If you’ve ever craved a bread that’s soft, subtly sweet, and packed with warm caramel flavors, this Chinese Brown Sugar Bread Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This delightful Asian-inspired bread is beautifully tender with a rich swirl of brown sugar that brings a deep molasses sweetness with every bite. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or just a comforting snack, this bread showcases how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to give the Chinese Brown Sugar Bread its soft texture, sweet flavor, and inviting aroma. Each component plays a vital role, enhancing the bread’s flavor profile and ensuring a perfect rise and crumb.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Helps the dough rise and develop a light, airy texture.
- Warm water (3 tablespoons, 110°F): Activates the yeast without killing it.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The main structure of the bread, giving it substance and chewiness.
- Milk powder (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and deepens the flavor while improving the crumb softness.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Slightly sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and strengthens the gluten network.
- Large egg (1): Adds moisture, richness, and tenderness.
- Warm milk (½ cup): Enhances softness and adds a subtle dairy flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened (2 tablespoons): Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Chinese brown sugar (⅓ cup): The star ingredient with its deep, caramel-like molasses flavor that gives this bread its signature taste.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a warm spice note that pairs beautifully with the brown sugar.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Gives a lovely nutty crunch and appealing finish on top.
How to Make Chinese Brown Sugar Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in the warm water. This step is critical; the water needs to be tempered just right at about 110°F to wake up the yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbling—this tells you the yeast is active and ready to help your bread rise beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, milk powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Add in the egg, warm milk, and the activated yeast mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough starts to form. This initial mix creates the foundation for the soft, tender bread we’re after.
Step 3: Knead in Butter
Next, knead the softened butter into the dough. Whether you knead by hand for about 8 to 10 minutes or use a stand mixer for 5 minutes, aim for a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when pressed. This kneading develops the gluten structure, crucial for a light and fluffy texture.
Step 4: First Rise
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and place it in a warm spot to rise. This first proof lasts about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size. It’s one of those magical moments where patience pays off—the dough becomes airy and full of life.
Step 5: Prepare the Brown Sugar Filling
While the dough is rising, mix your Chinese brown sugar with ground cinnamon if you’re using it. This filling will create the luscious spiral of sweet molasses flavor inside the bread, giving each slice a wonderful burst of caramel warmth.
Step 6: Shape and Fill
Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick, then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the surface. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 6 to 8 equal pieces. This step sets up the delightful swirl of sweetness inside each roll.
Step 7: Second Rise
Arrange the rolls in a greased loaf pan or a round cake pan with a little space in between. Cover and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy. This second proof ensures a tender crumb and the perfect rise for baking.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops with milk or egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds if you like. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it cool slightly before slicing to enjoy its soft texture and sweet, cozy flavor.
How to Serve Chinese Brown Sugar Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is lovely on its own, but a light brush of melted butter right after it comes out of the oven can elevate it even more. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the aroma and texture.
Side Dishes
Chinese Brown Sugar Bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of jasmine or oolong tea, balancing its sweetness. You can also serve it alongside creamy spreads like cream cheese or sweet red bean paste for a delightful snack or breakfast combo that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and toasting lightly for a caramelized edge, then topping with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or soft pears. Alternatively, turn it into a dessert by layering with whipped cream and berries for a quick bread trifle. This versatility makes the Chinese Brown Sugar Bread Recipe a treat for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it soft and fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature. The rich brown sugar inside helps maintain moisture, so the bread stays tender and chewy.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread rolls either whole or sliced. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the bread at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop a slice or roll in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds. This revives its softness and melts the brown sugar filling slightly, giving you a fresh-baked feeling in no time.
FAQs
Can I substitute other sugars for Chinese brown sugar in this recipe?
Yes, if you don’t have Chinese brown sugar, dark muscovado sugar is a great alternative as it shares a similar rich molasses flavor. You can also mix regular brown sugar with a bit of molasses to mimic the taste and texture.
Is the cinnamon necessary?
The cinnamon is completely optional but highly recommended as it adds a warm, spicy note that complements the molasses sweetness perfectly. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or try a dash of nutmeg instead.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk and milk powder with plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter or margarine to keep it vegan-friendly while maintaining the soft texture.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be a beautiful golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits to this bread?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy contrast, while raisins or chopped dates give extra pockets of sweetness. Just fold them into the dough after the first rise, before the final shaping.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chinese Brown Sugar Bread Recipe—it’s one of those comforting baked goods that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I encourage you to try it soon because once you do, it’s going to be a staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying quietly with your favorite cup of tea.
Print
Chinese Brown Sugar Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 rolls or 1 loaf
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chinese Brown Sugar Bread is a soft, mildly sweet bread flavored with rich Chinese brown sugar or dark muscovado sugar. This homemade bread features a tender crumb with a delightful swirl of caramel-like sweetness inside, and optionally topped with sesame seeds for a subtle crunch. Perfect to enjoy warm with tea or as a comforting snack, this bread combines traditional yeast dough techniques with a hint of cinnamon for a subtle warm spice note.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons warm water (110°F)
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons milk powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Filling and Topping
- ⅓ cup Chinese brown sugar (or dark muscovado sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water (110°F) and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, milk powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the egg, warm milk, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Incorporate the softened butter into the dough and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer using a dough hook.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size, allowing the dough to develop flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the Chinese brown sugar with ground cinnamon if you choose to use it. Set this mixture aside.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has doubled, punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
- Add Filling and Roll: Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the dough’s surface. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, then cut it into 6 to 8 even slices.
- Second Rise: Arrange the slices upright in a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan or a round cake pan, leaving small spaces between them. Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until doubled.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the tops of the rolls with milk or egg wash to encourage browning, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect alongside tea.
Notes
- Chinese brown sugar has a richer molasses flavor and is often sold in bricks or chunks. Substitute with dark muscovado sugar if unavailable.
- You can create a similar flavor by mixing regular brown sugar with a small amount of molasses.
- This bread is mildly sweet and pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea.
- Optional cinnamon adds a subtle warmth but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a shiny crust, use egg wash instead of milk wash before baking.
