Lemon Lavender Milk Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a bread that balances delicate floral notes with bright citrus and melts in your mouth, the Lemon Lavender Milk Bread is the dreamy loaf you’ve been waiting for. This enchanting creation brings together the soothing aroma of lavender, the fresh zing of lemon zest, and the richness of a tender milk bread, creating a slice of heaven you’ll want to enjoy every morning or afternoon. Light, fluffy, and subtly sweet, this bread is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Lemon Lavender Milk Bread requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its luscious texture and enchanting flavors. From the creamy softness lent by whole milk and butter to the fragrant notes from lemon zest and lavender, every element is essential for this bread’s magic.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides structure and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds slight sweetness to balance the citrus and floral tones.
• Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping the bread balanced.
• Instant yeast: Gives the bread its airy rise and lightness.
• Whole milk (warm): Contributes moisture and richness that keep the crumb soft.
• Large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds extra tenderness.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Brings buttery luxury to each bite.
• Lemon zest: Infuses bright and fresh citrus flavor throughout the bread.
• Dried culinary lavender buds: Provide the signature floral aroma and gentle lavender flavor.
• White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate: Adds creamy sweetness to the filling.
• Cream cheese (softened): Gives the filling a silky, tangy richness.
• Butterfly pea flower powder or natural purple food coloring: Used to tint the filling with a beautiful natural purple hue.

How to Make Lemon Lavender Milk Bread

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by warming the milk to a comfortable temperature, about 110 degrees Fahrenheit, so that it’s warm but not hot. Stir in the instant yeast and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This bubbling reaction confirms that your yeast is alive and ready to give your bread that perfect rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Then add the foamy milk-yeast mixture, egg, lemon zest, and softened butter. Mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms. Knead either by hand on a floured surface or with a dough hook attachment for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth, elastic, and soft without being sticky.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot until the dough doubles in size, which usually takes about one to one and a half hours. This first rise is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into fluffy wonder.

Step 4: Make the Lavender Filling

While the dough is rising, gently heat whole milk in a small saucepan until it just begins to steam. Remove it from the heat and add the dried lavender buds. Cover and steep for 10 minutes to extract that lovely floral essence. Strain out the buds and pour the infused milk over white chocolate chips and softened cream cheese in a bowl. Stir until everything melts into a smooth, creamy filling, then mix in butterfly pea flower powder (or your preferred natural coloring) until you achieve a lovely shade of pale purple. Let it cool until spreadable.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 9 by 12 inches. Spread the cooled lavender filling evenly across the surface, making sure you get a generous layer for that perfect floral-sweet bite in every slice.

Step 6: Roll and Slice

Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise in half to reveal the swirled filling inside. Carefully twist the two halves together with the cut sides facing upward to show off that gorgeous lavender filling peeking through.

Step 7: Second Rise in the Pan

Transfer the twisted dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes until it becomes noticeably puffy. This second rise ensures your bread will have a soft, airy crumb and a beautifully domed top once baked.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Bake the loaf for 35 to 40 minutes until it’s golden brown on top. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil midway through baking—this prevents burning while the inside cooks perfectly.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes to settle before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to prevent the luscious lavender filling from smearing and to ensure each slice holds its shape beautifully.

How to Serve Lemon Lavender Milk Bread

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a few edible lavender buds or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of sliced bread. A thin spread of softened butter or a drizzle of honey complements the gentle floral and citrus flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This bread makes for a wonderful pairing with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to brighten your breakfast table. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, whose flavors harmonize beautifully with the lemon and lavender notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering slices of Lemon Lavender Milk Bread with cream cheese and thin slices of fresh pear or peach for a delicate sandwich. You can also toast slices gently and top with ricotta and a drizzle of lavender-infused honey for a stunning dessert or snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Lemon Lavender Milk Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it soft and fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping it away from air prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first, then place pieces between sheets of parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To bring slices back to life, warm them gently in a toaster or oven set at low heat for 5 to 7 minutes. This warming helps revive the bread’s softness and enhances the floral aroma of the lavender filling.

FAQs

Can I use dried lavender from the grocery store?

Yes, but make sure to use culinary-grade dried lavender buds specifically meant for cooking to avoid any bitterness or contaminants. Regular lavender for decoration might have pesticides or other chemicals not intended for consumption.

What if I don’t have butterfly pea flower powder for coloring?

You can omit the butterfly pea flower powder altogether and still enjoy the wonderful flavors. The filling will just be a creamy white instead of purple, which is beautiful in its own right.

Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Absolutely! Use your favorite non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy, but make sure it’s unsweetened and mild in flavor to not overpower the delicate notes of lemon and lavender.

Is it possible to make the dough in a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to mix and knead the dough, but shaping, adding filling, and the second rise will still need to be done by hand to maintain the beautiful swirl and texture.

How long does the bread stay fresh after baking?

If stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the Lemon Lavender Milk Bread stays fresh for up to three days. Beyond that, you can freeze it to preserve its flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking a loaf that fills your kitchen with the gentle fragrance of lemon and lavender while promising a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The Lemon Lavender Milk Bread embodies comfort and sophistication in every slice, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or simply savoring solo alongside a relaxing cup of tea. I can’t wait for you to try making this bread and to hear how it elevates your cozy mornings and teatime rituals.

Print