Amish White Bread (Soft, Fluffy & Slightly Sweet Homemade Bread)

There’s something truly special about a warm loaf of Amish White Bread fresh from the oven. Soft, tender, and slightly sweet, this classic homemade bread fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and delivers that fluffy, bakery-style texture in every slice.

This traditional Amish-style white bread recipe is simple, reliable, and perfect for beginners. Whether you spread it with butter, use it for sandwiches, or toast it for breakfast, it’s a dependable staple you’ll bake again and again. If you love baking from scratch, try Homemade Sourdough Bread or Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Bread for something savory, or serve slices alongside Biscuits and Sausage Gravy for a cozy breakfast spread.

Why You’ll Love This

• Soft, fluffy texture with a slightly sweet flavor

• Beginner-friendly yeast bread recipe

• Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or French toast

• Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep

• Makes two loaves — one to enjoy, one to share

Recipe Card

Servings: 2 loaves Prep Time: 20 minutes Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Bake Time: 25–30 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Nutrition Information

(Per Slice – Approximate, 1 loaf = 12 slices)

• Calories: 150

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Sugar: 6g

• Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

• 2 cups (480 ml) warm water (105–110°F / 40–45°C)

• ⅔ cup (135 g) granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tablespoons (14 g) active dry yeast (2 packets)

• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter

• 1 ½ teaspoons (9 g) salt

• 6 cups (720 g) all-purpose flour, divided

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix the Dough: Stir in oil and salt. Add 3 cups (360 g) of flour and mix until smooth. Gradually add remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough becomes soft and pulls away from the bowl.

3. Knead: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape into loaves and place in two greased 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pans.

6. Second RiseCover and let rise 30 minutes, until the dough crowns about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the pans.

7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

8. Cool: Brush tops with melted butter for a softer crust. Cool before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use bread flour for slightly more structure and chew.

• Replace ¼ cup (50 g) of sugar with honey for a deeper flavor.

• Add 2 tablespoons (30 g) of dry milk powder for extra softness.

• For a softer crust, cover loaves loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

• For dinner rolls, divide the dough into 16–20 portions and bake 18–20 minutes.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Store completely cooled bread in airtight bags at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Freeze whole loaves or sliced bread for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

To refresh bread, warm slices in the toaster or wrap in foil and heat at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQ

Why is Amish white bread so soft?

The combination of sugar and oil creates a tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor that keeps the bread soft for days.

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes. Bread flour creates a slightly chewier texture and stronger rise.

Why didn’t my bread rise?

Your yeast may have expired, or your water may be too hot. Yeast thrives at 105–110°F (40–45°C).

Can I make this without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce it to ½ cup (100 g), but the bread will be less sweet and slightly less soft.

Can I freeze slices?

Yes. Slice before freezing so you can toast directly from frozen.

Final Thoughts

Amish White Bread is a timeless, comforting recipe that delivers soft texture and gentle sweetness in every slice. Whether you use it for sandwiches, toast it for breakfast, or serve it warm with butter, this reliable homemade bread is one you’ll return to again and again.