Amish Sweet Bread
Experience the comforting aroma and soft, buttery texture of Amish Sweet Bread — a classic, homemade loaf that’s tender, slightly sweet, and perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or cozy dinners. With simple ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, and butter, this timeless recipe brings warmth and tradition to every slice.
Ingredients
- For the Bread:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 cup warm milk ≈110°F / 43°C
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp salt
- Optional Variations:
- Cinnamon swirl: 2 tbsp cinnamon + 2 tbsp sugar
- Honey-sweetened: replace sugar with honey
- Whole wheat twist: swap half flour for whole wheat flour
- Holiday: add ½ cup chopped nuts or dried fruit
Instructions
- Step 1 — Prepare the Dough
- Warm milk and stir in sugar and yeast. Let it sit 5–10 mins until foamy.
- Add melted butter, salt, and half the flour. Mix until combined. Gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 mins until smooth and elastic.
- Step 2 — First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled in size.
- Step 3 — Shape and Second Rise
- Punch down dough and divide into loaves. Shape and place in greased pans.
- Cover and let rise 30–45 mins.
- Step 4 — Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake 25–30 mins until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Brush tops with melted butter after baking. Cool at least 15 mins before slicing.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for better yeast activation.
- Don’t rush rising — patience ensures a soft, airy loaf.
- Measure flour accurately; too much makes bread dense.
- Bake on the middle rack for even browning.
- Freeze cooled loaves for long-term storage; slice first for easy toasting.