Amish Sweet Bread has a unique charm that reminds us of simpler times. Growing up, my grandmother would bake this soft, fluffy loaf every Sunday. The smell of the warm bread wafting through the house was irresistible! Each slice, lightly sweetened, was perfect for toasting or making sandwiches. I’ve continued this tradition, and now I want to share my sweet Amish bread recipe with you. This traditional Amish sweet bread is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Amish Sweet Bread
- Perfectly sweet and soft, making it ideal for breakfast or snacks.
- Simple ingredients ensure it’s budget-friendly.
- Quick preparation time allows you to enjoy fresh bread in no time.
- Family-friendly recipe that kids will love helping with.
- Versatile – can be used for sandwiches or French toast.
- Great base for variations like Amish cinnamon bread or Amish bread with raisins.
Ingredients for Amish Sweet Bread
Here’s everything you need for this delightful bread:
- 2 cups warm water – activates the yeast for a good rise.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with the browning.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast – the leavening agent that makes the bread rise.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt – enhances flavor and strengthens dough.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil – keeps the bread moist.
- 5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour – forms the structure of the bread.
How to Make Amish Sweet Bread
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, stir together the warm water and sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
- Step 3: Add salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 5: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 6: Punch down the dough, divide it into two portions, and shape into loaves. Place in greased loaf pans.
- Step 7: Cover the loaves and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Step 9: Remove from pans and let cool before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Amish Sweet Bread
These tips will help you achieve perfect bread every time:
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise.
- Don’t rush the rising process; it’s key to fluffy bread.
- For a richer flavor, use milk instead of water.
What’s the secret to perfect Amish Sweet Bread?
The secret lies in kneading the dough properly. This develops the gluten, giving your bread that desirable texture. Remember, the dough should be smooth and elastic.
Can I make Amish Sweet Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just allow extra time for the second rise before baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Amish Sweet Bread?
Avoid adding too much flour; the dough should be slightly sticky. Also, ensure your water isn’t too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
Best Ways to Serve Amish Sweet Bread
This homemade Amish sweet bread is delightful on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:
- Toast slices and spread with butter or jam for breakfast.
- Make delicious French toast using this bread for a cozy brunch.
- Pair with soups or stews for a comforting dinner.
Nutrition Facts for Amish Sweet Bread
Per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Amish Sweet Bread
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop slices in the toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amish Sweet Bread
Can I add flavors to Amish Sweet Bread?
Absolutely! Consider mixing in nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.
Is Amish Sweet Bread suitable for sandwiches?
Yes! Its soft texture makes it perfect for sandwiches, especially with deli meats or spreads.
What makes Amish Sweet Bread different from regular bread?
This bread is typically sweeter and softer due to the added sugar, making it unique and delicious.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may change the texture slightly.
Variations of Amish Sweet Bread You Can Try
Here are a few fun variations to consider:
- Amish cinnamon bread: Swirl cinnamon and sugar into the dough for a sweet twist.
- Amish sweet bread with raisins: Add raisins for a chewy texture.
- Slow cooker Amish sweet bread: Try cooking it in a slow cooker for a different texture.
5 Irresistible Amish Sweet Bread Recipes to Try
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Amish Sweet Bread is a soft, slightly sweet loaf perfect for toast, French toast, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir warm water and sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add salt, oil, and 3 cups of flour. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled.
- Punch down dough, divide into two portions, and shape into loaves. Place in greased loaf pans.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake loaves for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Remove from pans and let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg


