Condensed Milk Bread is a soft, sweet, and wonderfully fluffy bread that’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. The addition of sweetened condensed milk gives the bread a rich, subtly sweet flavor and a soft texture that makes every slice feel like a treat. Whether served plain or toasted with a spread, this bread is incredibly comforting.
I first baked this bread when I was looking for something a little different from the usual loaf, and the result was nothing short of magical. The smell of fresh-baked bread filled the house, and when I sliced into it, the texture was perfectly soft with just the right amount of sweetness. What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together, creating a bread that tastes like it took hours of work, when in reality it’s simple to make.
What’s great about Condensed Milk Bread is its versatility. It’s delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings, from butter and jam to cream cheese or even a drizzle of honey. Perfect for any occasion, this bread quickly became a favorite in our household and is sure to become a staple in yours too!
Perfect for:
- Breakfast
- Afternoon tea
- Family gatherings
- Gift giving
- Bread lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Condensed Milk Bread will become your go-to recipe:
- Incredibly Soft Texture: The bread is light, fluffy, and soft—perfect for tearing apart and enjoying.
- Sweet and Subtle Flavor: The condensed milk gives the bread a hint of sweetness without being overwhelming.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, it’s great for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for Toasting: This bread toasts beautifully, developing a golden crust while maintaining its softness.
- Versatile Topping: It pairs wonderfully with butter, jam, or even a dollop of honey.
- Make-Ahead Bread: The dough can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- Ideal for Sharing: Bake this loaf and share it with friends or family for a delightful treat.
- No Kneading Required: The bread comes together easily without the need for any intense kneading.
- Ideal for Beginners: This simple recipe is a great starting point for anyone new to baking bread.
- Great for Gifts: A homemade loaf makes an excellent gift for loved ones.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2.5 hours
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 1.5 hours
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 3g
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Butter
- Jam or preserves
- Honey
Ingredient Highlights
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the bread, giving it a rich flavor.
- Active Dry Yeast: Ensures the bread rises beautifully without being too dense.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that soft, tender crumb.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the condensed milk, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Stir to form a soft dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Dough:
- Punch Down the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air.
- Form the Loaf: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan with a cloth and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen above the edges of the pan.
Bake the Bread:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the bread once it’s cooled slightly, and serve with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Condensed Milk Bread:
- With Butter: Spread butter on a warm slice for a simple, comforting snack.
- With Jam or Preserves: Add your favorite fruit jam or preserve for a sweet breakfast or afternoon tea.
- For Toasting: Toast slices to golden perfection and top with butter or honey.
- With Cheese: Pair the bread with a slice of cheese for a savory snack.
- For French Toast: Use slices of this bread to make a decadent French toast breakfast.
- As a Sandwich: Fill slices with your favorite sandwich fillings for a twist on traditional bread.
- With Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter for a protein-packed snack.
- As a Dessert: Serve slices with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a simple dessert.
- With Honey: Drizzle honey over the bread for an extra layer of sweetness.
- For a Picnic: Pack slices in a picnic basket for a simple yet delicious treat.
Additional Tips
- Watch the Rising Time: Ensure the dough is left to rise properly to get the desired fluffy texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your butter and condensed milk to room temperature before mixing to ensure even incorporation.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 1 month.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet you prefer your bread.
- For Extra Softness: If you want an even softer bread, add an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough.
Recipe Variations
- Coconut Condensed Milk Bread: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Chip Bread: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet, dessert-like bread.
- Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar into the dough before rolling it into a loaf for a spiced version.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use almond milk in place of the water.
- Pumpkin Spice Bread: Add ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree and a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dough for a fall-inspired flavor.
Special Equipment
- Loaf Pan: A 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for this bread.
- Mixing Bowls: Use two bowls, one for mixing dry ingredients and one for wet.
- Electric Mixer (Optional): If you prefer, use an electric mixer to help mix the dough.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the bread after baking.
- Dough Scraper: Helpful for kneading and shaping the dough.
FAQ Section
- Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
Condensed milk gives a sweeter flavor and moist texture, so substituting evaporated milk would change the outcome. If you must, add sugar to the recipe. - Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread for up to 1 month. Slice it first, and freeze the slices in a zip-top bag. - Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a bread machine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for making dough. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use two loaf pans if making more bread. - How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure the yeast is also gluten-free. - How long will this bread last?
The bread will last for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. - Can I add nuts or fruit to the bread?
Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to the dough. - Can I make mini loaves?
Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and bake in mini loaf pans for about 20-25 minutes. - Can I skip the second rise?
For best results, do not skip the second rise. It helps the dough achieve the right texture.
Conclusion
Condensed Milk Bread is a soft, slightly sweet bread that has a rich, velvety texture thanks to the sweetened condensed milk. This bread is perfect for breakfast, toasted with a little butter, or enjoyed on its own with your favorite jam or spread. The sweetness from the condensed milk balances perfectly with the mild bread flavor, creating a comforting and delicious loaf that’s sure to please everyone.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, with minimal ingredients and a quick rise time. Whether you’re baking for the family or treating yourself to something special, this bread brings warmth and a touch of sweetness to your day. It’s perfect for any occasion, and you can even experiment with adding your favorite nuts or fruits to make it your own.
I’d love to see how your Condensed Milk Bread turns out! Share your photos with me on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your beautiful loaves! And don’t forget to comment below and let me know how you customized your bread!