Homemade Soft White Bread Loaf

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This bread is extremely soft, tall, fluffy, and golden on top—exactly like the beautiful loaves in your photo. Simple ingredients and guaranteed success even for beginners.

Ingredients

  • 5 cups all-purpose flour (about 600 g)
  • 2 cups warm water (not hot)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk powder (optional but makes bread softer)
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

  1. In a bowl, mix warm water + sugar.
  2. Add yeast and stir.
  3. Let it sit 10 minutes until foamy.

If it doesn’t foam, restart with fresh yeast.

2. Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, add flour, milk powder, and salt.
  2. Pour in the activated yeast mixture.
  3. Add oil or melted butter.
  4. Mix until a dough forms.
  5. Knead for 8–10 minutes until soft and elastic.
    • Dough should be slightly sticky but still easy to handle.

3. Let the Dough Rise

  1. Lightly oil the bowl.
  2. Place the dough inside and cover with a cloth.
  3. Let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape the Loaves

  1. Punch the dough down gently.
  2. Divide into 2 equal parts.
  3. Shape each part into a smooth loaf.
  4. Place each loaf in a greased bread pan.
  5. Sprinkle a bit of flour on top (like in the picture).

5. Second Rise

Let the loaves rise again for 30–45 minutes, until they puff up over the edge of the pan.

This step gives the tall, fluffy shape you see in the photo.

6. Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until tops are golden.
  3. Remove from pans and let cool on a rack.

(Optional) Brush with melted butter for a soft shiny finish.

7. Serve

Slice and enjoy with butter, jam, honey, or make sandwiches.

This bread stays soft for 3–4 days.

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