Nothing fills my kitchen with joy quite like the scent of sweetened condensed milk bread rising in the oven. As a chef, this is one of my favorite loaves to make not just because it’s incredibly soft and fluffy, but because it strikes that perfect balance of sweet, rich, and comforting. One bite and you’ll know why it belongs on your table for breakfast, tea time, or just because you deserve it days.
“Light as a cloud, sweet as a hug condensed milk bread is pure, pillowy bliss.” – @BreadCrumbBliss
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Sweetened Condensed Milk Bread
What sets this bread apart from typical white bread is the sweetened condensed milk. It gives this loaf a luxurious richness and natural sweetness without being overwhelming. And oh, the texture it’s like biting into the softest dinner roll you’ve ever had, only better.
- Ultra soft texture: The condensed milk adds both moisture and softness, creating that signature fluffy crumb.
- Gently sweet: It’s sweet enough to enjoy plain, but subtle enough to use for sandwiches.
- No mixer required: You can make this by hand just give it a good knead.
- Versatile: Makes amazing French toast, sliders, or simply toast with butter and jam.
- Beginner friendly: With just one rise and basic ingredients, it’s a fantastic intro to enriched bread doughs.
Looking for more soft and dreamy breads? Check out our tender cloud soft milk bread or this ever popular milk bread recipe for inspiration.
Step by Step Guide to Making Sweetened Condensed Milk Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour 🌾
- 1/4 cup sugar 🍬
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 1 tbsp instant yeast 🍞
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk 🥛
- 1/2 cup warm milk 🥛
- 2 tbsp melted butter 🧈
- 1 egg 🥚
Directions
1: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Whisk until smooth.
3: Form the Dough
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4: First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel.
- Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5: Shape and Second Rise
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
- Place into a greased loaf pan, cover again, and let rise for 30 minutes.
6: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
7: Cool and Enjoy
- Remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
“This is the kind of bread that disappears the moment it hits the table. One slice turns into three before you know it.” – @SweetLoafChronicles
What Makes This Sweetened Condensed Milk Bread So Irresistible?
The Secret Behind the Softness
The magic of this bread lies in its sweetened condensed milk. As a chef, I’ve worked with all kinds of enriched doughs, but this one always surprises me with how soft and tender the crumb turns out. Here’s why:
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds both richness and a silky moisture to the dough, locking in tenderness.
- Warm milk: Enhances the softness and activates the yeast gently for an even rise.
- Butter + egg: Contribute richness and create a velvety, pliable dough that bakes up like a dream.
“Enriched with milk, butter, and egg this bread doesn’t just rise, it blooms into something spectacular.” – @RiseAndKnead
Why This Bread Is Perfect for Every Occasion
This isn’t just another loaf it’s your all in one base for breakfast, snacks, and even desserts. Whether you’re slicing it warm from the oven or toasting it the next morning, it always delivers.
- Breakfast: Toast it and top with jam, honey, or even peanut butter and banana.
- Sandwiches: Perfect for tea sandwiches, sliders, or a sweet savory twist on grilled cheese.
- Dessert base: Use it for bread pudding, French toast, or drizzle with condensed milk and berries.
- Kids’ favorite: Soft enough for little ones and naturally sweet they’ll love it with just a bit of butter.
Serve it with our popular strawberry crunch cheesecake for a delightful afternoon tea, or pair it with vanilla pound cake to create a luxurious dessert platter.
Tips for a Perfect Bake Every Time
- Use warm not hot milk: The ideal temp is around 100°F (38°C). Too hot and it will kill your yeast.
- Knead until elastic: A smooth, stretchy dough helps create that airy, fluffy crumb we’re after.
- Let it proof in a warm space: I like to use my oven with just the light on it’s the perfect gentle heat environment.
- Brush with butter: As soon as it comes out of the oven, brush the top with butter for a golden, glossy finish and soft crust.
