Discover the simple joy of baking with this incredibly easy Amish Sweet Bread recipe. Forget the hassle of a starter; this recipe delivers a wonderfully moist, sweet, and tender loaf using simple pantry staples. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack, this bread fills your home with an irresistible aroma and brings a touch of old-fashioned charm to your table. It’s a delightful treat that tastes like it came straight from a country kitchen, yet it’s simple enough for anyone to master.
What Makes This Amish Sweet Bread So Special?
Amish Sweet Bread is renowned for its soft, cake-like texture and subtly sweet flavor. Unlike traditional Amish Friendship Bread, which requires a fermented starter that is passed among friends, this version offers all the beloved characteristics without the wait. It’s a quick bread, meaning it uses baking powder and baking soda for leavening, making it incredibly straightforward and reliable. The result is a consistently delicious loaf with a golden-brown crust and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb that pairs perfectly with a smear of butter or a cup of coffee.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Amish Sweet Bread
You don’t need any special ingredients to create this masterpiece. This recipe relies on basic pantry items that come together to create something truly special.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the bread.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar is key for that signature sweetness and tender texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil ensures the bread is incredibly moist.
- Eggs: Act as a binder and contribute to the bread’s structure and flavor.
- Leavening Agents: A combination of baking soda and baking powder gives the bread its perfect lift.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the warm, sweet flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Amish Sweet Bread
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm loaf of homemade sweet bread in no time. The process is as rewarding as the delicious result.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Pre-heat
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5 inch loaf pans. This step is crucial to prevent the sweet bread from sticking, ensuring a clean release after baking. An even coating of grease and flour helps develop that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key for a uniform rise. For a cozy twist on this recipe, try our Creme Brulee Cookies.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Then, whisk in the milk, oil, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This wet mixture will bring the moisture and richness that makes the Amish Sweet Bread so decadent.
Step 4: Combine and Mix the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, denser bread.
Pro Tips for a Foolproof Loaf
Want to ensure your Amish Sweet Bread turns out perfectly every single time? Here are a few expert tips to guide you.
- Do Not Overmix: As mentioned, mix the batter until the ingredients are just moistened. This is the most important tip for a tender crumb.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary. Start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely before slicing. Slicing warm bread can cause it to crumble and have a gummy texture. Looking for another sweet treat? Our Raspberry Cheesecake Bars are a must-try.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Amish Sweet Bread is fantastic on its own, it’s also a wonderful base for customization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Cinnamon Swirl: After pouring half the batter into the pans, sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over the top. Add the remaining batter and bake as directed for a beautiful swirl.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Simple Glaze: Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of vanilla extract. If you enjoy nutty desserts, you’ll love our Caramel Pecan Lasagna.
How to Store Your Homemade Sweet Bread
Proper storage will keep your bread fresh and delicious. To store at room temperature, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, this bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or toast a slice straight from the freezer for a quick treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely. You can add 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. You can also add a cinnamon-sugar swirl in the middle for extra flavor.
This recipe makes two standard 9×5 inch loaves. If you only have one pan, you can halve the recipe. We don’t recommend baking it all in one large pan as it may not cook evenly in the center.
Yes! This recipe is specifically designed to be made without a starter, making it much quicker and easier for home bakers.
Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
The main difference is the leavening agent. Amish Friendship Bread uses a sourdough starter that is fermented over several days, while this Amish Sweet Bread is a ‘quick bread’ that uses baking soda and baking powder, requiring no starter or fermentation time.
Share Your Baking Success!
We are confident this will become your new favorite Amish Sweet Bread recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. If you bake a loaf, we would love to see it! Snap a photo and share your creation with us on Pinterest. Happy baking!
Amish Sweet Bread Recipe
Amish Sweet Bread (The Easiest No-Starter Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
