Super Fluffy Sandwich Bread
Prep Time: 15 minsRise Time: 60–75 mins totalBake Time: 22–26 minsTotal Time: ~90 mins
Equipment
- 1 Standard loaf tin (8.5 x 4.5 inch recommended)
- 1 Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
- 1 Rubber spatula or dough scraper
- 1 Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- 1 Oven (or air fryer oven with the ability to bake)
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 cups 360g bread flour (all-purpose flour for substitute, but bread flour is recommended)
- 1 cup warm water 110°F / 43°C
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil or oil of choice
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast or 1 packet of instant yeast with dough enhancer
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg optional but recommended – sub 2 tbsp oat milk or aquafaba for vegan
Instructions
Activate Yeast:
- In a large bowl, stir together warm water and maple syrup. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy. (If using enhanced instant yeast, you can also skip this and add everything together.)
Mix & Knead Dough:
- Add oil, salt, and egg (or substitute), then gradually add flour while stirring. Mix until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
First Rise:
- Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 40–60 minutes, until doubled in size. (Only 30–40 minutes needed if using yeast with dough enhancer.)
Shape the Loaf:
- Punch down dough, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and shape it into a log. Place into a greased loaf tin.
Second Rise:
- Cover loosely and let rise for 20–30 minutes until it rises just above the rim of the pan.
Bake in Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the loaf for 22–26 minutes, or until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Check early if your oven runs hot.
Cool & Slice:
- Remove bread from the tin and let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. I recommend a complete cool, which takes a few hours.
Notes
Tips for Success:
- For extra softness, brush the top with melted coconut oil or butter right after baking.
- Want to mix it up? Add 1 tbsp of flax meal, chia seeds, or a sprinkle of oats on top for texture. Store in an airtight bag or bread box at room temp for 3–4 days, or freeze slices for up to a month. Savory twist: Mix in 1-2 tsp dried herbs (like rosemary) and 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast for an herby loaf.
Sweet twist: Double the maple syrup in the recipe and add cinnamon and raisins for a breakfast-friendly variation.
- For extra softness, brush the top with melted coconut oil or butter right after baking.
- Want to mix it up? Add 1 tbsp of flax meal, chia seeds, or a sprinkle of oats on top for texture. Store in an airtight bag or bread box at room temp for 3–4 days, or freeze slices for up to a month. Savory twist: Mix in 1-2 tsp dried herbs (like rosemary) and 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast for an herby loaf.
Sweet twist: Double the maple syrup in the recipe and add cinnamon and raisins for a breakfast-friendly variation.