Soft, fluffy, and homemade, this sandwich bread can be baked in an air fryer or oven with ease. Perfectly tender with a light crust, it’s ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own.
Why you will love this recipe?
You’ll love this recipe because it produces soft, fluffy bread with a tender crumb and a light, flavourful crust. It’s simple to make from scratch, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own, and delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
Expert Tips for Best Results!
- Lukewarm liquids are key – Milk and water should be around 40°C / 104°F to properly activate the yeast. Too hot or cold will affect rising.
- Knead just right – Knead the dough until soft, smooth, and slightly elastic. Over-kneading can make bread dense, under-kneading can make it gummy.
- Watch the rise – Let the dough double in size for the first rise and puff up for the second rise. Covering with lightly oiled plastic wrap or a cloth helps maintain humidity and warmth.
- Check the bottom – For an evenly baked loaf, check that the bottom is golden brown. If it’s pale, continue baking for a few minutes.
- Add melted butter after baking – Brushing the warm bread with melted butter gives a soft, flavourful crust and adds a nice shine.
How to make Super Soft Sandwich Bread?
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Combine lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, melted butter, yeast, and sugar or honey in a large bowl. Stir gently and let it rest for a few minutes until frothy. This activates the yeast and ensures soft, airy bread.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt to the liquid mixture. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements to avoid gummy bread. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 3–5 minutes until smooth and soft. Proper kneading develops gluten, giving your bread structure and a tender crumb.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, coat the top with a little oil, and cover. Let it rest for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until it doubles in size. This first rise is essential for fluffy bread.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Gently flatten the risen dough into a rectangle to match your loaf pan. Roll it tightly, pinch the edges to seal, and place it seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rest for 35–40 minutes until slightly puffed. This ensures a light, airy texture after baking.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
For air fryer baking, preheat the air fryer for 2–3 minutes and bake at 160°C for 13 minutes. Cover with foil if browning too fast, then bake another 5–6 minutes. For oven baking, preheat to 180°C and bake for 20–25 minutes. Check the bottom of the loaf; if it looks pale, bake a few extra minutes.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove the bread from the pan and brush warm bread with melted butter for extra flavour and a soft crust. Let it cool for 15 minutes before slicing with a serrated knife. Serve warm as a sandwich base, toast, or simply enjoy on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this bread in both an air fryer and an oven?
Yes! This recipe works perfectly in both. In an air fryer, bake at 160°C for 13 minutes, cover with foil if browning too fast, then continue for 5–6 minutes. If the bottom is pale, flip the loaf and bake for an extra 3 minutes. In an oven, bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check the temperature of your milk and water, they should be lukewarm (around 40°C / 104°F). Too hot or cold liquid can kill or slow down the yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and give the dough enough time to double in size. Covering the dough with a lightly oiled cloth or bowl helps retain warmth for a proper rise.
Why is my bread gummy?
Gummy bread is usually caused by underbaking or incorrect measurements. Always use a kitchen scale for precise flour, liquid, and butter quantities. Make sure the loaf is baked fully and the bottom is lightly browned before removing it from the pan.
Do I have to use bread flour?
Bread flour gives a slightly chewier texture, but you can use all-purpose flour instead. Just measure carefully for the total 325 g / about 2½ cups. Using a scale is highly recommended for consistent results.
Do I really need the water bath?
Yes, baking the brownie pudding in a water bath helps it cook gently and evenly. This prevents cracking and keeps the centre smooth, soft, and pudding-like instead of cakey.
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Recipe Card
Super Soft Sandwich Bread
Soft, tender, and simple to make, this sandwich bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or snacking. Baking in either an oven or air fryer gives you consistent, delicious results.
Ingredients
- 162g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour + 162 g (1 1/4 cups) bread flour
- 105ml (about 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) lukewarm milk (40°C / 104°F)
- 105ml (about 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) lukewarm water (40°C / 104°F)
- 1 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar or honey
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Combine lukewarm milk, lukewarm water, melted butter, yeast, and sugar or honey in a large bowl. Stir gently and let it rest for a few minutes until frothy to activate the yeast and ensure soft, airy bread.
- Add bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt to the liquid mixture. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements to avoid gummy bread, and mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 3–5 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft. Proper kneading develops gluten, giving the bread structure and a tender crumb.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, coat the top with a little oil, and cover. Let it rest for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size for a proper first rise.
- Gently flatten the risen dough into a rectangle to match your loaf pan, roll it tightly, pinch the edges to seal, and place it seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rest for 35–40 minutes for the second rise, allowing the bread to become light and airy.
- Bake the bread. For air fryer baking, preheat for 2–3 minutes and bake at 160°C for 13 minutes, cover with foil if browning too fast, then continue 5–6 minutes. For oven baking, preheat to 180°C and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Check the bottom of the loaf; if pale, bake a few extra minutes until evenly browned.
- Remove the bread from the pan and brush the warm loaf with melted butter for a soft, flavourful crust. Let it cool for 15 minutes before slicing with a serrated knife, then serve for sandwiches, toast, or as a simple snack.
Notes
If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all all-purpose flour instead — total 325g / about 2 1/2 cups
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