Quick Description
This Japanese-inspired milk bread is ultra-soft, slightly sweet, and buttery. With its beautiful layered pull-apart design, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Perfect with butter, jam, or used for sandwiches.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 10–12 slices
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Rise Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 2.5–3 hours
Ingredients List
Dough:
- 3 cups bread flour (360 g)
- 3 tbsp sugar (40 g)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup warm milk (240 ml)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (45 g)
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for glossy top)
Instructions
-
Make Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add egg and warm milk. Mix until shaggy dough forms.
- Knead (by hand or mixer) for 8–10 minutes, until smooth.
-
Add Butter
- Gradually knead in softened butter. Continue kneading until dough is elastic and passes the “windowpane test.”
-
First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
-
Shape Bread
- Roll dough into a rectangle, cut into strips, and stack them in a greased loaf pan (as shown in the picture for the layered look).
-
Second Rise
- Cover and let rise again for 40–50 minutes, until puffy.
-
Egg Wash & Bake
- Brush with egg wash.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
-
Cool & Serve
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing or pulling apart.
Additional Notes
- Add 1 tbsp milk powder for an extra rich flavor.
- Substitute half milk with cream for an ultra-soft texture.
- Can also be baked in a regular loaf pan instead of layered design.
Dietary Info
- ✅ Vegetarian
- ❌ Not gluten-free
- ❌ Not dairy-free (unless swapped with plant milk + vegan butter)
Recipe Variations & Serving Ideas
- Sweet version: Add chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, or jam layers.
- Savory version: Brush with garlic butter and parsley after baking.
- Mini rolls: Divide into small buns instead of one loaf.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store at room temp up to 3 days.
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months; reheat in toaster/oven.
Call-to-Action
If you’ve never made homemade bread before, this is the perfect beginner-friendly recipe to try. Soft, buttery, and pull-apart irresistible — you’ll never go back to store-bought!
