We’ve all craved that soft pillowy bread with a hint of sweetness and now we’re sharing our take on the condensed milk bread machine recipe. Originating from creative twists on traditional baking it’s a simple way to elevate your homemade loaves using everyday ingredients for a moist tender result.
This easy recipe lets us harness the magic of a bread machine while adding condensed milk’s rich flavor. Whether you’re a baking novice or pro you’ll love how it turns out every time so let’s dive into this delightful kitchen adventure.
Ingredients
As we dive into our condensed milk bread machine recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients that make this loaf irresistibly soft and sweet. We’ll list them in the order you should add them to your bread machine for optimal results, ensuring a seamless baking process.
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F, to activate the yeast effectively and create the perfect dough base)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (this is the star of our recipe, providing that signature moisture and subtle sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (helps achieve a tender crumb; if using cold butter, melt it first for even incorporation)
- 3 cups bread flour (use high-quality flour for the best rise and texture in your condensed milk bread)
- 1 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor balance and controls yeast activity)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (sprinkle this on top last to prevent premature activation and ensure a reliable proof)
Tools and Equipment
To bring our condensed milk bread machine recipe to life, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure precision, ease, and professional results. Having the right equipment on hand helps us transition smoothly from measuring ingredients to baking a perfectly soft and sweet loaf.
Must-Have Tools
We begin with the core items you’ll need, listed in the order of use during preparation:
- Bread machine: Our star tool for this recipe, it simplifies the kneading and baking process. Opt for a model with at least a 1.5-pound capacity to handle the dough’s rise and achieve that pillowy texture we love in condensed milk bread.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to success, so use a set of dry measuring cups (for flour and other dry ingredients) and liquid measuring cups (for water and condensed milk). This prevents errors that could affect the loaf’s moisture and tenderness.
- Digital kitchen scale: For weighing ingredients like flour and butter, which guarantees consistency. We recommend a scale that measures in grams for precision—nothing beats the reliability of exact weights in bread making.
Additional Essentials
Beyond the basics, these tools enhance our workflow and final presentation:
- Mixing bowl and silicone spatula: If pre-mixing ingredients before adding them to the bread machine, a medium-sized bowl works best. Use the spatula to combine items like warm water and condensed milk smoothly, ensuring even distribution.
- Timer or built-in machine timer: Most bread machines have this feature, but a separate kitchen timer helps us monitor cycles accurately. This is crucial for steps like the dough rise, where timing impacts the bread’s hint of sweetness and overall fluffiness.
For quick reference, here’s a table comparing recommended tool specifications to help you select the best options:
| Tool | Recommended Specification | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Bread machine | 1.5-2 pound capacity | Accommodates dough volume for a full loaf without overflow. |
| Digital kitchen scale | Accuracy to 1 gram | Ensures precise measurements, reducing the risk of dense bread. |
| Measuring cups | Set with 1-cup, ½-cup, etc. | Provides exact volumes for liquids and dry goods, promoting consistent results. |
With these tools ready, we’re set to move forward confidently and create our delicious condensed milk bread.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients and tools, let’s guide you through the straightforward process of making our soft, pillowy condensed milk bread in the bread machine. We’ll ensure each step is simple and yields a moist, tender loaf with a subtle sweetness that delights the senses.
Prepare Ingredients
Before we begin, it’s crucial to measure and prepare our ingredients accurately to achieve the perfect texture and flavor in our condensed milk bread. Start by gathering the items from our ingredients list: warm water (heated to 110°F for optimal yeast activation), sweetened condensed milk (chilled for easier handling), unsalted butter (softened at room temperature to blend smoothly), bread flour (sifted to remove lumps and ensure even rising), salt, and active dry yeast.
- Measure 1 cup of warm water into a bowl, ensuring it’s not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk with 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, stirring until fully incorporated for a creamy mixture.
- Sift 3 cups of bread flour and mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to create a uniform dry blend.
- Finally, proof 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast by sprinkling it over the warm water and letting it sit for 5 minutes until it foams, guaranteeing a light and airy loaf.
This preparation step sets the stage for our bread’s irresistible, golden crust and fluffy interior.
Add to Bread Machine
With our ingredients prepped, we now add them to the bread machine in the correct order to promote even mixing and rising, preventing the yeast from activating too early.
Follow this sequence to build the base for our condensed milk bread:
- First, pour in the 1 cup of warm water mixed with the proofed yeast, allowing it to form a liquid base.
- Next, add the 3/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter on top of the liquids for smooth integration.
- Then, carefully add the dry ingredients: 3 cups of sifted bread flour followed by 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, ensuring they form an even layer.
- Finally, make a small well in the flour and gently place the proofed yeast in it, as this placement helps activate rising without direct contact with salt.
By layering ingredients this way, we create a dough that kneads into a soft, elastic masterpiece, filling your kitchen with the sweet, buttery aroma of fresh bread.
Set and Start the Machine
Once the ingredients are in the bread machine, we select the appropriate settings to bake our condensed milk bread to perfection, resulting in a loaf that’s evenly golden and full of flavor.
- Choose the basic or sweet bread cycle on your machine, set for a 1.5-pound loaf size, and select a medium crust color to complement the bread’s tender crumb.
