Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

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Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet with a golden-brown crust, Homemade Amish Sweet Bread is a comforting classic that feels like a warm hug from the oven. This traditional loaf boasts a rich, buttery flavor with a light and airy texture that makes it perfect for everything from morning toast to an afternoon sandwich. Its simplicity and versatility make it a staple in many Amish kitchens—and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

Made with pantry staples and requiring no fancy ingredients, this bread is ideal for beginner bakers or anyone looking to master a foolproof loaf. Whether served with a pat of butter, drizzled with honey, or used for French toast, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. It’s the kind of bread that fills your kitchen with nostalgic aromas and your heart with joy.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

• Delightfully soft and fluffy texture
• Just the right amount of sweetness
• Beginner-friendly and easy to knead
• Uses everyday pantry staples
• Versatile for breakfast, snacks, or sandwiches
• Makes your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, make sure your kitchen is set up with the right tools to streamline the baking process:

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients and allowing space for rising dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters, especially when working with yeast and flour.
• Wooden Spoon or Dough Hook (if using a stand mixer): Great for mixing the dough until it comes together.
• Stand Mixer (optional): Speeds up the kneading process and ensures a consistent dough texture.
• Loaf Pans (9×5 inch): These shape the bread into that beautiful loaf form and help ensure even baking.
• Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap: Crucial for covering the dough during its rise to prevent it from drying out.
• Oven Thermometer (optional but helpful): Ensures your oven reaches and maintains the correct baking temperature.

Each tool plays a role in either developing the dough structure or ensuring your bread bakes evenly and beautifully.

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Preparation Tips

Start with fresh, active dry yeast—proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar to ensure it’s still alive. Always use warm (not hot) liquid to activate the yeast without killing it. Mix the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this may take 8–10 minutes by hand or about 5 minutes with a mixer. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in size—this helps develop flavor and texture. Finally, avoid over-flouring the surface when shaping your dough; too much can lead to a dense loaf.

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Ingredients for Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

• 2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
• 5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing top after baking)

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Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to leaven the bread.

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Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once the yeast is activated, add the salt and oil to the mixture. Gradually stir in 3 cups of the flour using a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook. Continue adding the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and is no longer overly sticky.

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Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5 to 6 minutes. The dough should bounce back slightly when poked and feel supple, not dry.

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Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the surface. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

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Step 5: Shape the Loaves

Punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide it evenly into two portions. Shape each into a loaf by flattening into a rectangle, then rolling up tightly. Pinch the seam closed and place each loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, seam side down.

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Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the loaf pans loosely with a towel or wrap and let them rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the rim of the pan. This second rise gives the bread its light and airy texture.

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Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temp should reach about 190°F (88°C).

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Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the loaves from the oven and optionally brush the tops with melted butter for a shiny, soft crust. Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

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Notes

Homemade Amish Sweet Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it also stores well and toasts beautifully. If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter. For a slightly more tender crumb, you can incorporate a splash of milk or an extra tablespoon of sugar into the dough. This bread pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory toppings, making it incredibly versatile. You can even turn it into rolls or use it as a base for bread pudding.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using water that’s too hot: Anything above 115°F can kill the yeast, preventing the bread from rising.
• Not allowing proper rise time: Rushing the proofing stages can result in dense, chewy bread.
• Adding too much flour: Over-flouring leads to dry, heavy loaves. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
• Skipping the second rise: This crucial step develops the final texture and height of the bread.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the loaves during the last 5 minutes. An internal temp of 190°F means it’s done.

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Storage Instructions

Store your Amish Sweet Bread in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled loaves in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven. Avoid refrigerating, as this can dry out the bread quickly.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per slice, based on 16 slices per loaf)

• Calories: ~165 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg (more if butter used)
• Sodium: 150mg
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using the same amount. You can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Why didn’t my bread rise properly?

This could be due to expired yeast, water that’s too hot or cold, or an environment that’s too cool for rising. Make sure the yeast is fresh and the dough is in a warm, draft-free area.

Can I make this bread vegan?

Absolutely! Just use a plant-based oil and avoid brushing with butter. The result will still be delicious and fluffy.

Can I add raisins or cinnamon?

Yes! Fold in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of raisins and a teaspoon of cinnamon after the first rise to create a sweet, spiced variation.

How do I make the crust softer?

Brush the top with melted butter right after baking and cover loosely with a clean towel as it cools.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, it scales beautifully. Just make sure your mixer or bowl can handle the larger dough volume.

Why is my bread dense or gummy inside?

This may be caused by under-kneading or underbaking. Make sure to knead thoroughly and bake until the internal temperature reaches 190°F.

What flour is best for Amish sweet bread?

All-purpose flour works perfectly, but you can also use bread flour for a chewier texture. Avoid whole wheat for this particular sweet loaf.

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Conclusion

Homemade Amish Sweet Bread brings together rustic tradition and homey comfort in one perfectly soft loaf. It’s a go-to recipe that fits every occasion—whether you’re making toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, or simply enjoying it warm out of the oven with butter. With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you’ll have a golden, tender loaf that your whole family will ask for again and again. Try it once, and you might never go back to store-bought bread again.

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