The Fluffiest Homemade Loaf You’ll Ever Bake
This vanilla milk bread has it all—feather-light texture, rich milky flavor, and a delicate sweetness that’s just enough to satisfy without overpowering. The hint of vanilla adds warmth and elegance, making this bread ideal for everything from breakfast toast to indulgent French toast.
Why This Bread Will Become Your New Obsession
- Unbelievably Soft Texture – Like a cloud in every bite.
- Beautifully Golden Crust – Shiny and soft, thanks to an easy egg wash.
- Delicate Vanilla Aroma – Not overpowering, just comforting.
- Simple, Natural Ingredients – No preservatives or artificial flavors.
- Super Versatile – Serve it plain, toasted, or filled with anything from butter to Nutella.
Ingredients
Makes 1 large loaf or 2 small loaves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for extra depth)
Dry Ingredients:
- 3½ cups (440 g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour if needed)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast (if using active dry)
If you’re using active dry yeast (not instant), dissolve it in the warm milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. If you’re using instant yeast, you can skip this step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until combined, about 2–3 minutes. If mixing by hand, use a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Increase speed to medium and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes (or knead by hand on a floured surface for 10–12 minutes) until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 3: First Rise
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl.
- Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Punch down the dough gently to release the air.
- For one large loaf:
- Roll the dough into a rectangle, then roll it up like a jelly roll and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Alternatively, divide the dough into 3 equal portions, shape each into a ball or log, and place them side by side in the pan for a “pull-apart” look.
- For two smaller loaves:
- Divide dough in half and repeat the above shaping for each.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until it crowns about 1 inch above the edge of the pan.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash
Just before baking, whisk together 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon milk. Gently brush the surface of the loaf to give it a shiny, golden finish.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes (25–28 minutes for smaller loaves) until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should read about 190°F (88°C).
Tip: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or toast straight from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Toast: Slather with butter, honey, or jam.
- Dessert Toast: Add Nutella, banana slices, or cinnamon sugar.
- French Toast: Makes the fluffiest, most decadent version.
- Afternoon Tea Sandwiches: Slice thin and fill with cream cheese, cucumber, or jam.
Optional Variations
- Swirl in Cinnamon Sugar before rolling the dough for a sweet twist.
- Add Mini Chocolate Chips to the dough for a vanilla-chocolate combo.
- Use Vanilla Bean Paste for a stronger, aromatic flavor and speckled crumb.