- Adjust the timer for a total bake time of approximately 3 hours, depending on your machine’s model—most units handle the knead, rise, and bake phases automatically.
- Press start and let the machine work its magic; monitor the dough after the first 10 minutes to ensure it’s forming a smooth ball—if it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water; if too wet, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour.
As the machine operates, you’ll hear the rhythmic kneading that transforms the mixture into our signature soft, sweet bread, ready to tantalize your taste buds.
Remove and Cool the Bread
After the cycle completes, we carefully remove and cool the bread to preserve its structure and enhance its flavors, ensuring a loaf that’s easy to slice and enjoy.
- Once the machine beeps, use oven mitts to lift out the bread pan and invert it over a wire rack to release the loaf gently, revealing its beautifully browned exterior.
- Place the bread on the rack to cool for at least 1 hour, allowing steam to escape and preventing sogginess for that ideal, springy texture.
- For best results, slice only after cooling; store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
This final step locks in the bread’s moist, heavenly sweetness, making it perfect for your next meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To simplify our condensed milk bread machine recipe, we can prepare certain steps in advance, allowing us to enjoy fresh, soft bread with minimal effort on baking day. This approach works well for busy schedules while maintaining the loaf’s pillowy texture and subtle sweetness.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
We recommend prepping key ingredients the night before or up to 24 hours in advance to ensure optimal freshness. Start by measuring and combining the dry ingredients like bread flour and salt in a sealed container. For the wet components, mix warm water with sweetened condensed milk and softened unsalted butter, then store them separately to prevent premature activation of the yeast.
Follow these steps for efficient make-ahead preparation:
- Measure and store dry ingredients: In a clean, airtight container, combine 3 cups of bread flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. This keeps the mixture ready for quick assembly and helps preserve the flour’s quality.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of warm water (around 110°F), 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours to maintain moisture without affecting the dough’s rise.
- Proof the yeast separately: If using active dry yeast, proof 2 1/4 teaspoons in a small amount of warm water with a pinch of sugar. Once foamy, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for no more than 8 hours. This step ensures the yeast remains viable for a strong rise.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is crucial to avoid spoilage and maintain the ingredients’ effectiveness. Below is a quick reference table for make-ahead storage times and conditions, based on standard food safety practices:
| Ingredient Category | Storage Method | Maximum Time | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry ingredients (e.g., flour and salt) | Airtight container at room temperature | 24 hours | Keep in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping. |
| Wet ingredients (e.g., milk mixture) | Refrigerated in a sealed container | 12 hours | Stir before use to recombine any separation. |
| Proofed yeast | Refrigerated in a small sealed container | 8 hours | Use immediately after removing from fridge for best results. |
Assembling and Baking After Make-Ahead
When you’re ready to bake, we simply retrieve the prepped components and add them to the bread machine in the correct order as outlined in our earlier steps. Allow refrigerated items to reach room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to ensure even mixing and a consistent dough consistency. Select the basic or sweet bread cycle on your machine, and monitor the kneading process to adjust if needed—this helps achieve that signature tender crumb in our condensed milk bread.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this condensed milk bread machine recipe with you, as it’s a simple way to bring soft, delicious loaves into your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy days or fun baking sessions, letting us create something special with ease.
Remember, experimenting with this method builds our baking skills and adds a sweet twist to everyday meals. We’re confident you’ll enjoy every slice and make it a go-to favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is condensed milk bread?
Condensed milk bread is a soft, pillowy loaf with a hint of sweetness, made using a bread machine. It elevates traditional baking with everyday ingredients like sweetened condensed milk for a moist and tender texture. This recipe appeals to both novice and experienced bakers, offering a simple way to enjoy homemade bread.
What ingredients are needed for condensed milk bread?
The key ingredients include warm water, sweetened condensed milk, unsalted butter, bread flour, salt, and active dry yeast. Add them in this order to the bread machine for optimal results. Accurate measurements ensure the bread’s soft texture and flavor, making it easy to prepare with common pantry staples.
What tools are required to make condensed milk bread?
You’ll need a bread machine with at least a 1.5-pound capacity, measuring cups and spoons, a digital kitchen scale, a mixing bowl, silicone spatula, and a timer. These tools help achieve consistent results. A comparison table in the article recommends specifications to choose the best options for your baking needs.
How do I prepare the ingredients for condensed milk bread?
Start by measuring ingredients accurately: warm the water, mix sweetened condensed milk with softened butter, sift bread flour with salt, and proof the yeast. This preparation ensures even mixing and rising. Follow the sequence when adding to the bread machine for a soft, elastic dough.
What is the process for baking condensed milk bread in a bread machine?
Add ingredients in the specified order, select the basic or sweet bread cycle, and adjust the timer. Monitor the dough during kneading for the right consistency. Bake until done, then remove and cool on a wire rack. This simple process yields a delicious, tender loaf in your bread machine.
Can I make condensed milk bread ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ingredients up to 24 hours in advance. Measure and store dry ingredients in a sealed container, and mix wet ingredients to refrigerate. Let refrigerated items reach room temperature before assembling and baking. This method simplifies the process for fresh bread even on busy days.
How should I store condensed milk bread?
After cooling on a wire rack, slice the bread and store in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer freshness, freeze slices for up to 3 months. Proper storage maintains the bread’s soft texture and flavor, ensuring it stays delicious.