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This image shows two soft, golden-brown loaves of sweet Amish bread, perfectly baked and placed on a white plate, ready to be sliced and enjoyed.

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 2002 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 2 Loaf pans

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Heat water in a pot over moderate heat on the stove, then stir in the sugar once it reaches a boil and let it dissolve.
    This image shows boiling water in a pot with sugar being dissolved, preparing the base for activating yeast to make the sweet Amish bread dough rise.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the yeast, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes until activated.
    This image shows yeast being added to the sugar-water mixture and left to activate, creating a bubbly foam that signals it's ready for mixing into the dough.
  • Stir in the oil and salt, then gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
    This image shows oil, salt, and flour being mixed into the activated yeast mixture, forming the dough for the sweet Amish bread.
  • Stop adding flour once the dough clumps together but remains slightly sticky.
  • Flour a work surface, transfer the dough onto it, and knead for about five minutes, sprinkled with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
    This image shows hands kneading the dough, working it into a smooth and elastic texture, essential for achieving a soft and fluffy loaf of Amish bread.
  • Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for an hour.
    This image shows the dough resting and rising in a bowl, covered with a cloth, as it expands and doubles in size, ready to be shaped.
  • Punch down the dough, divide it into two equal halves, and place each into a greased loaf pan.
    This image shows the risen dough being shaped into loaves and placed in loaf pans, preparing for the final rise before baking.
  • Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
    This image shows sweet Amish bread loaves baking in the oven, turning golden brown with a soft, perfectly baked texture.

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.