Introduction: Embrace the art of homemade baking with our Maisena Bread recipe, a delightful creation that promises soft, fluffy texture and irresistible flavor. Maisena, also known as cornstarch, adds a unique touch to this bread, resulting in a tender crumb and light consistency. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted to perfection, this Maisena Bread will elevate your baking repertoire and bring joy to your kitchen. Let’s embark on this delightful baking adventure together.
Ingredients:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 100g cornstarch (Maisena)
- 7g instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds or oats (for topping, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Form the Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the warm milk, warm water, and softened butter. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment for kneading.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaves: After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each portion into a loaf or desired shape. Place the shaped loaves onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for expansion.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped loaves with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy and slightly increased in size.
- Preheat and Bake: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the loaves have risen, brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds or oats if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Enjoy: Transfer the baked Maisena Bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Once cooled, slice, toast, and enjoy the soft and fluffy texture of your homemade bread. Serve with your favorite spreads or use it to make sandwiches for a delightful meal.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure that the warm milk and water are not too hot, as this can kill the yeast and prevent proper rising.
- Don’t skip the second rise, as it helps develop the bread’s flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different toppings such as poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, or grated cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Conclusion: With its tender crumb and delicate flavor, Maisena Bread is a delightful addition to any baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or incorporated into your favorite recipes, this homemade bread is sure to impress with its soft texture and irresistible taste. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a baking adventure that will fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread.
