Why You’ll Love This Fairy Milk Bread Recipe
Fairy Milk Bread, with its ultra-soft texture and deliciously sweet flavor, is a treat that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re indulging in it on a cozy morning or sharing it with loved ones, this bread’s gentle sweetness and pillowy-soft crumb make it impossible to resist. The addition of a homemade cranberry cheese spread elevates the flavor profile to another level, offering a creamy and slightly tart contrast to the bread’s sweet softness.
The best part? You can customize it with your favorite fillings to make it your own! Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory spreads, or want to try something new, this recipe provides a base that’s versatile and delicious. The unique colors of cactus or dragon fruit powder, paired with purple sweet potato powder, add a visual pop that will wow your guests even before they take a bite.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin creating your Fairy Milk Bread with Cranberry Cheese Spread, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cranberry Cheese Spread Ingredients:
- 80g cream cheese
- 6g powdered sugar
- 5g dried cranberries
- A dash of cactus fruit powder (optional, for coloring)
Fairy Milk Bread (Toast) Ingredients:
- 240g high-gluten flour (for that pillowy texture)
- 10g milk powder (adds a rich, creamy flavor)
- 25g sugar (a touch of sweetness)
- 3g salt
- 3g yeast
- 1 egg
- 100g milk (preferably room temperature)
- 25g unsalted butter (adds tenderness)
- 3g cactus or dragon fruit powder (optional for color)
- 3g purple sweet potato powder (adds depth and vibrant color)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your Fairy Milk Bread with Cranberry Cheese Spread:
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Cheese Spread
Start by preparing the cranberry cheese spread to give it time to chill while you make the bread.
- In a bowl, mix 80g of cream cheese with 6g of powdered sugar until smooth.
- Chop 5g of dried cranberries into small pieces and add them to the cream cheese mixture.
- If you want to give the spread a beautiful color, add a dash of cactus fruit powder (optional).
- Stir everything together until the cranberries are well distributed, and the spread is smooth.
- Set the cranberry cheese spread aside in the fridge while you prepare the bread.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Now, let’s move on to making the soft and fluffy Fairy Milk Bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 240g of high-gluten flour, 10g of milk powder, 25g of sugar, 3g of salt, and 3g of yeast. Mix them together.
- Crack 1 egg into the bowl and add 100g of milk. Stir until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Gradually add 25g of unsalted butter to the dough, kneading it until smooth and elastic. This can take about 8-10 minutes by hand, or you can use a stand mixer for convenience.
- If you’re using coloring powders, add 3g of cactus or dragon fruit powder and 3g of purple sweet potato powder to the dough. Knead again to evenly distribute the colors throughout the dough.
- Once the dough is smooth, cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
After the dough has risen:
- Punch down the dough to release the air.
- Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into small portions, depending on how big you want your individual loaves to be. You can shape the dough into small rolls or a single loaf.
- If you want to add any additional fillings, like jam, chocolate, or nuts, now’s the time! Gently flatten each dough portion and add a spoonful of your filling. Fold the dough around it and pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Second Rise and Baking
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Step 5: Serve with Cranberry Cheese Spread
Once the Fairy Milk Bread has cooled slightly, slice it into thick, soft pieces. Spread a generous amount of cranberry cheese spread on top, and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, tangy cheese and sweet, fluffy bread.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Gluten Flour: High-gluten flour is key to achieving that soft, airy texture. Don’t substitute it with all-purpose flour for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the dough rise properly is crucial for light and fluffy bread. Be patient and give it enough time to double in size.
- Customize Your Fillings: You can add different fillings to the Fairy Milk Bread dough, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even a savory cheese filling if you’re not into sweet spreads.
- Don’t Overmix the Cranberry Spread: When preparing the cranberry cheese spread, mix it just enough to incorporate the ingredients. Overmixing can cause it to lose its creamy texture.
Variations to Try
Fairy Milk Bread is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and fillings. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Cinnamon Swirl Fairy Milk Bread: Add a cinnamon-sugar filling to the dough before baking for a delightful spiced twist on the classic.
- Chocolate Chip Fairy Milk Bread: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for an extra touch of sweetness. The gooey chocolate melting into the soft bread will be irresistible.
- Savory Option: For a savory version, you can skip the sugar and cranberry cheese spread. Instead, fill the bread with a cheese blend, sautéed vegetables, or even a bit of ham and cheese for a delicious sandwich bread.
- Mixed Berry Filling: Use a mixture of fresh or frozen berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) for a fruity filling that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese spread.
Storing and Reheating
To store your Fairy Milk Bread:
- At Room Temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap for up to 2-3 days.
- In the Fridge: If you prefer to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bread for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or a freezer-safe bag before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat the bread, you can place it in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick warm-up in the microwave for 20-30 seconds works just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of high-gluten flour?
A: While high-gluten flour is ideal for creating the soft, airy texture of Fairy Milk Bread, you can use all-purpose flour if you don’t have high-gluten flour on hand. Just be aware that the bread might be a little denser.
Q: Can I make the cranberry cheese spread ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry cheese spread a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I add different fillings to the bread?
A: Yes! Feel free to add your favorite fillings. You can use chocolate chips, jam, nuts, or even savory fillings like cheese or ham for a unique twist.
The Final Word
Fairy Milk Bread with Cranberry Cheese Spread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, a snack, or a special gathering, the soft, fluffy bread paired with the tangy cranberry cheese spread will leave you craving more. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste and make it your own. So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and enjoy the magic of this delightful recipe!