This Condensed Milk Bread is soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet with a rich buttery flavor. Made with sweetened condensed milk and simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a delicious homemade sandwich bread.
Condensed Milk Bread Recipe
Condensed Milk Bread is a wonderfully soft and tender bread that features the rich sweetness of sweetened condensed milk. Popular in many Asian-style bakeries, this bread has a light, pillowy texture and a golden, glossy crust. Whether enjoyed plain, toasted with butter, or turned into sandwiches, this homemade loaf is sure to become a favorite.
The addition of condensed milk creates a bread that stays moist and soft for days while adding a subtle sweetness that complements both sweet and savory toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy texture
- Slightly sweet and buttery flavor
- Perfect for breakfast or snacks
- Stays fresh longer than many homemade breads
- Great for sandwiches and toast
- Beautiful golden crust
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3½ cups (440 g) bread flour
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk (105–110°F / 40–43°C)
- ½ cup (160 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Kitchen towel
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar.
Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Egg
- Salt
Mix until combined.
Gradually add the bread flour, one cup at a time, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Add the softened butter.
Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
The dough should pass the windowpane test, stretching thinly without tearing.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Bread
Punch down the risen dough.
Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Shape into a loaf by flattening the dough into a rectangle and rolling it tightly from one end to the other.
Pinch the seam closed.
Place the shaped dough seam-side down into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover loosely and allow the dough to rise again for 30–40 minutes, or until it has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Bake
Bake the loaf for 28–32 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register about 190°F (88°C).
Step 9: Prepare the Glaze
While the bread is still warm, mix together:
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Step 10: Brush and Cool
Remove the bread from the pan.
Brush the warm loaf generously with the condensed milk glaze.
Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips for Success
- Use bread flour for the softest, most elastic texture.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid damaging the yeast.
- Knead thoroughly for a light and airy crumb.
- Allow both rises to complete fully for maximum fluffiness.
- Brush the loaf while warm for a glossy finish.
Variations
Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and bake in a greased baking dish for 20–25 minutes.
Coconut Condensed Milk Bread
Add ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut to the dough.
Raisin Condensed Milk Bread
Fold ¾ cup raisins into the dough during kneading.
Cinnamon Swirl Condensed Milk Bread
Spread a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar over the dough before rolling it into a loaf.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this bread with:
- Butter
- Fruit preserves
- Honey
- Peanut butter
- Cream cheese
- Fresh fruit
It also makes excellent French toast and bread pudding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. Replace the active dry yeast with an equal amount of instant yeast and skip the proofing step.
Why is my bread dense?
Dense bread is often caused by insufficient kneading, underproofing, or using too much flour.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight and shape it the next day before the second rise.
Final Thoughts
Condensed Milk Bread is a wonderfully soft, slightly sweet loaf with a rich flavor and tender crumb. The sweetened condensed milk adds moisture and depth, creating a bakery-style bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, or desserts. Once you experience its pillowy texture and delicate sweetness, this homemade bread is likely to become a regular favorite in your baking repertoire.