Heavenly Layered Pull-Apart Milk Bread

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 150ml (⅔ cup) warm milk
• 4g (1¼ teaspoons) dry yeast or 12g (2½ teaspoons) fresh yeast
• 30g (2 tablespoons) butter, softened
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ⅓ teaspoon salt
• 40g (3 tablespoons) sugar
• 320-350g (2½-2¾ cups) all-purpose wheat flour

For Layering and Finishing:

• 30g (2 tablespoons) butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons sweetened milk for glazing
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough

1. Combine warm milk with yeast and a small portion of sugar in a bowl
2. Let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes until foamy
3. In a separate large bowl, mix remaining sugar, softened butter, egg, and salt
4. Add the activated yeast mixture to the bowl
5. Gradually incorporate flour while kneading
6. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic

2. First Rise

1. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl
2. Cover with a clean kitchen towel
3. Place in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size

3. Shaping the Bread

1. Roll dough into a rectangle on a floured surface
2. Spread 30g softened butter evenly across the surface
3. Make parallel cuts 1 inch apart, leaving the bottom connected
4. Carefully arrange strips in a loaf pan, creating layers

4. Second Rise and Baking

1. Let the shaped loaf rise for 30 minutes
2. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
3. Brush top with sweetened milk
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 slices)

• Calories: 185
• Total Fat: 6.5g
• Saturated Fat: 3.8g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 4.5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

Time Requirements:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 90 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Professional Baking Tips

Creating the perfect milk bread requires attention to detail. The dough’s temperature and consistency are crucial factors in achieving the desired texture. Maintain all ingredients at room temperature for optimal results. When kneading, the dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not stick to your hands. The butter should be softened but not melted to ensure proper incorporation.

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace regular milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist
• Substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version
• Add matcha powder (1-2 teaspoons) for a Japanese-inspired variation
• Incorporate chocolate chips between layers for a sweet variation
• Use whole wheat flour for up to 30% of the total flour for added nutrition