This is the only loaf bread recipe you'll ever knead (haha get it?)! Combine everything in your mixer, proof, shape, score, bake, and enjoy fresh, perfect bakery-style bread at home.

hand holding loaf of bread scored 3 times

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ease level: Making bread can be a bit more technical, and perfecting it takes some experience, but this recipe is still beginner-friendly for those looking to try their hand at bread-making. Shaping the dough may take some practice, but the process is straightforward. Temperature, kneading, and proofing are key—use warm water, knead the dough thoroughly, and ferment in a warm space for the best results!

Texture profile: The crumb is tight and denser than milk bread, yet still incredibly soft on the inside. It’s perfect for making sandwiches or garlic bread.

Growing up, I always loved watching anime and reading manga. Many of my early bakes were inspired by my favorite characters or scenes. Recently, I’ve been revisiting some of those old series and feeling nostalgic, so I decided to redo some of my past projects. Honestly, they turned out so badly, I’m so embarrassed I ever posted them online! LOL

Here’s a throwback from 2007 (bread made in my rice cooker)! I’m really glad I took photos of my bakes over the years—it’s fun to look back and see how much I’ve improved and where I can still keep growing.

Main Ingredients

All-purpose flour: This wheat flour typically has around 10-12% protein (varies by brand).

Milk powder: Not necessary in this recipe but I just wanted to add a little bit more flavor and subtle sweetness.

Instant yeast: “Instant yeast, sometimes referred to as rapid rise yeast, doesn’t require proofing with warm water before using it. This type of yeast is mixed with flour first, instead of water right away, so the temperatures that are suggested are much higher and can range from 120° to 130°F. Keep in mind that even though this type of yeast doesn't require proofing, you can proof it if you suspect it might not be lively. You would simply proof it the same way you would proof the active dry yeast. Also, since flour is usually around room temperature, this could be the reason higher temperatures are tolerated. The bottom line is that yeast thrives in warm water, sleeps in cold water and dies in hot water. So, like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, it’s important to get the temperatures “just right” for your yeast to thrive and your bread to obtain the best rise and flavors possible.” — Bob’s Red Mill

Anime-Inspired Bread Recipe

This is the only loaf bread recipe you'll ever need! Knead everything in your mixer, proof, shape, score, bake, and enjoy fresh, perfect bakery-style bread at home. The crumb is tight and denser than milk bread, yet still incredibly soft on the inside. It’s perfect for making sandwiches or garlic bread.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Rest Time 1 30

Total Time 2 10

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack, Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings loaves

Ingredients

360 grams all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon instant yeast
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
2 tablespoons milk powder
56 grams vegetable oil
240 grams warm water
Egg wash

Instructions

In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine 360 grams all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar, 2 teaspoons fine sea salt, and 2 tablespoons milk powder.
Add 56 grams vegetable oil and 240 grams warm water.
Mix the ingredients on medium-low speed (level 4 on a KitchenAid) until well combined.
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Cover the bowl and let the dough proof in a warm place for about one hour.
Punch down the dough to release air, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (with fan) or 350°F (without fan).
Use a bowl scraper or rubber spatula to move the dough onto your work surface. Shape the dough into a long loaf, or divide it into two portions to create two loaves. Let the shaped dough proof for an additional 20–25 minutes.
Make three evenly spaced slashes across the top of the dough, brush with Egg wash, and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.

Keyword bread, italian style bread, loaf bread

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How To Store

At room temperature: Store at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container.
To freeze: Freeze bread for up to three months in an airtight container or bag. Defrost on the counter top or in the fridge overnight.

Enjoy! :) Please tag @sparklecakerie if you make this! I’d love to see and share your creations <3

Here's a picture of my cat, Duchess with the bread :)