A freshly baked loaf of Amish Sweet Bread has a way of making any kitchen feel warm and welcoming. This homemade bread features a soft, tender crumb, a lightly sweet flavor, and a beautiful golden crust.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, serve it alongside an afternoon cup of tea, or toast it for an easy breakfast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Soft and Tender: Enjoy a fluffy interior with a lightly golden crust in every slice.
- Perfectly Sweet: The gentle sweetness makes this bread delicious without being overly sugary.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create a comforting homemade loaf.
- Beginner-Friendly: The straightforward preparation makes it a great choice for home bakers.
- Great for Breakfast: Pair a slice with coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
Ingredient Substitutions
- All-Purpose Flour: Use bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Substitute honey or maple syrup, adjusting the liquid slightly if needed.
- Whole Milk: Use 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Butter: Replace with melted coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil.
- Active Dry Yeast: Use instant yeast, following the package guidance for the amount.
Amish Sweet Bread Recipe
Amish Sweet Bread is a soft, slightly sweet homemade bread with a golden crust and tender crumb. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this classic recipe is perfect for toast, sandwiches, or enjoying warm with butter. The subtle sweetness makes it an irresistible family favorite.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 2 Loaf pans
- Wire cooling rack
- Oven
Ingredients
- 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
- Heat the water in a pot over moderate heat, then remove from the stove.
- Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy and activated.
- Add the vegetable oil and salt, then gradually mix in the flour one cup at a time until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, divide it evenly, and place into greased loaf pans.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 30 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from the oven, cool on a wire rack, and brush the tops with butter for a soft finish.
Notes
- If your yeast doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it may be expired or your water was too hot or cold.
- Kneading properly develops gluten, giving the bread a light and airy texture—don’t skip this step.
- Letting the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack prevents it from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per slice, 16 slices)
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 220kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 410g |
| Fibre | 14g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 53g |
What to Serve With It
Delicious Variations to Try
- Cinnamon Sugar Bread: Add ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, sweet flavor.
- Raisin Sweet Bread: Mix in raisins for little bursts of sweetness in every slice.
- Honey Sweet Bread: Replace some of the sugar with honey for a gentle floral sweetness.
- Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Roll cinnamon sugar into the dough before shaping for a sweet, swirled center.
- Chocolate Chip Bread: Fold in chocolate chips for a dessert-style loaf.
FAQs
- Can I use instant yeast?
Yes, skip the proofing step. - Why didn’t my dough rise?
Water may have been too hot or yeast expired. - How can I make it richer?
Add milk, butter, or extra sugar. - Can I make this without sugar?
Yeast needs some sugar, but you can reduce the amount. - Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze after first rise. - How do I get a softer crust?
Brush with butter after baking. - Why is my bread dense?
Too much flour or not enough kneading.
