Amish Sweet Bread
✅ Ingredients (2 loaves)
Yeast mixture:
2 cups warm water (about 40–45°C / 105–110°F)
⅔ cup sugar
1½ tablespoons active dry yeast
Dough:
1½ teaspoons salt
¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
5½–6 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm water and sugar.
Add yeast and stir gently.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix the dough
Add salt and oil to the yeast mixture.
Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough
Knead on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise
Place dough in a greased bowl.
Cover with a cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the loaves
Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal parts.
Shape into loaves and place in greased loaf pans.
Second rise
Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes until doubled.
Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
Cool
Remove from pans and brush with butter (optional).
Let cool before slicing.
Tips
For extra softness, replace oil with melted butter.
Add honey instead of sugar for a richer flavor.
You can also add raisins or cinnamon for a sweet twist.
