Golden Pull-Apart Milk Bread Loaf is soft, fluffy, and irresistibly tender with a lightly sweet, buttery flavor. Each piece pulls apart effortlessly, making it perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or serving alongside soups and dinners. This bakery-style milk bread is rich yet delicate, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
If you love pillowy-soft bread with a beautiful golden crust, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Soft & Fluffy – Cloud-like texture
- Lightly Sweet & Buttery – Perfect balance of flavor
- Beautiful Pull-Apart Loaf – Fun and impressive
- Versatile – Great for sweet or savory uses
- Homemade Bakery Quality – Better than store-bought
- Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead with ease
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. - Mix Ingredients:
Add egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. - Knead:
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. - First Rise:
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1–1½ hours). - Shape the Loaf:
Divide dough into equal pieces. Roll into balls and arrange in a greased loaf pan. - Second Rise:
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes. - Bake:
Brush with milk and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28–32 minutes until golden. - Cool & Serve:
Cool slightly before pulling apart and serving.
How to Serve
- Breakfast: With butter, jam, or honey
- Savory Side: Perfect with soups and stews
- Sandwich Bread: Use pulled pieces for sliders
- Sweet Treat: Toast and spread with Nutella
Additional Tips
- Use warm milk, not hot
- Don’t add too much flour, soft dough is key
- Cover loosely during second rise
- Brush with butter after baking for extra softness
Variations
- Honey Milk Bread: Replace sugar with honey
- Garlic Butter Version: Brush with garlic butter after baking
- Cheese Pull-Apart: Add cheese between dough balls
- Cinnamon Sugar Twist: Roll pieces in cinnamon sugar
Storage & Freezing
- Store: At room temperature up to 3 days
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (wrap tightly)
- Reheat: Warm gently in oven or microwave
Special Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast?
Yes, proof it in warm milk first.
Why is my bread dense?
Too much flour or under-rising can cause density.
Can I make this overnight?
Yes, refrigerate after first rise and bake the next day.
Is milk bread sweet?
Lightly sweet, not dessert-level.
Conclusion
Golden Pull-Apart Milk Bread Loaf is soft, tender, and beautifully golden, everything homemade bread should be. Whether served sweet or savory, this fluffy loaf brings bakery-quality comfort straight to your table.
