Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

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There’s something deeply comforting about pulling a warm loaf of sweet bread from your oven, especially when it’s made with love from scratch. Homemade Amish Sweet Bread is the kind of recipe that invites you to slow down, roll up your sleeves, and savor the process of baking something wholesome and soul-satisfying. Its soft, fluffy texture and gentle sweetness make it perfect for everything from breakfast toast to afternoon snacks.

What sets this bread apart is its versatility. You can keep it plain or dress it up with butter, jam, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. The rich, tender crumb and nostalgic aroma will make your kitchen feel like a cozy farmhouse bakery. Whether you’re baking it for your family or giving it as a gift, this is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself returning to time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

This bread is incredibly forgiving, which makes it ideal for beginner bakers. It requires simple pantry ingredients, no fancy techniques, and rewards you with the kind of soft, lightly sweet loaf you might remember from childhood. It’s perfect for slicing thick and serving with butter, or using for French toast the next morning.

You’ll love how it fills your home with a gentle, yeasty warmth as it rises and bakes. The final product is both rustic and refined—sturdy enough for sandwiches but tender enough to melt in your mouth. Once you try it, you might find yourself making it on repeat.

What Kind of Flour Should I Use?

All-purpose flour works beautifully in this recipe, giving the bread a soft, pillowy texture without being too delicate. If you’d like to experiment with a heartier version, try swapping out a cup for whole wheat flour—just be sure to adjust the liquid slightly. Bread flour can also be used if you’re after a slightly chewier crumb. The key is to not overdo the flour during kneading, so your bread stays nice and tender.

Ingredients for the Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

To make this comforting loaf, you’ll only need a few basic ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in the bread’s signature softness and sweet flavor.

All-purpose flour is the base of the dough, giving the bread its structure while keeping it tender.

Warm water activates the yeast and helps everything bind together smoothly.

Granulated sugar adds that light sweetness Amish bread is known for.

Active dry yeast is essential for the rise and airy texture.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Vegetable oil keeps the crumb moist and tender, making the bread delightfully soft even days after baking.

How To Make the Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy—that means the yeast is alive and ready.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Once the yeast is bubbly, add in the salt, oil, and a few cups of flour. Stir to combine, then gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let It Rise

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

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the dough gently to release air. Divide it in half and shape into loaves. Place each into a greased loaf pan, then cover and let rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden on top and hollow-sounding when tapped. Let cool slightly before removing from pans.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Amish Sweet Bread

This recipe makes two lovely loaves that serve around 10 to 12 people in total, depending on how thickly you slice them. Serve warm with butter and honey, or toasted with a dollop of jam. It also makes divine French toast or bread pudding.

To store, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the loaves by wrapping them in foil and sealing them in a freezer bag—they’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Homemade Amish Sweet Bread?

Toasted with Apple Butter

Nothing beats a warm slice of this bread slathered with spiced apple butter for a cozy snack or breakfast.

Alongside Cajun Potato Soup

The sweetness of the bread is perfect for dipping into the smoky kick of Cajun Potato Soup.

With Butter Pecan Cheesecake

Pair a toasted slice with a slice of Butter Pecan Cheesecake for a comforting dessert duo.

For Breakfast with Macaroni Salad

Yes, it works! Try it with a scoop of Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for an unexpected breakfast combo.

As a Side to Chicken Parmesan Linguine

Serve it with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine to soak up every bit of creamy sauce.

Used for Sandwiches

Slice thick for ham or chicken salad sandwiches. The subtle sweetness pairs well with savory fillings.

French Toast

Make French toast with day-old bread, and top with fresh berries and whipped cream for a dreamy weekend treat.

Want More Bread Ideas?

If you love baking Homemade Amish Sweet Bread, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Pumpkin Bread with Maple Cream Cheese Filling for a fall-inspired twist.
• Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread if you love soft bread with colorful sprinkles.
• Italian Ricotta Easter Bread for a rich, tender holiday bread.
• Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls if you crave sweet yeasted treats.
• Honey Butter Skillet Corn for a buttery-sweet side to pair with your bread.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a cinnamon swirl or maybe add a hint of vanilla? Did your kids ask for seconds before you finished slicing?

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comfort food classics on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite bake or sip.

Conclusion

Homemade Amish Sweet Bread is the kind of kitchen staple that feels anything but basic. With its soft, tender crumb and just-right sweetness, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whether you serve it warm with butter, build a sandwich, or transform it into dessert, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. So bake a batch, share a loaf, and taste the joy of simple, homemade bread.

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