Want to improve your kneading technique? Check out our full soft bread dough tutorial for foolproof tips and texture tricks.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Bread vs. Other Loaves
To appreciate how special this bread is, here’s a comparison chart showing how it stands next to other classic homemade breads:
| Bread Type | Main Enrichment | Texture | Sweetness | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condensed Milk Bread | Condensed milk, egg, butter | Ultra soft, fluffy | Mildly sweet | Toast, sandwiches, snacking |
| Milk Bread | Milk, oil, sugar | Soft, airy | Subtly sweet | Daily loaf, French toast |
| Milk Brioche | Butter, eggs, milk | Rich, tender | Moderate to high | Pastries, dessert toast |
| Cloud Milk Bread | Condensed milk, cream | Feather light, airy | Slightly sweeter | Breakfast, rolls, buns |
“This isn’t just bread it’s a dessert’s best friend, a breakfast hero, and a midnight snack savior all in one.” – @LoafGoals
Creative Mix Ins and Toppings
This dough is a fantastic canvas for flavor. You can add simple ingredients to make it even more delicious and tailored to your taste:
- Raisins or dried cranberries: Add 1/3 cup into the dough for a fruity finish.
- Orange zest: A tablespoon of zest adds bright, citrusy notes that pair well with the condensed milk.
- Chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup for a dessert style bread the kids will adore.
- Sesame or poppy seeds: Sprinkle on top before baking for visual appeal and crunch.
- Glaze it: Mix powdered sugar and a splash of milk to drizzle over cooled slices for a quick breakfast sweet.
You can also try stuffing the dough with cream cheese and jam for filled rolls or slicing and baking it into cubes to create the base for a next level milk custard dessert.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Enjoy it Fresh or Save it for Later
Like most soft breads, this one is best the day it’s baked, but with a little care, you can keep it tasting bakery fresh:
- Room Temperature: Wrap tightly and store in a bread box or airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Not recommended it can dry the bread out unless tightly sealed.
- Freezing: Slice the cooled loaf and freeze with parchment between slices. Toast directly from frozen.
- Reviving: Lightly toast or microwave for 15-20 seconds and slather with butter or jam.
Pair slices of this bread with our cozy vegetable soup or next to a bowl of cowboy soup for a sweet meets savory combo that’s as satisfying as it is comforting.
“Bread this soft shouldn’t last long but if it does, your toaster will thank you.” – @SliceReviver
Calories and Nutrition (Per Slice – Based on 10 Servings)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 1g
“Soft and slightly sweet, with just 150 calories it’s the kind of bread you’ll keep sneaking slices of.” – @SliceBySlice
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweetened Condensed Milk Bread
Can I use all purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Absolutely. This recipe is designed for all purpose flour, which keeps the bread soft and fluffy. If you use bread flour, the loaf may be slightly chewier, but still delicious.
Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of plain yogurt or applesauce. The texture might be a little less rich, but the bread will still rise well and stay moist.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can make your own by simmering 2 cups of milk with 3/4 cup of sugar until reduced to about 1 cup. Or, use evaporated milk plus extra sugar but the signature flavor of condensed milk will be missing.
Why did my bread turn out dense?
This can happen if the yeast was old, the dough wasn’t kneaded enough, or it didn’t rise properly. Be sure to knead until smooth and let the dough double in size during proofing.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, you can shape the dough into buns or use a round cake pan. Just be sure to watch the baking time it may vary slightly based on shape and thickness.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The top should be golden brown, and when you tap the loaf, it should sound hollow. An instant read thermometer inserted into the center should read about 190°F (88°C).
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use two loaf pans or a larger one, and adjust the baking time by adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Is this bread suitable for French toast?
Yes, and it’s divine! Slice thick, dip in your favorite egg milk mixture, and pan fry until golden. The condensed milk flavor adds a sweet note that pairs beautifully with syrup or berries.
Can I make it dairy free?
It’s tricky, but possible. Use plant based butter, dairy free milk, and sweetened coconut condensed milk (available in some stores). The texture may differ slightly but will still be soft.
What’s the best way to slice the bread without squishing it?
Let the bread cool completely before slicing, and use a serrated bread knife. A warm loaf is tempting, but slicing too early can flatten the crumb.