There’s something truly magical about homemade bread, especially when it’s infused with the sweet, milky richness of condensed milk. Imagine pulling a loaf fresh from the oven—golden-brown on the outside, irresistibly soft on the inside, and carrying a hint of sweetness that makes every bite pure bliss. This Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread is a dream come true for those who love baking but don’t want to spend hours wrestling with complicated recipes.
Condensed milk has long been a staple in baking, adding depth, moisture, and a creamy sweetness that elevates even the simplest breads. This recipe takes full advantage of its magic, creating a loaf that is pillowy-soft, lightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even an indulgent dessert. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to master it! With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a homemade loaf that rivals any bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread
There’s no shortage of bread recipes out there, but this one stands out for all the right reasons. Not only is it soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, but it also offers an incredible texture that makes it ideal for everything from simple toast to elaborate desserts.
The first thing you’ll notice is how effortlessly this bread comes together. Unlike complex artisan loaves that demand hours of kneading and rising, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. The condensed milk not only sweetens the dough but also enriches it, creating a bread that stays soft for days—no dry, crumbly slices here! Plus, the dough is easy to work with, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Another reason to fall in love with this recipe? The flavor and aroma are irresistible. As the bread bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the delightful scent of warm milk, butter, and vanilla. The finished loaf boasts a slightly golden crust that gives way to a light, airy interior—one bite, and you’ll be hooked. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, and you have a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf or 8 individual rolls
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and additional ingredients.)
Ingredients for Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup (60g) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) warm water (if needed, to adjust dough consistency)
For Brushing:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
for Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, condensed milk, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast. It should become foamy, which is a sign that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Next, add the melted butter, egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing as you go. If the dough feels too dry, add a little warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together into a soft, slightly sticky ball.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. Knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If it’s too sticky, add a tiny bit of flour; if it feels too dry, wet your hands and continue kneading.
A well-kneaded dough should bounce back when gently pressed and pass the “windowpane test”—meaning you can stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without tearing.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the bowl inside an oven with the light on to create a cozy environment for the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air. Turn it onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls. If making a loaf, place the dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. If making rolls, arrange them on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for 30 minutes. This second rise ensures an extra fluffy texture.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the top of the dough with a mixture of melted butter and condensed milk—this gives it a beautifully glossy and golden crust.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If it starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy. For an extra indulgent touch, brush a little more melted butter on top while it’s still warm.
Once completely cool, slice and enjoy! Serve with butter, honey, or jam for an irresistible treat.
Ingredient Background
Every great bread starts with simple, high-quality ingredients, and Sweet Condensed Milk Bread is no exception. While this recipe doesn’t call for anything fancy, the few ingredients it does use come together to create a wonderfully soft and slightly sweet loaf.
One of the star ingredients here is sweetened condensed milk. This thick, syrupy dairy product is made by removing most of the water from milk and adding sugar, creating a rich and creamy texture. It enhances the bread’s sweetness while also providing extra moisture, ensuring a soft crumb that stays fresh longer. Unlike regular milk or sugar, condensed milk contributes both dairy richness and caramel-like sweetness, making this bread incredibly flavorful.
Another key component is yeast, which is responsible for the bread’s light and fluffy texture. Yeast is a living organism that feeds on the sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas. This gas creates bubbles in the dough, allowing it to rise and become airy. Using instant yeast in this recipe makes the process even easier, as it doesn’t require proofing in water before being mixed into the dough.
Finally, butter and eggs play essential roles in enriching the dough. Butter adds a subtle, buttery flavor and helps create a tender texture, while eggs contribute to the bread’s structure, ensuring it holds together well without being too dense. These ingredients work together to make a loaf that’s not only delicious but also beautifully soft and rich.
Technique Tips for Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread
Achieving perfect homemade bread isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s also about mastering a few key techniques. While this bread is quite simple, keeping these tips in mind will ensure your loaf turns out soft, airy, and flavorful every time.
First, make sure your yeast is active. Yeast is the driving force behind the bread’s rise, so if it’s expired or inactive, the dough won’t rise properly. When mixing the yeast with warm milk, wait 5–10 minutes to check for bubbles. If there’s no foaming, the yeast may be dead, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
Second, don’t rush the kneading process. Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure. If you skimp on kneading, the dough won’t be as elastic, leading to a dense loaf. If using a stand mixer, knead for 8–10 minutes on medium speed. If kneading by hand, stretch and fold the dough repeatedly until it feels smooth and slightly tacky.
