Amish Sweet Bread Recipe

Amish sweet bread is a cherished recipe that transports you to the heart of traditional home baking with every slice. Whether you’re reminiscing about family gatherings or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this loaf is a delight for both the novice and experienced bakers alike. With its soft texture, subtle sweetness, and golden crust, it’s perfect for breakfast with a smear of butter or as a base for sandwiches. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds; it also invites the warmth of home into your kitchen.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Amish sweet bread a standout is its simplicity and versatility. Ready in under two hours, this recipe fits seamlessly into any schedule, making it perfect for a midweek treat or for special occasions. Plus, the ingredients are common pantry staples, which means you won’t need a last-minute grocery run. The result? A warm, soft loaf that fills your home with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread.

"This bread was so easy to make, and the family loved it! The soft texture was perfect for making sandwiches. We’ll definitely be adding it to our weekly rotation!" – Amelia J.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Amish sweet bread is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps: mixing your ingredients, letting the dough rise, and baking to golden perfection. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and highly rewarding. No need for special equipment or advanced techniques—just a mixing bowl and a bit of patience will yield you a delightful loaf.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1½ tbsp active dry yeast
  • 5½ cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute part of this with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor)
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil (or any light oil like canola)
  • 1½ tbsp salt

These basic ingredients come together to form a deliciously soft and slightly sweet bread that pairs well with virtually any meal.

Step-by-Step Directions

Instructions

  1. Heat the water in a pot over moderate heat until warm, but not boiling.
  2. Remove the pot from the stove, and stir in the yeast, letting it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy and activated.
  3. Add the vegetable oil and salt, mixing them in well.
  4. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough forms—a soft, slightly sticky texture is what you’re aiming for.
  5. Lightly grease a bowl and place your dough inside. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. After it has risen, punch down the dough to release any trapped air. Divide it evenly and transfer to greased loaf pans.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
  8. Remove from the oven, allow them to cool on a wire rack, and brush the tops with butter for an irresistibly soft finish.

Tips for Serving

Perfect Pairings for Amish Sweet Bread Recipe

This sweet bread shines as a breakfast staple or a delightful snack. Serve it fresh with a pat of butter, or create an indulgent French toast. For lunch, it makes excellent sandwiches; consider classic combinations like ham and cheese or turkey with pesto. Pair it with homemade soups or serve it as a side for hearty salads. The options are as endless as your creativity!

Best Way to Store Amish Sweet Bread Recipe

Keeping Amish Sweet Bread Recipe Fresh Longer

To preserve your delicious sweet bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the loaves and freeze them, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

Pro Chef Tips

Tips and Tricks

  1. Measure the flour carefully: Too much can lead to a dry loaf. Use the spoon-and-level method for precision.
  2. Warm water is key: It should be warm to touch but not hot; too much heat will kill the yeast.
  3. Don’t skip the rising: Patience is critical. Allow your dough enough time to rise for the best texture.

Creative Twists

Flavor Variations

  1. Herbed Sweet Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
  2. Nutty Additions: Fold in chopped nuts for added crunch or replace a cup of flour with whole wheat for a denser texture.
  3. Cinnamon Swirl: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar into layers of your dough before shaping it into loaves for a sweet surprise.

Your Questions Answered

Common Questions

  1. How long does it take to make Amish sweet bread?
    Overall, this recipe takes about 2 hours, including preparation and rising time.

  2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
    Yes, substitute it 1:1. You won’t need to activate it first; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

  3. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
    Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water is at the right temperature. If it still doesn’t rise, try placing it in a warmer location.

  4. Can I halve the recipe?
    Absolutely! Feel free to halve the measurements for a smaller loaf; just keep an eye on the baking time.

Enjoy the wonderful experience of making Amish sweet bread—simple, comforting, and utterly delightful! Happy baking!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Amish Sweet Bread


  • Total Time: 120 minutes
  • Yield: 2 loaves 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A cherished and easy-to-make sweet bread with a soft texture and subtle sweetness, perfect for any meal or occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 1½ tbsp active dry yeast
  • 5½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1½ tbsp salt

Instructions

  1. Heat the water in a pot over moderate heat until warm, but not boiling.
  2. Remove the pot from the stove, and stir in the yeast, letting it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy and activated.
  3. Add the vegetable oil and salt, mixing them in well.
  4. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough forms.
  5. Lightly grease a bowl and place your dough inside. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. After it has risen, punch down the dough to release any trapped air. Divide it evenly and transfer to greased loaf pans.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
  8. Remove from the oven, allow them to cool on a wire rack, and brush the tops with butter for an irresistibly soft finish.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze sliced loaves for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sweet bread, Amish bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating