There’s something truly comforting about the soft, pillowy texture of fresh-baked bread, especially when it’s topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel. Enter Korean Streusel Bread, or Soboro-ppang—a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling bakeries of Korea. Just imagining the warm aroma drifting through my kitchen as it bakes makes me want to dive right in.
I discovered this gem on a chilly afternoon, looking for a fun baking project to shake up my routine. After blending sweet peanut butter and buttery goodness, I ended up with a treat that’s not only deliciously satisfying but also perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with your morning coffee. Each bite boasts a delightful crunch on top, giving way to a moist, tender bread within. This recipe may seem a bit involved, but trust me—it’s worth every minute of your time. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and create something extraordinary together!
Why is Korean Streusel Bread so irresistible?
Warm, Inviting Aroma: The moment you pop this bread in the oven, your kitchen will fill with the most amazing scent—an experience that immediately elevates your mood.
Delightful Crunch: The sweet streusel topping adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts with the soft, pillowy bread.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a breakfast item, snack, or dessert—this bread truly shines any time of day.
Easy to Share: With 12 servings, it’s the ideal treat for gatherings or family breakfasts, and it’s just as fun to make together!
Unique Flavors: The combination of peanut butter, raw sugar, and honey gives a delightful twist; experience a taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
Baking this Korean Streusel Bread will not only showcase your skills but also create memories worth cherishing!
Korean Streusel Bread Ingredients
For the Dough
- Bread flour – 210 grams provides the perfect structure for your bread.
- Cake flour – 72 grams adds tenderness to each bite.
- Sugar – 60 grams sweetens the dough, making it irresistible.
- Salt – 5 grams enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
- Dry milk – 12 grams contributes to a rich, soft texture.
- Yeast – 14 grams brings your dough to life with a lovely rise.
- Milk – 140 grams hydrates the dough, keeping it moist.
- Egg – 1 large egg adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- Butter – 24 grams for a soft, flavorful dough.
For the Topping
- Butter – 60 grams creates a rich, flavorful streusel.
- Peanut butter – 30 grams lends a delightful nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Raw sugar – 90 grams for a surprisingly crisp topping with crunchy texture.
- Honey – 10 grams adds a natural sweetness and helps with browning.
- Egg – 20 grams (about 1/3 of a large egg) for brushing on top before baking.
- Dry milk – 15 grams adds depth to the crumb mixture.
- Salt – 1 gram balances out the sweetness.
- Baking powder – 2.5 grams provides an extra lift to the topping.
- All-purpose flour – 150 grams helps form the delicious crumb mixture for the topping.
This Korean Streusel Bread recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and become a favorite at your table!
How to Make Korean Streusel Bread
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients for the dough—bread flour, cake flour, sugar, salt, dry milk, and yeast—until well mixed. This forms the foundation for a light, airy bread.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and crack in 1 egg. Turn the mixer on low to incorporate everything, and don’t forget to scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
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Mix on High: Gradually increase the mixer speed to high and let it mix for three minutes. You’ll want a smooth, elastic dough that’s slightly tacky to the touch.
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Rest the Dough: Scrape the dough out onto a floured surface and carefully shape it into a ball. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for ten minutes to relax the gluten.
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Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for three to four minutes on the floured surface until it’s smooth. Then, form it back into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise until it’s doubled in volume.
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Divide the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release any air. Divide it into eight to twelve even balls, depending on your desired size.
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Let Balls Rise: Cover the dough balls with a cloth and let them rise again until they’re almost doubled, which should take about 30 minutes.
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Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, blend together the peanut butter and 60 grams of softened butter. This will create a rich and creamy mixture packed with flavor.
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Mix in Sweetness: Add the honey and raw sugar to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until well combined to create a super sweet treat.
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Add Egg and Other Ingredients: Stir in about a third of a large egg, then mix in the dry milk, salt, and baking powder until incorporated.
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Combine Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix it with your hands until a crumbly texture forms, perfect for topping.
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Shape the Dough Balls: Roll each of the dough balls until they’re smooth, then brush the tops with the reserved egg or milk for a beautiful golden finish.
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Add Topping: Generously sprinkle each dough ball with the crumb mixture, ensuring every piece is covered in sweetness.
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Prepare for Baking: Place the topped dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Feel free to press them down slightly to shape them.
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Final Rise: Let the dough balls rise once more until they’re puffed up, almost double in size—this usually takes another 30 minutes.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F, allowing it to preheat while you finish your prep work.
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Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning the pan 180 degrees halfway through for even baking. Look for a golden brown top as your sign it’s done!
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra sweet touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Korean Streusel Bread Variations
Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs; the possibilities are endless!
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Nut-Free: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a safe alternative without compromising flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Replace flours with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, and add xanthan gum for structure.
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Vegan: Use plant-based milk, replace the egg with a flax egg, and opt for vegan butter to create a delightful vegan version.
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Chocolate Chip Twist: Mix in chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet surprise within each bite that melts wonderfully during baking.
