Soft Vanilla Milk Bread

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients together. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture, along with the egg, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together to form a sticky dough.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft, but not overly sticky. If needed, add a little more flour, a teaspoon at a time, to achieve the right consistency.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial to developing the soft, fluffy texture.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Gently shape the dough into a loaf by folding the sides inwards and rolling it into a log shape. Place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, seam side down.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the pan with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the top of the pan. This second rise ensures a light and airy texture in the finished bread.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. For a golden finish, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter before baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Slice the bread once it has cooled, and enjoy the soft, fragrant, and slightly sweet goodness of homemade Vanilla Milk Bread!

Tips for Perfect Soft Vanilla Milk Bread:

1. Use Warm Milk: The milk should be warm but not hot (around 100-110°F) to activate the yeast. Too hot, and it could kill the yeast; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate properly.
2. Don’t Skip the Kneading: Proper kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread its soft and airy texture. Make sure to knead for at least 10 minutes.
3. Let It Rise in a Warm Place: To get the best rise, place the dough in a warm environment, such as near a stovetop or in an oven with the light on. If the dough is too cold, it may not rise as well.
4. Brush with Butter for Extra Flavor: For a golden, buttery finish, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter right before baking. This gives the bread a beautiful, shiny appearance.
5. Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing. If you slice it while it’s still hot, it may become gummy and lose its soft texture.

Ways to Enjoy Soft Vanilla Milk Bread:

• Breakfast: Serve slices of this soft, sweet bread with a pat of butter or a dollop of jam or honey for a simple and satisfying breakfast.
• French Toast: This bread makes an incredible base for French toast. The softness of the bread allows it to soak up the egg mixture perfectly, resulting in a rich, fluffy breakfast dish.
• Sandwiches: Use slices of vanilla milk bread for making delicious sandwiches. The slight sweetness complements both savory and sweet fillings.
• Dessert: Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a light dessert that’s perfect for a special occasion or a casual afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love Soft Vanilla Milk Bread:

1. Irresistibly Soft: This bread is incredibly tender and soft, making it a delight to eat with just about anything.
2. Subtly Sweet: The mild vanilla sweetness adds a special flavor without overwhelming the senses, making it a versatile bread for both savory and sweet dishes.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, using it for French toast, or enjoying it with your afternoon tea, this bread is perfect for any time of the day.
4. Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing like the satisfaction of baking your own bread. With this recipe, you can enjoy the comforting, fresh-from-the-oven goodness of homemade bread anytime you like.

Final Thoughts:

Soft Vanilla Milk Bread is more than just a loaf of bread—it’s a comforting, aromatic treat that will quickly become a favorite in your home. With its fluffy texture, sweet vanilla flavor, and endless possibilities for serving, this bread is perfect for everything from breakfast to dessert. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread. Try it today and experience the soft, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Vanilla Milk Bread!