Soft English Muffin Bread – Dive into the simplicity of homemade delight. With our Soft English Muffin Bread recipe! Perfectly soft with the beloved nooks and crannies of traditional English muffins. This bread combines the ease of baking. With the comfort of breakfast classics. Featuring staple ingredients like flour, yeast, and milk. This recipe promises a delicious outcome. With minimal fuss.
The first time I attempted this recipe. It was a rainy Sunday morning. Eager to impress my family with something special. I decided to try making bread. That had the texture of an English muffin. But with the simplicity of a loaf. My husband. Always a bit skeptical of my baking experiments. And our little one. Eager for something yummy. Were both drawn to the kitchen. By the aroma of freshly baked bread. As we sliced the first piece. Their smiles told me everything I needed to know. It was a hit!
What makes this Soft English Muffin Bread truly stands out?
This Soft English Muffin Bread stands out. Due to its incredible texture. And ease of preparation. Unlike traditional English muffins. There’s no need for dough rolling. Or cutting. This recipe is straightforward. Requiring just a single rise. And straightforward ingredients. Making it accessible. For bakers of any skill level. The result is a soft, fluffy loaf. Packed with the signature nooks and crannies. That are perfect for holding pools of melted butter. Or your favorite jam.
What You Need To Make This Soft English Muffin Bread Recipe?
Flour: Start with 4 ½ cups. But be prepared to adjust slightly. To achieve the perfect dough consistency.
Yeast: Two tablespoons help the bread rise perfectly. Giving it that characteristic texture.
Honey: Adds a slight sweetness. Can be substituted with sugar. Based on your preference.
Warm Water & Milk: Temperature is crucial (110°F). It activates the yeast without killing it. Ensuring your bread rises well.
Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor. Without overpowering the subtle tastes of the other ingredients.
Baking Soda: Works with the yeast to help the bread rise. And create those sought-after air pockets.
Butter and Cornmeal: For greasing and dusting the pans. Providing the loaves with a slight crunch. And preventing them from sticking.
Steps To Make Soft English Muffin Bread:
Step 1: Begin by whisking the yeast, honey, and warm water in a bowl. Letting it mingle until frothy—a little patience here sets the stage for fluffiness.
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Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together your dry goods: flour, salt, and baking soda. Into your yeasty mixture. Stir in a splash of milk. And a cup of your flour mix until smooth; think of it as the base of your dough.
Step 3: Gradually add just enough of the remaining flour. To form a soft, slightly sticky dough. It should feel a bit like a thick cake batter. Coax this into two loaf pans you’ve prepped with butter. And a sprinkle of cornmeal. Let this sit in a cozy spot in your kitchen. Until it’s puffed up about an inch over the rim. About 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 4: Heat your oven to 425°F. Dust the risen dough. With a bit more cornmeal. And slide it into the oven. Bake until the top is golden. And sounds hollow when tapped. About 15 minutes. Then let cool to perfect slicability.
Tip:
To capture the essence of those perfect nooks and crannies. The dough’s consistency is key. Aim for a wetter, more goopy texture. Than your typical bread dough. It should barely hold its shape. Pouring rather than shaping into the pans. This hydration is what gifts those signature pockets in your bread. Ideal for trapping delightful dollops of butter or jam. If your dough feels too dry after mixing. Don’t hesitate to add a splash more milk. To achieve that goopy glory.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use instant yeast for this recipe?
Yes. Instant yeast can be used in the same quantity. There’s no need to activate it first. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How can I ensure my bread has the perfect texture?
Be careful not to add too much flour. The dough should be slightly sticky. And very soft. To ensure it develops the right texture as it bakes.
What’s the best way to store this bread?
Keep it wrapped in a clean cloth inside a bread box. Or airtight container at room temperature. For up to 2 days. For longer storage. Slice and freeze. For up to a month.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Soft English Muffin Bread
Ingredients
- 4.5 c flour adjust amount as necessary
- 2 tbsp yeast or two packets
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1/4 c warm water at 110°F
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 2.25 c warm milk at 110°F
- Butter and cornmeal for preparing the pans
Instructions
- Combine the yeast, honey, and water in a bowl. And let it rest. Allowing the yeast to activate.
- In a separate bowl. Mix together the flour, salt, and baking soda thoroughly.
- Pour the milk. And one cup of the flour mixture. Into the yeast solution. Stir vigorously until smooth.
- Continue adding flour gradually. Until the mixture forms a very soft, slightly sticky dough. It should feel more like a thick batter. Than traditional bread dough.
- Generously grease two loaf pans. And dust them with cornmeal. Then transfer the dough into the pans, smoothing the tops.
- Let the pans sit in a warm area. Until the dough rises. And crests over the tops of the pans. Which typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Once risen, preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Lightly sprinkle the surface of the risen dough. With additional cornmeal. Then place the pans in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes. Until you hear a hollow sound. When tapping the surface.
- For a deeper color. And crisper crust. Extend the baking time to 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven. Let cool in the pans. For a few minutes. Then turn out onto a rack. To cool completely before slicing.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
