Gluten-Free Japanese Milk Bread (Shokupan)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour (for tangzhong)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (for tangzhong)
• 3 cups gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour (for dough)
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if flour blend contains it)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk (warm, 110°F / 43°C, for dough)
• 1 large egg
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk 3 tablespoons GF flour with 1/2 cup milk. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens into a paste (about 2-3 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

2. 2

   In a stand mixer, whisk together the 3 cups flour, xanthan gum, yeast, sugar, and salt.

3. 3

   Add the cooled tangzhong, warm milk, egg, and heavy cream. Mix with the paddle attachment on low, then increase to medium for 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the softened butter 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition until absorbed. The dough will be soft and sticky.

5. 5

   Grease a 9x5 inch Pullman loaf pan or standard loaf pan.

6. 6

   Divide the dough into 3 equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then flatten into an oval. Roll each oval up like a jelly roll. Place the 3 rolls side by side in the pan.

7. 7

   Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until the dough fills the pan and crowns about 1/2 inch above the rim.

8. 8

   Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C) — the lower temperature prevents over-browning while ensuring a soft crust.

9. 9

   Brush the top gently with milk or cream. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).

10. 10

    Unmold immediately and cool on a wire rack. The bread should be incredibly soft and tear apart in fluffy layers.

Recipe Variations

• →Matcha Milk Bread: Add 1 tablespoon matcha powder to the dry ingredients for a beautiful green color and subtle earthy flavor.
• →Chocolate Swirl: Spread Nutella on each flattened oval before rolling up for a chocolate-striped interior.
• →Condensed Milk Bread: Replace the sugar with 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk for extra richness.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving