There’s something undeniably special about homemade bread—the warmth, the aroma, the way each slice feels like a small moment of comfort. Amish Sweet Bread is one of those recipes that brings joy in every bite. With its soft, pillowy texture and a delicate hint of sweetness, it’s perfect for everything from breakfast toast to sandwich bread.
What makes this bread stand out is its simple yet effective ingredient list—just six pantry staples come together to create a loaf that’s both light and flavorful. The key is the warm water activation method, which ensures the yeast does its magic, resulting in a beautifully risen, tender loaf.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this foolproof recipe delivers consistent results every time. It’s no wonder this bread has gained popularity, especially among those looking for a versatile homemade alternative to store-bought loaves.
It’s the kind of bread that tastes incredible on its own, but also shines when paired with Cheesy Shrimp Tea Sandwiches for a savory twist or a fresh Greek Salad for a balanced meal. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a little patience.
Why You Will Love This Dish?
- It’s beginner-friendly: If you’ve never baked bread before, this is a great place to start. No kneading skills required!
- Perfectly soft and slightly sweet: The touch of sugar gives it a gentle sweetness that works well with both sweet and savory toppings.
- Great for meal prep: Bake a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have fresh bread for sandwiches, toast, and more throughout the week.
- Better than store-bought: No preservatives, just simple, wholesome ingredients for a healthier homemade alternative.
- It’s endlessly customizable: Add cinnamon for a sweet twist, or swap some of the flour for whole wheat to make it heartier.
Amish Sweet Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Loaf pans (2 standard-size)
- Kitchen towel (for covering dough)
- Oven
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 6 cups bread flour
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the ingredients: Add oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour, one cup at a time, until a dough forms.
- Knead & rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Shape the loaves: Punch down the dough, divide it into two loaves, and place them into greased loaf pans. Let them rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Cool & serve: Remove from pans and let the loaves cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 168kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 147mg |
Flavor-Packed Variations to Transform Amish Sweet Bread!
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are some creative variations to take your Amish Sweet Bread to the next level. These aren’t your basic “add cinnamon” tweaks—these are next-level upgrades that keep the integrity of the recipe while enhancing its versatility.
1. Honey & Oat Amish Bread
Swap half the sugar for honey and sprinkle rolled oats on top before baking. This gives the bread a richer flavor with a slightly chewy texture. Perfect for breakfast!
2. Herb & Garlic Infused Loaf
Before kneading, mix in finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and roasted garlic. The subtle savory notes make this an excellent side for soups, pasta, or even grilled meats.
3. Buttermilk Soft Loaf
Replace half the water with buttermilk for an even softer crumb and a slightly tangy flavor. This variation gives bakery-level texture with an extra depth of taste.
4. Maple Pecan Sweet Bread
Use maple syrup instead of sugar and fold in chopped toasted pecans before shaping the dough. The result? A warm, nutty loaf that’s incredible with butter or cream cheese.
5. Whole Wheat & Flax Power Bread
For a heartier and more nutritious loaf, substitute half the bread flour with whole wheat flour and mix in 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds. This keeps the bread soft while adding fiber and nutrients.
6. Soft Chocolate Chip Bread
If you want a treat, fold in mini chocolate chips after the first rise. The slight sweetness of the bread combined with melty chocolate makes it a fantastic dessert-like snack.
7. Caramelized Onion & Cheese Swirl
Roll out the dough, spread on caramelized onions and shredded sharp cheddar, then roll it up before placing it in the loaf pan. This creates a beautiful swirl inside, loaded with flavor.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
