Print

Cloud-Soft, Easy Yeast Bread: A Foolproof Homemade Loaf

Close-up of a freshly baked loaf of fluffy yeast bread, showing the soft, white interior crumb and golden crust.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Bake a soft, fluffy yeast bread loaf that tastes like it came from a bakery. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients and is designed to be foolproof for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This confirms your yeast is active.
  2. Stir the salt and melted butter into the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You are building gluten structure here.
  5. Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This is the first rise.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a uniform loaf and place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  8. Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dough has crowned about 1 inch above the rim of the pan. This is the second rise.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  11. Remove the bread from the pan immediately and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For an extra soft crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
  • If your kitchen is cool, place the covered dough in the oven with just the light turned on to create a warm environment for rising.
  • This recipe is excellent for making homemade sandwich bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/easy-yeast-bread-recipe-fluffy-homemade-loaf/