Amish White Bread (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned)
Amish White Bread is a timeless homemade bread recipe known for its soft texture, slightly sweet flavor, and fluffy crumb. This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying warm with butter. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a beginner-friendly yeast bread that delivers bakery-quality results every time.
This recipe has been passed down through generations and is loved for its reliability, simplicity, and comforting homemade taste.
Ingredients
Makes 2 loaves
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 1½ tablespoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 6 cups all-purpose flour (may need slightly more)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy. This means the yeast is active.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still be slightly sticky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes, adding small amounts of flour if needed, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
Tip: Proper kneading helps create soft, fluffy bread.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat the top. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Loaves
Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into two equal portions.
Shape each portion into a loaf and place into two greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the pans and let the dough rise again for 30–40 minutes, until the dough rises just above the edges of the pans.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the bread for 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
Step 8: Cool
Remove the bread from the oven and brush the tops with butter if desired. Let cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
Serving Ideas
- Slice for sandwiches
- Toast with butter and jam
- Use for French toast
- Serve alongside soups and stews
Tips for Best Results
- Use warm, not hot, water to avoid killing the yeast
- Measure flour carefully—too much can make bread dense
- Let bread cool before slicing for best texture
- Bread freezes well for up to 3 months
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
This Amish White Bread recipe is loved because it’s:
- Soft and fluffy
- Slightly sweet
- Easy to make
- Perfect for beginners
It’s the kind of bread that fills your kitchen with the smell of home and brings everyone to the table.