Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

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Nothing says comfort like a warm, fluffy slice of Homemade Amish Sweet Bread fresh out of the oven. This golden loaf is lightly sweet, rich with a tender crumb, and absolutely irresistible when slathered with butter or jam. Whether you’re pairing it with your morning coffee, making a dreamy French toast, or simply enjoying it warm with a drizzle of honey, this bread brings nostalgic charm and old-fashioned goodness to any table.

Passed down through generations, Amish sweet bread is known for its simplicity and heartwarming taste. It’s made from pantry staples and doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it a favorite for beginner and seasoned bakers alike. With its soft, pillowy texture and subtly sweet flavor, it’s a loaf that gets devoured quickly—so you might want to make two!

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What Kind of Flour Should I Use?

For this bread, all-purpose flour works beautifully and is what’s traditionally used in Amish kitchens. It gives the bread structure while still allowing for that pillowy softness. You can substitute with bread flour if you want a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose is your best bet for the most authentic result.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

All-purpose flour – This forms the base of the bread, giving it structure and volume.

Warm milk – Used to activate the yeast and enrich the dough, it adds a tender texture and mild sweetness.

Granulated sugar – Brings just the right amount of sweetness and also feeds the yeast for a good rise.

Active dry yeast – The leavening agent that gives the bread its airy lift and soft interior.

Salt – Essential for balancing the flavor and enhancing the sweetness.

Unsalted butter – Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the bread.

Egg – Helps bind the dough and contributes to the tender, fluffy crumb.

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How To Make the Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (around 110°F) with sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to leaven the bread.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add in the softened butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead on low for about 5-6 minutes. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf by flattening slightly, then rolling into a tight log. Place it into a greased loaf pan.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If it browns too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.

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Serving and Storing Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

This sweet bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with butter, use it as a base for French toast, or turn slices into a decadent bread pudding. It’s also delicious lightly toasted with a smear of fruit preserves.

To store, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the toaster or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

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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. Just mix it directly into the flour without proofing it in warm milk.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Check your yeast—it may be expired. Also ensure your milk wasn’t too hot (which can kill the yeast) or too cold (which won’t activate it).

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes. You can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and use vegan butter.

Is this bread very sweet?

It has a gentle sweetness—more than sandwich bread but not as sweet as a dessert. You can adjust the sugar to suit your taste.

Can I bake this in a bread machine?

Absolutely! Use the dough setting to knead and rise, then shape it and bake in the oven for a golden crust. Or use the full bread setting and let the machine do it all.

What size pan should I use?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for this recipe, giving the loaf a nice rise and perfect shape.

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Want More Bread Ideas?

If you’re loving this Homemade Amish Sweet Bread, here are a few other cozy bakes from the Life with Jam kitchen you should definitely check out:

• Amish Applesauce Cake for a moist, spiced loaf with old-fashioned charm.
• Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread loaded with buttery crunch.
• Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread if you love a nutty-sweet bite.
• Ultimate Banana Nut Bread for a soft and satisfying breakfast slice.
• Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf when you’re craving something savory and rich.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest bread board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tweak the sweetness or add a glaze? Try a cinnamon swirl?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake better.

Looking for more kitchen-tested recipes with heart? Follow me on Pinterest @Hallarecipes where I post daily creations from Life with Jam.

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