Description
Homemade Buttery White Bread Delight offers a comforting slice of pure warmth from traditional baking techniques. Pillowy layers of golden-brown crust and tender crumb invite home bakers to savor each delectable bite of this classic bread recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3.25 cups (780 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7 grams) or 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
Flavor Enhancers:
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
Instructions
- Craft the dry foundation by thoroughly whisking flour, salt, and active dry yeast in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
- Create a luxurious liquid base by gently blending room-temperature melted butter with warm water (110°F to 115°F / 43°C to 46°C), which will contribute to the bread’s rich, tender crumb.
- Gradually incorporate the buttery liquid into the flour mixture, stirring methodically until a shaggy, cohesive dough emerges, being careful to avoid excessive manipulation.
- Transfer the nascent dough onto a lightly floured surface and embark on a rhythmic kneading process for 6 to 8 minutes, developing gluten strands that will provide structural integrity and delightful elasticity.
- Nestle the kneaded dough into a generously greased large bowl, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and position in a draft-free, warm environment for approximately 60 to 75 minutes until the volume doubles.
- Deflate the risen dough with gentle punches, then partition into two equal segments, carefully molding each into a smooth, elongated loaf that fits perfectly in greased 9-inch by 5-inch (23-centimeter by 13-centimeter) loaf pans.
- Allow the shaped loaves a second proofing period, covered, for 35 to 45 minutes, creating an airy, pillowy texture.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack in the center, and bake the loaves for 32 to 38 minutes until they achieve a golden-amber crust and sound hollow when tapped.
- Extract the baked loaves and permit them to rest in the pans for 12 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack, allowing complete cooling for optimal slicing and maximum flavor development.
Notes
- Butter enhances the bread’s richness, creating a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth with every delightful bite.
- Proper kneading develops gluten networks, transforming a sticky mixture into a smooth, elastic dough that promises a perfect rise and airy texture.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure consistent mixing and optimal yeast activation, preventing potential temperature-related baking mishaps.
- Rising times are crucial for developing complex flavors and achieving that signature soft, pillowy bread texture that makes homemade loaves irresistible.
- A golden-brown crust signals perfectly baked bread, indicating a crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender interior.
- Cooling allows the bread’s internal structure to set, preventing a gummy texture and ensuring clean, beautiful slices every time.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg