Amish White Bread: Soft, Fluffy, and Perfectly Sweet

Few things in life are as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. If you’re looking for a soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile bread, Amish White Bread is the perfect choice.

This classic recipe is known for its pillowy texture and golden crust, making it ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter and honey. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners!

Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to homemade bread, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve the perfect loaf every time.

Ingredients

To make two beautiful loaves of Amish White Bread, you’ll need:

2 cups warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)

2/3 cup white sugar

1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast (2 packets)

1 ½ teaspoons salt

¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra richness)

6 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)

💡 Pro Tip: Ensure your water is warm but not too hot, or it may kill the yeast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.

💡 Why is this important? The frothy bubbles indicate that the yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Stir in salt and vegetable oil.

Add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing after each addition.

Once the dough becomes too thick to stir, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

💡 Pro Tip: If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment and mix on low speed.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but don’t overdo it—too much flour can make the bread dense.

💡 The Windowpane Test: Stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it stretches thin without tearing, it’s ready!

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides.

Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

💡 Ideal Rising Spot: A slightly warm oven (turned off) or a sunny windowsill works great!

Step 5: Shape the Loaves

Punch down the dough to release air bubbles.

Divide it into two equal parts and shape into loaves.

Place each loaf into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

💡 Pro Tip: Tuck the edges under while shaping for a smooth top.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover the pans with a towel and let the loaves rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until they rise above the edges of the pan.

💡 Why a Second Rise? This allows the gluten to relax, making the bread softer and fluffier.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.

💡 For a Shinier Crust: Brush the tops with melted butter right after baking!

Cooling & Storage

Let the bread cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

💡 Freezing Tip: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

This soft, homemade Amish White Bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

🥪 Sandwiches – Perfect for classic PB&J, turkey and cheese, or grilled cheese.

🍞 Toast – Slather with butter, jam, honey, or cinnamon sugar.

🍞 French Toast – The slightly sweet flavor makes it amazing for breakfast!

🍔 Bread Bowls – Hollow out and fill with soups or dips for a creative twist.

Variations & Additions

Want to customize your Amish White Bread? Try these variations:

1. Honey Amish Bread

Swap sugar for ½ cup honey for a rich, natural sweetness.

2. Whole Wheat Version

Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

3. Cinnamon Swirl Amish Bread

Roll out the dough, spread with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before rolling into loaves.

4. Garlic Herb Bread

Add garlic powder, rosemary, or Italian herbs to the dough for a savory twist.

Troubleshooting Tips

1. My dough isn’t rising!

Make sure your yeast is fresh. Expired yeast won’t work.

The water may have been too hot (killing the yeast) or too cold (not activating it).

2. My bread turned out too dense!

Over-kneading or too much flour can lead to dense loaves. Stick to 8-10 minutes of kneading!

3. My crust is too hard!

Cover the loaf with a clean towel after baking to soften the crust.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

Calories: 150

Carbohydrates: 28g

Protein: 4g

Fat: 3g

Fiber: 1g

Nutritional values vary based on portion size and ingredients used.

Conclusion

Homemade Amish White Bread is a must-try recipe for any home baker. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or French toast, this versatile loaf is guaranteed to impress!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Do you prefer it classic or with a twist? Share your thoughts and favorite variations below!

Happy baking! 🍞✨

More Recipes You Might Like