- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy and activated.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, condensed milk, softened butter, salt, and the activated yeast mixture.
- Using a dough hook attachment (if using a stand mixer) or your hands, knead the dough until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. This may take about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal portions, shaping each portion into a ball or desired shape.
- Place the shaped dough portions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each portion. Cover them loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the risen dough with beaten egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top, if desired.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Conclusion: With its pillowy soft texture and irresistible sweetness, this cloud-soft condensed milk bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a slather of butter or used to make sandwiches or toast, this heavenly loaf is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of baking your own homemade bread like never before.