Feathery Soft Milk Bread (Without Tangzhong)

A soft and fluffy milk bread that melts in your mouth. No tangzhong is required for this feather light milk bread recipe. Detailed step-by-step instructions and a tutorial video are included.

Milk Bread Recipe without tangzhong

A good news for a milk bread lover! This easy recipe does not require tangzhong.

This feather light milk bread is made with ingredients and a technique that produces a soft and moist crumb without using the traditional method. And it’s a whole lot easier to knead.

So why not take an easy route?

You will still get the same fabulous feathery and stringy texture, and a delicate crumb that traditional loaf of milk bread has. It tastes so good that you will never want to bake with Tangzhong ever again.

Why you will like no tangzhong milk bread

1. No tangzhong method – Needless to say, Tangzhong makes the bread soft and fluffy. But I came to find out that you can still make a feather-like milk bread without Tangzhong; by using the heavy whipping cream!
2. No dough enhancer – You don’t need the enhancer either to get the soft and fluffy texture.
3. Easier and quicker – than using the traditional tangzhong method.
4. Texture – ultimately soft, tender, and moist texture.
5. Taste – milky delicious in every bite.
6. Stay fresh – up to 3 days.

Recipe FAQs

Can I omit dry milk from the bread recipe?

Yes, but I highly recommend adding it. Dry milk provides a smoother and more mellow flavor. It also helps bread results in a more tender texture and a significantly higher rise.

Can I bake milk bread in a regular loaf pan?

Of course. You can use any 9×5 inch loaf pan instead of the pullman loaf pan. You won’t get the straight sides that you see in traditional Japanese milk bread, though.

Can I make milk bread in a bread maker?

Absolutely! Just follow the recipe and mix the dry ingredients into wet ingredients. However, because each bread machine is different, you may have to adjust the recipe to your situation. The size of pan in the bread machine can vary, so the bread can come out either less tall in wider pans or taller in smaller pans depending on what you have. This recipe will fit 1 lb dough size pan.

What does milk bread taste like?

It has a milky-sweet and buttery taste. The feathery soft texture tears into fine strands and melts in your mouth. Good milk bread shouldn’t have the naturally leavened holes or sourdough tang.

Ingredients for making milk bread

• bread flour: provides high gluten and makes the signature stringy crumb
• sugar: milk breads are slightly sweet bread
• egg: I use a large egg.
• instant yeast: If you need to use active yeast instead of instant yeast, proof the active yeast with warm milk first, then add to the rest of ingredients.
• dry milk powder: Don’t miss out! It adds rich milk flavor to the bread and helps soften the texture.
• milk: I used whole milk but you can substitute with reduced fat milk. (no less than 2%, though)
• heavy cream or whipping cream: It provides fat and keeps the bread moist and add milky taste.

Kitchen tools needed

• pullman loaf pan – or 9×5-inch loaf pan
• stand mixer
• mixing bowl
• mini rolling pin

Pullman loaf pan: You can bake the milk bread in a traditional 9×5-inch loaf pan. I like to bake it in the Pullman loaf pan. Its straight-sided shape makes the milk bread look more attractive. And that’s the milk bread shape you see in most Asian bakeries. However, I did not use a lid that comes with most Pullman loaf pans. I want to keep the gorgeous round mounds on top.

How to make Milk Bread without Tangzhong

Making the bread dough

Step 1. Mix wet ingredients

Mix milk, cream, sugar, egg, yeast, dry milk powder, yeast, and sugar with a wooden spoon. Then add flour and mix well.

Step 2. Add dry ingredients and knead

If using a stand mixer, attach dough hook and knead the dough on low (stir mode) setting for 12-15 minutes. The dough will be very sticky. Add extra 2-3 tablespoons of flour if needed. Resist adding too much flour. Otherwise you won’t obtain the fluffy texture.

If kneading by hand, it will take about 6-8 minutes until the dough becomes soft and elastic, and won’t stick to you hands.

Step 3. Let the dough rise

Shape into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until double in volume; about 1 hr.

Step 4. Divide the dough

Divide the dough into 3 equal portions. Roll each dough into a ball shape and let them rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten.

How to roll milk bread

1. Using a small rolling pin, roll the dough into 7-8 inch long. Then flip the dough to the other side so that the smooth surface will face down. It will create a smooth crust.
2. Fold the dough into thirds.
3. Rotate the dough to 90˚ degree so that the layered side is facing toward you. Start rolling the dough tightly, pinching the seam together to secure.
4. Transfer dough in a greased pan, seam side down, and press down the top gently with your hand. That will help even out the round top. Cover and let it rise until double in volume; about 40 minutes.

Egg wash and Bake

Brush the top with egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden brown crust. Bake in a preheated 350˚F oven for 22-25 minutes. If the top gets brown too quickly, tent with a piece of foil loosely.

Recipe Tip: When the bread comes out of oven, give it a strong tap once on a counter top. That will prevent the soft crust from sagging down and wrinkle. Brush with melted butter immediately to get the shiny look. Take the bread out of pan and let it cool on a wired rack.

How to serve milk bread

Milk bread tastes best on the day it is made and when it is still warm. You can either slice the bread or tear along. Spread with butter and your favorite jam. It also toasts beautifully and makes great breakfast (see my Korean street toast recipe). It also makes a wonderful sandwich bread, too.

Storage Tip

This milk bread will stay fresh and moist for 3 days. It also freezes well up to 3 months. When ready, just thaw out in a room temperature for 15-20 minutes and reheat in a 300˚F oven for 8-10 minutes.

Watch recipe video