Ingredients
For the Bread Dough:
- 1 large egg: The egg helps bind the dough together and contributes to the soft texture.
- 140 g (2/3 cup) milk: Room temperature milk adds moisture to the dough, making it soft and pliable.
- 30 g (2 1/2 tablespoons) condensed milk: Provides sweetness and creaminess to the dough.
- 30 g (2 1/2 tablespoons) sugar: For additional sweetness, which helps the dough rise and browns the crust.
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- 5 g (1 1/2 teaspoons) instant dry yeast: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- 300 g (2 1/2 cups) strong flour (bread flour): High-protein flour that helps give the bread its chewy texture.
- 45 g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the dough and helps create a soft crumb.
For the Condensed Milk Cream:
- 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) sugar: Balances the richness of the butter with sweetness.
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) condensed milk: Adds a creamy and sweet texture to the filling, perfectly complementing the bread.
For the Egg Wash:
- 10 g (1 yolk) egg yolk: The egg yolk creates a glossy finish on the bread when baked.
- 10 g (2 teaspoons) milk: Thins out the egg yolk and helps create a smooth wash for the bread.
How to Make Sweet Condensed Milk Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (not hot), condensed milk, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Stir to dissolve the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly, which means the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, as you want the dough to remain soft and moist.
- First Proofing: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Shape the Bread
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Punch Down the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Prepare the Condensed Milk Cream: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, and condensed milk until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Roll and Shape the Dough: Carefully roll the dough into a log, making sure the condensed milk cream stays inside. Once rolled, pinch the seams to seal the dough. Place the rolled dough into the prepared loaf pan, seam side down.
Step 3: Second Proofing
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up and is nearly doubled in size.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush this egg wash generously over the top of the dough to create a golden, glossy crust.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the Bread: Bake the bread in the for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the bread begins to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Cool the Bread: Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time
- 30 minutes (not including proofing time)
Cooking Time
- 30 minutes
Total Time
- 2 hours (including proofing time)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 13 g
Why This Recipe Is Timeless
The Sweet Condensed Milk Bread is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. What makes this bread timeless is its perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it an irresistible treat for all ages. The combination of condensed milk and butter in both the dough and the cream filling makes the bread incredibly soft and moist, while the slight sweetness balances the savory notes of the bread flour.
This bread has been passed down through generations, loved for its simplicity and versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or afternoon snack, but can also serve as a comforting dessert. Its soft, fluffy texture and subtly sweet flavor make it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of dishes, and it’s easy to customize by adding fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips to the dough if you’re feeling adventurous.
For many, the smell of this bread baking is a reminder of home and family, making it a comforting choice for any occasion. Whether shared at a family gathering, given as a thoughtful gift, or simply enjoyed on a quiet morning, this bread continues to be cherished for its warmth, texture, and the love it represents. Once you taste the decadence of this sweet bread, it’s sure to become a staple in your own home as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the strong bread flour with all-purpose flour?
While bread flour is recommended for its high protein content, you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch. The texture of the bread might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I use another sweetener instead of condensed milk?
Condensed milk adds both sweetness and creaminess to the bread. If you want to substitute it, you could use a combination of regular milk and sugar, but the texture and flavor may not be as rich.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk. For the condensed milk, there are several plant-based versions available that will work in this recipe.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t rush the proofing process: Make sure to allow enough time for both the first and second proofing to ensure the bread becomes light and fluffy.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and milk are at room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth dough and filling.
- Add variety: Experiment with adding nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to the dough for a unique twist.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the bread in an at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to preserve its freshness. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven.
Enjoy!