Lastly, be patient with the rise time. Many home bakers get excited and bake their dough before it has fully risen, but this can result in a dense, heavy loaf. The first rise should be at least an hour, and the second rise should take 30 minutes to allow for maximum fluffiness. If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a warm spot, such as inside an oven with the light on.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
While a simple loaf is always a winner, there are plenty of fun ways to shape and present Sweet Condensed Milk Bread to make it extra special. With a little creativity, you can turn this dough into rolls, braids, or even a festive pull-apart bread.
One beautiful variation is braided bread. After the first rise, divide the dough into three equal strands and braid them together. This technique gives the loaf an elegant, bakery-style appearance while keeping the texture just as soft and airy. A light egg wash before baking enhances the golden shine of the crust.
Another fun idea is sweet condensed milk rolls. Instead of shaping a single loaf, divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls. Arrange them in a circular pattern in a cake pan, allowing them to rise until they touch. Once baked, these pull-apart rolls are perfect for sharing and make a great addition to brunch spreads.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, consider stuffing the bread with fillings like chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, or even a sweetened condensed milk glaze. Simply roll out the dough, spread your desired filling, and roll it up before baking. The result is a delicious, gooey center that takes this bread to the next level.
Freezing and Storing Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread
One of the best things about homemade bread is that it stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy fresh slices for days. If you plan to store your bread at room temperature, let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Properly stored, it will stay soft for 3–4 days. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as refrigeration can cause bread to dry out faster.
For longer storage, freezing is your best option. To freeze, slice the bread once it has cooled completely, then place individual slices in a resealable freezer bag. This way, you can easily grab a slice at a time without defrosting the whole loaf. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply toast a frozen slice, or let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
If you prefer to freeze the dough instead of the baked loaf, shape it into a loaf or rolls after the first rise, then wrap it tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw and complete its second rise before baking as usual. This method allows you to enjoy freshly baked bread with minimal effort whenever you crave it.Healthier Twist Ideas
If you’d like to make a slightly healthier version of this bread without sacrificing its soft, fluffy texture, a few simple swaps can make a big difference.
One option is to substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Using 1 cup of whole wheat flour along with 2 cups of all-purpose flour will add extra fiber while keeping the bread light and airy. You can also add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal for an extra boost of omega-3s.
For a lower-sugar version, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk and replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. While this will slightly change the flavor, the bread will still be lightly sweet and delicious.
If you want to boost the protein content, consider adding Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to the dough. These ingredients not only enhance the bread’s moisture but also increase its nutritional value, making it a great option for a more filling breakfast.
Serving Suggestions for Events
Sweet Condensed Milk Bread is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it at a holiday gathering.
For a cozy breakfast, pair this bread with butter, jam, or Nutella and a steaming cup of tea or coffee. The soft texture and subtle sweetness make it a great alternative to store-bought pastries.
If you’re hosting a brunch or afternoon tea, slice the bread and serve it alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a selection of cheeses. The slightly sweet taste complements both savory and sweet toppings, making it a versatile addition to any table.
For a special holiday treat, turn this bread into dessert by drizzling it with a condensed milk glaze or serving it with a scoop of ice cream. It’s also an excellent base for bread pudding, soaking up custard beautifully while maintaining its soft texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes! You can replace the egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or an extra tablespoon of melted butter.
2. How do I make this bread fluffier?
Make sure to knead the dough well and allow enough time for both rises. A well-risen dough creates the fluffiest texture.
3. Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
No, evaporated milk is unsweetened and won’t provide the same richness or sweetness.
4. Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes! Simply add the ingredients in the order recommended by your bread machine and use the basic bread setting.
5. Why didn’t my bread rise properly?
Check that your yeast is fresh and that your dough is in a warm place to rise.
Conclusion
Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread is a delightful recipe that brings bakery-style softness and sweetness right to your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or as a dessert, it’s a versatile treat that’s sure to become a household favorite. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Sweet Condensed Milk Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf or 8 individual rolls 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (around 110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup (60g) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) warm water (if needed, to adjust dough consistency)
For Brushing:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g