Thousand Layer Bread, also known as Tissue Bread, is a mesmerizingly flaky and buttery delight that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Its ultra-thin, crisp layers make it almost melt in your mouth, while the golden crust gives it the perfect balance of texture. What makes this bread truly special is the simplicity of ingredients, yet the intricate process of layering creates a bread that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it with a spread of butter, jam, or alongside your favorite tea or coffee, this bread offers a wonderfully indulgent treat. If you love the lightness of a croissant but are looking for a fun baking challenge, Thousand Layer Bread is a must-try recipe!
Thousand Layer Bread (Tissue Bread) Recipe
This bread, known for its ultra-flaky, buttery layers, is a delicious treat. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicate pastry!
500g all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp instant yeast
250ml warm milk
1 egg
60g butter, melted (for dough)
200g butter, softened (for layering)
1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, add flour, salt, egg, melted butter, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Prepare for layering:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
Layering process:
Roll each dough ball into a thin, round sheet. Take softened butter and generously spread a thin layer over the rolled-out dough. Stack the layers on top of each other, buttering each layer in between.
Roll and shape:
After stacking all the layers, roll the dough stack from one end to the other into a log. Then, flatten the log gently with a rolling pin to form a rectangle.
Folding:
Fold the flattened dough like you would a business letter, bringing the top and bottom edges to the center. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.
Final shaping and baking:
After resting, roll the dough into a thin sheet again. Fold it once more, then roll it back into a log shape. Place the dough in a greased baking pan, brush with the egg wash, and let it proof for another 30 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve the thousand-layer bread warm with butter or jam, or alongside tea or coffee for an indulgent treat.
Layering with butter: Ensuring that the butter is soft and spreadable is crucial for creating the delicate, flaky layers.
Resting between steps: Allowing the dough to rest between folding and rolling makes the layers more defined and the bread fluffier.
Thousand-layer bread, also known as tissue bread, is a true showstopper with its delicate, buttery layers. Though it requires a bit of time and patience, the result is absolutely worth it—a beautiful, crispy, and flaky bread that’s perfect for any occasion.
Fun Fact: This bread is often compared to croissants due to its layered structure, but its preparation is simpler while still achieving that tender, flaky texture!