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
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.
- Remove the pot from the heat and mix in the yeast, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes until activated.
- Stir in the oil and salt, then gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- 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.
- Lightly grease a bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for an hour.
- Punch down the dough, divide it into two equal halves, and place each into a greased loaf pan.
- 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.
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.