Name: Japanese Milk Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 500g bread flour; 100g milk powder; 50g sugar; 10g salt; 10g instant yeast; 300ml milk; 50g unsalted butter; 150g water (for Yudane)

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Why make this recipe

Japanese Milk Bread is known for its soft and fluffy texture combined with a slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed on its own. Many people love this bread not just because it tastes great, but also because it’s simple to make at home. This recipe uses a method called Yudane, which contributes to the bread’s wonderful chewiness and moisture. Homemade Japanese Milk Bread is far better than store-bought, and it’s a fun baking project for everyone!

How to make Japanese Milk Bread

Ingredients:

500g bread flour
100g milk powder
50g sugar
10g salt
10g instant yeast
300ml milk
50g unsalted butter
150g water (for Yudane)

Directions:

Prepare the Yudane: Boil the water and mix it with the bread flour until a thick paste forms. Let it cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, milk powder, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
Add the milk and the cooled Yudane to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes, until smooth.
Incorporate the butter and knead until fully absorbed and the dough is elastic.
Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a prepared loaf pan.
Allow it to rise again until it doubles.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow to cool before slicing.

How to serve Japanese Milk Bread

You can enjoy Japanese Milk Bread in many ways. It’s delicious as a simple slice with butter or jam. It also makes excellent sandwiches, filled with your choice of meats, cheeses, or vegetables. Try it toasted with your favorite spread or use it to make French toast for a tasty breakfast.

How to store Japanese Milk Bread

To keep your Japanese Milk Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container or a plastic bag at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Slice the bread before freezing so you can easily take out just the amount you need. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can last for about a month in the freezer.

Tips to make Japanese Milk Bread

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Kneading is important. If your dough feels sticky, don’t be afraid to add a little more flour, but make sure not to add too much or it will dry out.
Allow enough time for the dough to rise. If your kitchen is cool, try placing it near a warm spot or covering it with a warm towel.
For extra flavor, you can experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Variation

You can customize this Japanese Milk Bread by adding different flavors or ingredients. Incorporate dried fruits, nuts, or seeds for added texture. You can also try different types of toppings before baking, such as sesame seeds or a sprinkle of sea salt for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may not be as chewy as with bread flour.

2. Why is my bread not rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh and your dough is kept in a warm environment. Cold temperatures can slow down the rising process.

3. Can I make this recipe without milk powder?
You can substitute it with more bread flour and additional milk, but it may slightly alter the texture and taste of the bread.