• INGREDIENTS:
For the dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk (warm)
1/2 cup water (warm)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 large egg
For the filling:
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For the glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, water, melted butter, condensed milk, and egg.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
2. First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth.
4. Shape the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough.
Cut the dough into strips (about 2 inches wide), then stack the strips on top of each other. Cut into smaller squares if desired.
5. Arrange in a Pan:
Place the stacked dough pieces vertically in a greased loaf pan. Allow some space in between for rising.
6. Second Rise:
Cover and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes.
7. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Glaze:
While the bread is baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
Drizzle over the warm bread once it’s out of the oven.
9. Serve:
Allow the bread to cool slightly before pulling apart and enjoying!