Homemade Amish Sweet Bread: A Cozy Treat
There’s something so inviting about the aroma of Homemade Amish Sweet Bread wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? It’s the kind of recipe that makes your home feel warm and welcoming. When I first stumbled across this recipe, I knew I had to try it. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like pulling a soft, fluffy loaf out of the oven and cutting into it while it’s still warm. Let me guide you through this delightful journey of baking!
Table of Contents
What Is Homemade Amish Sweet Bread?
Homemade Amish Sweet Bread is a beloved treat from the Amish community, known for its soft texture and subtly sweet flavor. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Made from simple ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. You’ll love how it becomes even better the next day, making it a wonderful choice for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Ingredients Overview for Homemade Amish Sweet Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful bread. And don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; I’ll give you some easy substitutions.
- Warm Milk: This helps activate the yeast, giving it that lovely rise. If you don’t have milk, you can use water or almond milk.
- Sugar: A bit of sweetness goes a long way! Granulated sugar is best, but brown sugar works fine too.
- Active Dry Yeast: This is the magic ingredient for fluffy bread. Instant yeast can also be substituted if that’s what you have.
- Eggs: These add richness and aid in binding the ingredients together. If you’re vegan, try using flax eggs instead.
- Butter: For that rich flavor, unsalted butter is ideal. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil is a fantastic swap.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of this bread, but you can mix it with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the bread’s overall flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Amish Sweet Bread
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this delicious bread.
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Create a well in the middle and add the melted butter, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture.
- Form the Dough: Gradually mix until a soft dough forms. You’ll want to knead this on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
This Homemade Amish Sweet Bread is fantastic when served warm with a pat of butter, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. I love to slice it up for breakfast and add a drizzle of honey or some jam. You could even make French toast with it for a fun twist.
Tips For The Perfect Homemade Amish Sweet Bread
- Use water that’s not too hot when activating the yeast. If it’s too hot, it might kill the yeast!
- Don’t skip the resting times; they’re key for that light, fluffy texture.
- You can add in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a little extra flavor.
- If you like, toss in some raisins or nuts for added texture.
- Store leftovers in a plastic bag for freshness; it also freezes beautifully for later use!
Q&A Section
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it before the second rise. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.
2. How do I store leftover bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or slice it and freeze it for later.
3. Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Yes! Its texture is perfect for a variety of sandwich fillings, from savory to sweet.
4. What if I don’t have the ingredients on hand?
Feel free to customize the recipe! Most ingredients have good substitutes. Just make sure to adjust accordingly.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll adore Homemade Amish Sweet Bread for its wonderful texture and aroma, which create a cozy atmosphere in your home. It’s an easy recipe that brings back lovely memories of family togetherness. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than pulling your homemade creation from the oven, knowing you made it with love.
Behind The Scenes
Creating this recipe was such a delightful experience! I remember the first time I tried making bread; it turned into a flour explosion all over my kitchen. But with each attempt, I’ve learned so much, like how important it is to knead the dough well but also to not over-knead it. I’m thrilled with how this bread turned out in the end. If you’re looking for more baking inspirations, check out my Pinterest page at MyRecipeCast. You’ll find all kinds of yummy ideas to try in your own kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s bake this sweet bread together!
Homemade Amish Sweet Bread
Ingredients
For the dough
- 2 cups Warm Milk Helps activate the yeast; can substitute with water or almond milk.
- 1/4 cup Sugar Granulated sugar preferred, brown sugar works too.
- 2 tablespoons Active Dry Yeast Instant yeast can also be used.
- 2 large Eggs Can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
- 1/2 cup Butter Unsalted butter preferred; can use coconut oil for dairy-free.
- 5 cups All-purpose flour Can mix with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
- 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy.
- In a larger bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Create a well in the middle and add the melted butter, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix until a soft dough forms. Knead this on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it’s doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
