If you have been on the lookout for a bread that feels like a warm hug straight from an Amish kitchen, you are going to adore this Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe. It’s wonderfully soft, subtly sweet, and simply perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a comforting snack any time of day. This bread carries a nostalgic charm with every bite, wrapping you in the cozy simplicity of homemade goodness. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite bread to bake and share with those you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe is straightforward but plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the warmth of milk to the golden finish from butter and yeast, each component is essential to achieving the sweet bread’s signature softness and gentle sweetness.
- Warm milk: Acts as the perfect hydrator and food for the yeast, helping the bread rise beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to brighten the bread’s flavor.
- Active dry yeast: This little powerhouse is what makes the dough rise and become airy.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Gives a tender crumb and rich flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to a moist, soft texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that forms the bread’s structure and chew.
How to Make Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Begin by mixing warm milk and sugar in a large bowl, creating the perfect cozy environment for your yeast. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it turns foamy—a sign that your yeast is alive and ready to make magic happen.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough Ingredients
Next, add the softened butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture. Slowly stir in the flour one cup at a time. This gradual incorporation helps the dough come together smoothly without getting too stiff or too sticky, resulting in a soft dough that’s a joy to handle.
Step 3: Kneading to Perfection
Whether you use a mixer with a dough hook or your very own hands, knead the dough for about 5–6 minutes in the mixer or 8–10 minutes by hand on a lightly floured surface. This step develops the gluten, giving your bread that perfect chewy texture while keeping it tender.
Step 4: First Rise for Fluffiness
Transfer your dough into a greased bowl, cover it up, and tuck it away in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours. Let it double in size to ensure your Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe ends up light, airy, and full of inviting volume.
Step 5: Shaping the Loaf
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release any trapped air. Shape it lovingly into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step sets the stage for the gorgeous shape and crust you’re about to achieve.
Step 6: Second Rise for Softness
Cover your loaf loosely to let it rise a second time, this time for about 30–45 minutes. The dough should just rise above the edge of the pan, primed to bake into a beautifully domed loaf with the perfect crumb.
Step 7: Baking to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop your loaf in and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is a gorgeous golden brown. Tap the bottom of the loaf—it should sound hollow, a classic sign your bread is baked through.
Step 8: Cooling Before Slicing
Allow your bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This final step ensures every slice holds its shape and texture, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth quality you’ve been dreaming of.
How to Serve Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe
Garnishes
There’s something irresistible about slicing into warm Amish sweet bread and adding a pat of creamy butter that melts right away. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar transforms it into a cozy treat that feels both humble and special.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with fresh fruit spreads, cream cheese, or even a bowl of warm soup. Whether it’s part of a hearty breakfast or a light afternoon snack, it elevates simple sides into memorable moments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning your Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe into elegant French toast or lightly toasted slices topped with fresh berries and whipped cream. You can also use it to make indulgent bread pudding or serve it alongside a cheese platter for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your sweet bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays soft and delicious for 2 to 3 days — perfect for enjoying without rushing.
Freezing
If you want to stretch your Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe’s joy, slice it and freeze the pieces individually wrapped in foil or plastic bags. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy homemade bread anytime.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, toast slices directly from the freezer or warm them gently in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes. Your bread will taste just like it did on baking day, soft and fragrant.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a slightly denser texture. Just keep the yeast rising times in mind—they might need a little extra time.
What makes this Amish sweet bread different from regular bread?
The slight sweetness and the tender crumb set this bread apart. The use of milk, butter, and sugar creates a soft, rich texture that feels like a comforting hug from the inside out.
Do I need to use a bread machine to make this recipe?
Not at all. This recipe works wonderfully by hand or with a stand mixer. Kneading by hand adds a lovely personal touch, and you can feel the dough transform under your hands, which is part of the fun!
Can I add raisins or nuts to this bread?
Definitely! Adding raisins, chopped nuts, or even cinnamon can personalize your loaf and bring extra flavor and texture. Fold them in during the mixing stage before the first rise.
Why did my bread not rise properly?
If your bread didn’t rise as expected, it might be due to yeast that was too old, milk that was too hot or cold, or a drafty environment during rising. Ensuring fresh yeast and a cozy spot for the dough helps it rise perfectly every time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking a loaf of bread that feels like a warm, familiar embrace, and this Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s simple, approachable, and endlessly delicious, perfect for bringing a bit of homemade joy to your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to try it yourself—you’ll be rewarded with slices of sweet comfort that everyone will adore.
Print
Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Amish Sweet Bread is a soft, slightly sweet yeast bread perfect for breakfast or snacks. Made with simple ingredients like warm milk, sugar, butter, and flour, this classic bread features a tender crumb and golden crust, ideal for slicing and enjoying with butter or jam.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, mix the warm milk with granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the softened butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir in the all-purpose flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough for about 5–6 minutes using a mixer with a dough hook or 8–10 minutes by hand on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to remove air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf loosely and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until the dough is just above the edge of the pan.
- Bake Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For extra flavor, you can brush the top of the loaf with melted butter after baking.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Make sure the dough doubles in size during each rise for the best texture.
- Store bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
