AMISH WHITE BREAD – The Classic Sweet, Soft Loaf You’ll Want to Bake Every Week

A Vintage, Family-Favorite Bread Recipe That’s Comforting, Easy, and So Satisfying

🎉 Introduction

There’s something so nostalgic and heartwarming about a soft, slightly sweet, homemade loaf of bread fresh from the oven — and Amish White Bread delivers all that goodness and more. Known for its tender crumb, golden top, and delicate hint of sweetness, this recipe is rooted in traditional Amish baking, where simplicity meets soul-satisfying flavor.

Made with basic pantry staples and requiring just one rise, this bread is ideal for beginners and busy home bakers alike. The texture is rich, yet fluffy — perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter.

Let’s dive into the comforting world of homemade Amish White Bread — a loaf that’s sure to become your new weekly staple.

🧰 Equipment Needed

Nothing fancy, just the basics:

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5″ or 9 x 5″)
• Clean towel or plastic wrap
• Oven
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Pastry brush for butter (optional)

🛒 Ingredients

🧂 Aides culinaires et épices

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ tsp salt

🛢️ Huiles et vinaigres

• 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil

🧈 Produits laitiers

• 2 tbsp butter, unsalted (for brushing)

💧 Liquides

• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)

This humble ingredient list comes together to create one of the most beloved classic breads.

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Activate Yeast

1. In a large bowl, whisk together warm water and sugar.
2. Add the instant yeast directly (no need to proof it separately) and stir briefly.
3. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

Foamy yeast = happy yeast. That’s how you know your bread will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. Add salt and oil to the yeast mixture.
2. Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or with a stand mixer for 5–6 minutes using the dough hook.

The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky — not sticky.

Step 3: First and Only Rise

1. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

1. Punch down the dough and shape it into a rectangle.
2. Roll it up from the short side and tuck the ends under.
3. Place into a greased loaf pan, seam side down.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
3. Optional: Brush with melted butter immediately after removing from oven for a soft, shiny finish.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
2. Cool completely before slicing for best texture.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 12 slices
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Rise Time: 1–1.5 hours
• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: ~2 hours

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature:

• Store wrapped in foil or a cloth bag for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

• Slice and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Toast slices straight from freezer or reheat at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.

Reheating Tip:

• Warm slices in a toaster, or wrap the loaf in foil and warm in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.

🥄 Variations

• Honey Amish Bread: Replace sugar with ⅓ cup honey for a richer flavor.
• Milk Bread: Swap water with warm whole milk for a creamier loaf.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Add cinnamon sugar before rolling into loaf shape.
• Dinner Rolls: Divide into 12 balls, place in a baking dish, and bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.
• Garlic Herb Version: Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp dried herbs to the flour.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Is Amish White Bread sweet?
   Yes, it’s lightly sweet thanks to the sugar — not overly so, just enough for great flavor.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes. Skip the butter brush or use plant-based butter.
3. Why is my loaf too dense?
   It likely didn’t rise long enough. Always let it double in size and ensure your yeast is active.
4. Can I use bread flour?
   Yes! It’ll make the loaf chewier and a bit sturdier.
5. Can I skip the butter on top?
   Absolutely, but it does help create that signature Amish-style soft crust.
6. What size loaf pan should I use?
   A standard 8.5×4.5” or 9×5” loaf pan works perfectly.
7. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes — bake two loaves side-by-side or freeze one for later.
8. What’s the best use for this bread?
   Sandwiches, toast, French toast, bread pudding — it’s super versatile.
9. How do I know when it’s done baking?
   Tap the top — it should sound hollow. Internal temp should be 190–200°F.
10. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
    Yes, but you’ll need to dissolve it in warm water with sugar before mixing.

🏁 Conclusion

Amish White Bread is the definition of comfort in loaf form. With its tender crumb, golden crust, and hint of sweetness, this recipe is everything you want in homemade bread — and more. It’s easy, reliable, and made with everyday ingredients.

Whether you’re baking this for family dinners, sandwiches, or just to fill your kitchen with that intoxicating aroma, one thing’s for sure: this loaf is going straight into your bake-it-again recipe box.

