tender and soft, while the vanilla gives it a comforting, nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or toasted with butter, this bread is incredibly versatile and easy to make. The fluffy texture and sweet flavor make it a perfect addition to any meal, and it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Health Benefits of Soft Vanilla Milk Bread:
While this bread is a treat, it does offer some nutritional benefits due to the milk and egg in the recipe, which provide protein and essential vitamins like vitamin D and B12. However, since this recipe does include sugar and butter, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Pairing the bread with protein-rich toppings like nut butter or eggs can make for a more balanced meal.
Conclusion:
Soft Vanilla Milk Bread is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves baking at home. With its light, airy texture and sweet, comforting flavor, this bread is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The added vanilla makes it especially aromatic, and the milk gives it that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Try making this recipe today, and enjoy a slice of heaven with every bite!