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Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar into the crumb mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor that will have everyone asking for more.
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Fruit-Infused: Fold in berries or mashed bananas into the dough for a fruity explosion that adds moisture and sweetness.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the crumb mix for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Zesty Citrus: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing burst of citrus that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Mixing things up with these variations will make your Korean Streusel Bread even more delightful and unique!
Expert Tips for Korean Streusel Bread
Patience is Key: Letting the dough rise properly is crucial; don’t rush this step, as it ensures that your Korean Streusel Bread is light and fluffy.
Flour Wisely: Avoid adding too much flour during kneading; a slightly tacky dough leads to a soft, tender bread that you’ll love.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your milk and egg are at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough, which aids in achieving a perfect rise.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bread in the oven, checking for a golden color as an indicator of doneness, to avoid dryness.
Taste Test: Before adding crumb topping, sample the peanut butter mixture—adjust the sweetness to suit your preference if desired.
With these tips, you can confidently create a delectable Korean Streusel Bread that’s bound to impress your family and friends!
How to Store and Freeze Korean Streusel Bread
Room Temperature: Store leftover Korean Streusel Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week; however, note that the texture may become slightly denser.
Freezer: For even longer storage, freeze the baked bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t dry out, to restore that delightful softness.
What to Serve with Korean Streusel Bread?
Transform your delightful Soboro-ppang into a full meal that delights and satisfies.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet, rich bread. The juicy bursts of flavor will enhance every bite.
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Homemade Espresso: The bold, rich flavor of a brewed espresso pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the streusel bread, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
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Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of flavored or plain yogurt provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweet bread, balancing the flavors nicely while adding a creamy texture.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup over warm slices elevates the sweetness, creating a luxurious experience that’s perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: For an extra sweet touch, dust your Soboro-ppang with cinnamon sugar before serving. The warm spice complements the nutty topping.
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Savory Cheese Board: Include a selection of cheeses—think sharp cheddar or brie—to create a savory contrast that beautifully complements the sweetness of the bread.
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Chilled Green Tea: A refreshing glass of chilled green tea cleanses the palate and refreshes the senses, making it an excellent choice alongside this rich treat.
Your homemade Korean Streusel Bread is not just a simple snack; the right pairings can turn it into a delightful dining experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Korean Streusel Bread treats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the recipe steps through rolling the dough into balls, then keep them covered in the refrigerator. For the topping, you can mix the peanut butter, butter, honey, raw sugar, and dry ingredients and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, top with the prepared crumb mixture, let them rise for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed. This way, you’ll have freshly baked Korean Streusel Bread with minimal effort on your busy day!
Korean Streusel Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of peanut butter should I use for Korean Streusel Bread?
Absolutely! I recommend using creamy peanut butter to achieve a smooth blend with the butter and sugars. Chunky peanut butter can introduce an uneven texture, so unless you prefer that crunch, stick with smooth for consistency in the topping.
How should I store leftover Korean Streusel Bread?
To keep your Korean Streusel Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just keep in mind that refrigeration might make the bread a bit denser.
Can I freeze Korean Streusel Bread, and if so, how?
Yes! Freezing is a fantastic option. Once the bread is completely cooled, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, it will last for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough is feeling too sticky after mixing, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little extra flour while kneading until it reaches a manageable consistency. Aim for a dough that’s slightly tacky but not overly sticky. Remember, the goal is a soft, tender bread!
Can I substitute any ingredients for Korean Streusel Bread?
Very! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Similarly, if you have nut allergies, try using sunflower seed butter as a peanut butter alternative! Just adjust the ratios slightly to keep the same consistency.
How can I tell when my Korean Streusel Bread is done baking?
Watch for that beautiful golden brown color on top! Your Korean Streusel Bread should bake for about 20 minutes; turning the pan 180 degrees halfway through ensures even baking. An internal temperature of 190°F indicates it’s perfectly done!
Irresistible Korean Streusel Bread: Your Sweet New Obsession
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients for the dough—bread flour, cake flour, sugar, salt, dry milk, and yeast—until well mixed.
- Pour in the milk and crack in 1 egg. Turn the mixer on low to incorporate everything, and don’t forget to scrape down the sides with a spatula.
- Gradually increase the mixer speed to high and let it mix for three minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Scrape the dough out onto a floured surface, shape it into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for ten minutes.
- Knead the dough for three to four minutes on the floured surface until smooth.
- Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in volume.
- Punch down the risen dough gently, divide it into eight to twelve even balls.
- Let the dough balls rise covered with a cloth until almost doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Blend together the peanut butter and 60 grams of softened butter until creamy.
- Add the honey and raw sugar, stirring until combined.
- Stir in about a third of a large egg along with the dry milk, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a crumbly texture forms.
- Roll each of the dough balls smooth, then brush the tops with reserved egg or milk.
- Sprinkle each ball generously with the crumb mixture.
- Place the topped dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Let rise once more until puffed up, about another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning the pan halfway through.