Craving a delicious, flaky, and buttery bread loaf that looks like it came straight from a bakery? This puff pastry butter bread loaf is exactly what you need. With layers upon layers of tender dough and rich butter, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a special occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 280g bread flour
• 33g sugar
• 5g salt
• 30g melted unsalted butter
• 4g yeast
• 15g eggs (about 1/3 of a large egg)
• 145g milk

For the Butter Layer:

• 125g unsalted butter, cold

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and milk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Butter Layer

5. Prepare Butter Block: While the dough is rising, place the cold unsalted butter between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten the butter into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate until firm.

Laminate the Dough

6. Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about twice the size of the butter block.
7. Incorporate Butter: Place the cold butter block in the center of the dough. Fold the dough over the butter, encasing it completely. Pinch the edges to seal.
8. First Fold: Roll the dough out into a long rectangle. Fold the top third of the dough down, then fold the bottom third up over the top, like folding a letter. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and roll out again. Repeat the folding process two more times.
9. Chill Dough: After the final fold, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up again.

Shape and Bake

10. Shape the Loaf: Roll the chilled dough out into a rectangle. Starting from one short end, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Place the log seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
11. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
12. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
13. Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
14. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious puff pastry butter bread loaf!

Tips and Variations

• Flavored Butter: Add herbs or garlic to the butter layer for a savory twist.
• Sweet Variation: Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon between the layers for a sweet cinnamon swirl loaf.
• Egg Wash: Brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash (1 beaten egg with a tablespoon of water) before baking for a shiny, golden crust.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly less chewy compared to using bread flour.

How do I ensure the butter doesn’t leak out during baking?

Make sure the dough is properly sealed around the butter and that the butter is cold when you incorporate it into the dough. Chilling the dough between folds also helps keep the butter from melting.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and complete the folds ahead of time. Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Proceed with shaping and baking the next day.

What can I serve with this bread?

This bread is delicious on its own but also pairs well with soups, stews, or as a base for sandwiches.

Conclusion

This puff pastry butter bread loaf is an absolute treat with its many layers and rich buttery flavor. It’s a bit of a labor of love, but the result is a beautiful, bakery-quality bread that’s sure to impress. Follow these steps and enjoy a delicious, flaky bread loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.