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–+ servings
Light French Sponge

Light French Sponge

Make a Light French Sponge loaf with an easy homemade bread recipe. Simple ingredients, sweet condensed milk glaze. Perfect every time.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
First Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 217
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon margarine or butter
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 15 g dry yeast (about 1 1/2 packets)
  • 1.5 kg all-purpose wheat flour (about 12 cups)

Equipment

  • Very large mixing bowl
  • Sturdy wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Clean countertop for kneading
  • One or two 9x5 inch loaf pans
  • Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. In a very large bowl, combine the warm milk and warm water, then stir in the sugar and dry yeast; let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add the egg, oil, salt, and softened margarine to the foamy yeast mixture and whisk until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, stirring until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured countertop and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the kneaded dough back in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (1 to 1.5 hours).
  6. Punch down the dough, divide it into two or three pieces, shape into loaves, and place in greased pans; cover and let rise until doubled again (45 minutes to 1 hour).
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the loaves for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  8. Mix equal parts sweetened condensed milk and warm water and pour over the hot loaves immediately after baking.
  9. Let the glazed bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 217kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 186mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 139IUCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Always use warm, not hot, water and milk to keep the yeast alive.
You can replace margarine with unsalted butter and milk with a non-dairy alternative if needed.
Store the bread at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap for 3-4 days, or slice and freeze for longer storage.
Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients to the dough.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!