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Foolproof Easy Yeast Bread Recipe for Soft, Fluffy Homemade Loaves

Close-up of a freshly baked loaf of yeast bread sliced open, showing a soft, fluffy interior and golden crust.
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I’m Alex, and I want to show you how simple it is to bake truly exceptional, soft, and fluffy yeast bread. This beginner-friendly recipe uses instant yeast for quick results, giving you that perfect golden crust and tender crumb every time you bake from scratch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 105°F to 115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions

  1. Combine the warm milk and instant yeast in a large bowl. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. This confirms your yeast is active.
  2. Stir the sugar, salt, and softened butter into the yeast mixture until the butter starts to dissolve. Add the beaten egg and mix briefly.
  3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. You may not need all the flour.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten for a soft texture.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This is your first proof.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a uniform loaf and place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  7. Cover the loaf pan loosely and let the dough rise again in a warm spot for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the dough has crested about 1 inch over the rim of the pan. This is your second proof.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) about 15 minutes before the second rise finishes.
  9. Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  10. Remove the bread from the pan immediately after baking and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling on a rack prevents a soggy bottom crust.

Notes

  • For an extra golden crust, brush the top of the loaf lightly with melted butter right after it comes out of the oven.
  • If you want a slightly sweeter loaf, similar to Amish white bread, increase the sugar to 1/3 cup.
  • If your kitchen is cool, place the dough in the oven with just the light on to create a warm proofing spot.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/easy-yeast-bread-recipe-soft-fluffy-loaf/

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