Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe

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If you have ever dreamed of biting into a soft, lightly sweet, golden loaf that fills your kitchen with the warmest aromas, then this Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a charming and timeless bread that combines simplicity and delightful flavor, making it perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a comforting companion to dinner. What I love most about this recipe is how every ingredient plays an essential role in creating that perfect tender crumb with a subtle sweetness that feels like a warm hug from an old friend.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to baking this beautiful Amish sweet bread. Each ingredient is straightforward but thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best taste, texture, and lovely golden color in your loaf.

• Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps the crust brown beautifully.
• Active dry yeast: The magical agent that makes your bread rise light and fluffy.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Infuses richness and softness throughout the loaf.
• Large egg: Binds the dough and enriches flavor and texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure to your bread.

How to Make Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Begin by warming your milk to just the right temperature—not too hot to kill the yeast, but warm enough to wake it up. Combine the warm milk with sugar in a large bowl, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let this sit patiently for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and alive, signaling that your dough is ready to rise beautifully.

Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients

Next, stir in the softened butter, the large egg, and salt into your bubbly mixture. These enrich the dough, providing tender moisture and a lovely buttery flavor that will make each slice unforgettable.

Step 3: Add the flour and form the dough

Slowly incorporate your all-purpose flour—one cup at a time—stirring gently until a soft, malleable dough forms. This gentle approach helps maintain a tender texture without making it too tough.

Step 4: Knead the dough

Kneading is where the magic really happens. You can use a mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes or get a little hands-on by kneading on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes. This process builds gluten, giving your bread its wonderful chew and structure.

Step 5: First rise

Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, cover it well, and place it somewhere warm and cozy. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size—this is where your bread gets its airiness and lightness.

Step 6: Shape the loaf

Once risen, punch down the dough to gently release any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and carefully place it into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. This shapes the bread and gets it ready for the next rise.

Step 7: Second rise

Cover the loaf loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, just until it peeks above the edge of the pan. This final rise ensures a soft, pillow-like bread that’s perfectly risen for baking.

Step 8: Bake to golden perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom—that’s your signal that it’s perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Step 9: Cool and enjoy

Allow your bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps keep the crust from getting soggy and makes slicing easier. Now, your Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe is ready to be savored!

How to Serve Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread shines on its own but feels extra special when garnished with a pat of creamy butter or a drizzle of honey. For a little extra indulgence, try spreading some fruit preserves or cream cheese—each bite will be pure bliss.

Side Dishes

Pair this sweet bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. It’s also wonderful alongside hearty soups or stews, where the soft bread soaks up delicious flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and toast it lightly for a crunchy contrast, then top with cinnamon sugar or fresh berries. You can even use slices for French toast—imagine the soft texture soaking up eggs and syrup for a weekend brunch favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your Amish sweet bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. Keeping it sealed helps retain moisture and prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

This homemade bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first, then wrap the slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply toast or thaw the slices. This way, you can savor the Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe anytime you want without rushing.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, gently toast individual slices or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s crispness while reviving the soft interior, making it perfect for immediate enjoyment.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour to add more fiber and a nuttier flavor, but keep in mind the texture may be a bit denser. Using half whole wheat and half all-purpose is a great balance.

How important is the temperature of the milk?

Milk temperature is very important for activating the yeast. It should be warm to the touch, about 110°F (43°C), which helps the yeast foam and begin fermentation, leading to a lighter loaf.

Can I bake this bread without a mixer?

Absolutely! While a mixer with a dough hook speeds up kneading, you can knead by hand on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the bread-making process.

Is this bread sweet enough to eat without any toppings?

Yes! The sweetness here is subtle and gentle, just enough to enhance the flavor without overwhelming it, making it delicious plain or with simple toppings like butter.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Look for a golden brown crust and gently tap the bottom of the loaf; if it sounds hollow, the bread is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about baking bread from scratch, especially when it’s a treasured Homemade Amish Sweet Bread Recipe that brings comfort and joy to everyone at the table. I encourage you to try it yourself and experience the simple pleasure of slicing into a warm, sweet loaf made with love. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a beloved favorite, sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds.

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