Stumble upon the secret to making the softest, fluffiest butter bread without the hassle of a mixer. This simple recipe brings the delight of homemade bread to your kitchen with minimal effort and ingredients. Perfect for those looking for a straightforward baking project that yields impressive results.
Ingredients:
- 300g (approximately 2 cups) Bread Flour or Wheat Flour
- 1 Egg (see tip for substitution)
- 38g (about 3 tablespoons) Sugar
- 150ml Milk
- 3g (1 teaspoon) Instant Yeast
- 3g (1/2 teaspoon) Salt
- 28g (2 tablespoons) Unsalted Butter, softened (additional butter for spreading)
- Egg Wash (optional)
Baking Tools:
- Loaf Pan (approximately 8.9″x4.4″x2.2″ or 22.8×11.3×5.8cm)
Instructions:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the milk and egg. If opting out of using an egg, remember to adjust the milk quantity accordingly.
- Knead the Dough: Bring everything together and knead by hand until the dough starts to form. It should be slightly sticky and elastic. Gradually incorporate the softened unsalted butter into the dough as you knead.
- Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for about 20 minutes. There’s no need for a long fermentation process; just enough time for the dough to become easier to handle.
- Shape and Fill: After resting, roll out the dough into a large sheet on a floured surface. Spread a thin layer of butter (salted or unsalted, as per your preference) over the dough. For an extra fluffy texture, you can fold the dough sheet a few times before finally rolling it up.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the rolled dough into the greased loaf pan. Let it sit for a few minutes while you preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Bake: Brush the top of the dough with egg wash for a golden finish (optional). Bake in the preheated oven for 22 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bread to cool before slicing. Enjoy the unparalleled softness and fluffy texture of your homemade butter bread.
Important Tips:
- Egg Substitute: For an egg-free version, increase the milk by 35-40ml.
- No Need for Extended Fermentation: Simply let the dough rest for 20 minutes before shaping.
- Butter Flexibility: Both salted and unsalted butter are suitable for spreading on the dough sheet, adjusting according to your taste preference.
This butter bread recipe is a game-changer for those in search of a hassle-free, mixer-free method to achieve bakery-quality bread at home. The soft, fluffy slices are perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dinner, and promise to be a hit with all who try them.