So dust off your mixing bowl, warm your oven, and let’s bake a loaf that brings old-fashioned flavor back to your modern table.

Adam

AMISH WHITE BREAD – The Classic Sweet, Soft Loaf You’ll Want to Bake Every Week

There’s something so nostalgic and heartwarming about a soft, slightly sweet, homemade loaf of bread fresh from the oven — and Amish White Bread delivers all that goodness and more. Known for its tender crumb, golden top, and delicate hint of sweetness, this recipe is rooted in traditional Amish baking, where simplicity meets soul-satisfying flavor. Made with basic pantry staples and requiring just one rise, this bread is ideal for beginners and busy home bakers alike. The texture is rich, yet fluffy — perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with butter. Let’s dive into the comforting world of homemade Amish White Bread — a loaf that’s sure to become your new weekly staple.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Bake & rise time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

🧂 Aides culinaires et épices

• 1 packet 2¼ tsp instant yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ tsp salt

🛢️ Huiles et vinaigres

• 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil

🧈 Produits laitiers

• 2 tbsp butter unsalted (for brushing)

💧 Liquides

• 1 cup warm water 110°F / 43°C
• This humble ingredient list comes together to create one of the most beloved classic breads.

Equipment

• Nothing fancy, just the basics:
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5″ or 9 x 5″)
• Clean towel or plastic wrap
• Oven
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Pastry brush for butter (optional)

Method

 

Step 1: Activate Yeast

1. In a large bowl, whisk together warm water and sugar.
2. Add the instant yeast directly (no need to proof it separately) and stir briefly.
3. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
4. Foamy yeast = happy yeast. That’s how you know your bread will rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. Add salt and oil to the yeast mixture.
2. Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or with a stand mixer for 5–6 minutes using the dough hook.
4. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky — not sticky.

Step 3: First and Only Rise

1. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

1. Punch down the dough and shape it into a rectangle.
2. Roll it up from the short side and tuck the ends under.
3. Place into a greased loaf pan, seam side down.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
3. Optional: Brush with melted butter immediately after removing from oven for a soft, shiny finish.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
2. Cool completely before slicing for best texture.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature:

Store wrapped in foil or a cloth bag for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Slice and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

Toast slices straight from freezer or reheat at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.

Reheating Tip:

Warm slices in a toaster, or wrap the loaf in foil and warm in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.

🥄 Variations

Honey Amish Bread: Replace sugar with ⅓ cup honey for a richer flavor.

Milk Bread: Swap water with warm whole milk for a creamier loaf.

Cinnamon Swirl: Add cinnamon sugar before rolling into loaf shape.

Dinner Rolls: Divide into 12 balls, place in a baking dish, and bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.

Garlic Herb Version: Add 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp dried herbs to the flour.

❓ 10 FAQs

Is Amish White Bread sweet?
Yes, it’s lightly sweet thanks to the sugar — not overly so, just enough for great flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Skip the butter brush or use plant-based butter.

Why is my loaf too dense?
It likely didn’t rise long enough. Always let it double in size and ensure your yeast is active.

Can I use bread flour?
Yes! It’ll make the loaf chewier and a bit sturdier.

Can I skip the butter on top?
Absolutely, but it does help create that signature Amish-style soft crust.

What size loaf pan should I use?
A standard 8.5×4.5” or 9×5” loaf pan works perfectly.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes — bake two loaves side-by-side or freeze one for later.

What’s the best use for this bread?
Sandwiches, toast, French toast, bread pudding — it’s super versatile.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
Tap the top — it should sound hollow. Internal temp should be 190–200°F.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Yes, but you’ll need to dissolve it in warm water with sugar before mixing.

🏁 Conclusion

Amish White Bread is the definition of comfort in loaf form. With its tender crumb, golden crust, and hint of sweetness, this recipe is everything you want in homemade bread — and more. It’s easy, reliable, and made with everyday ingredients.

Whether you’re baking this for family dinners, sandwiches, or just to fill your kitchen with that intoxicating aroma, one thing’s for sure: this loaf is going straight into your bake-it-again recipe box.

So dust off your mixing bowl, warm your oven, and let’s bake a loaf that brings old-fashioned flavor back to your modern table.