Amish White Bread Recipe (Perfectly Soft & Fluffy Homemade Bread)
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen — warm, nostalgic, and full of comfort. This Amish White Bread Recipe is the definition of traditional homemade goodness: soft, fluffy, slightly sweet, and beautifully golden on top. It’s the perfect everyday sandwich bread but also delicious enough to enjoy warm with butter, honey, or jam.
Originating from generations-old Amish kitchens, this bread is known for its simplicity and reliability. It uses easy pantry staples and minimal steps, yet the result is truly bakery-quality. If you’ve ever wanted a no-fail recipe with consistent results, this Amish White Bread Recipe will quickly become your favorite — and with millions of saves online and countless glowing reviews, it’s a proven classic for a reason.
Whether you’re new to bread baking or an experienced baker looking for a perfect staple loaf to make weekly, this recipe delivers. It freezes beautifully, slices perfectly, and makes everything from toast to grilled cheese taste better. Follow this guide closely for your softest, fluffiest loaves ever.
Let’s dive into how to make the best Amish White Bread Recipe from scratch!
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Why You’ll Love This Amish White Bread Recipe
• Soft, fluffy, light texture — just like classic sandwich bread
• Very approachable for beginners
• Uses simple baking ingredients you likely already have
• Makes two loaves — one to enjoy, one to freeze or gift
• Knead by machine or by hand
• Beautiful rise and golden top every time
• Perfectly sliceable for sandwiches
• Delicious warm from the oven or toasted
If you’ve ever bought store-bought white bread and wished it tasted fresher or softer, this Amish White Bread Recipe is your answer. It’s like Wonder Bread — only so much better.
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Amish White Bread Recipe — Quick Details (SEO Section)
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American Heritage / Amish Traditional
Keyword Focus: Amish White Bread Recipe
Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 16 slices per loaf — 2 loaves
Calories: ~240 per slice
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Ingredients for the Best Amish White Bread Recipe
✔ 1 cup warm water (110°F)
✔ 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
✔ ⅔ cup granulated sugar (reduce to ½ cup if preferred)
✔ 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
✔ 1 pinch powdered ginger (optional but helps activate yeast)
✔ 1 ½ teaspoons salt
✔ ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil/butter cooled to 100°F)
✔ 5 ½ cups bread flour (you may need slightly more/less)
✔ 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing tops)
Why powdered ginger?
Amish bakers often use a tiny pinch to boost yeast activation — you won’t taste it!
Optional additions:
• 1 egg white brush for a glossy crust
• 1 tablespoon honey for a slightly deeper sweetness
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How to Make Amish White Bread (Step-by-Step Instructions)
1️⃣ Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and warm milk. Mix in the sugar until dissolved. Whisk in yeast (and powdered ginger if using). Allow to sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired or the liquid was too hot or too cold.
2️⃣ Build the Dough
Stir in 1 cup of flour, then add salt and oil. Gradually add the remaining flour one cup at a time while mixing on low with a dough hook attachment.
Continue until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft dough.
3️⃣ Knead the Dough
If using a mixer: knead for 5 minutes
If hand kneading: knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes
The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Test: Press the dough with a fingertip — if it springs back, it’s ready.
4️⃣ First Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with a damp towel.
Let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size.
A warm, draft-free environment ensures the best rise.
5️⃣ Shape into Loaves
Punch down dough to release air. Knead briefly. Divide into two equal portions.
Form each into a loaf and place in greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Brush tops lightly with melted butter.
Let rise another 30 minutes, until domed about 1 inch above the pan.
6️⃣ Bake
Bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 30 minutes.
The loaf should sound hollow when tapped and register 190°F internally.
7️⃣ Soft Crust Finish
Brush warm bread with butter and cover with a tea towel while cooling.
Remove from pans after 5 minutes and cool fully before slicing.
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Bread Machine Instructions
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Add ingredients in the order recommended by your machine
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Select white bread cycle
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Press Start
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When the dough has risen once and the second knead begins, stop and restart machine to reset
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Bread will rise again and bake perfectly
Pro Tip: Check dough consistency during the first knead — add flour if too sticky or water if dry.
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Why This Amish White Bread Recipe Works
✔ The combination of milk + water ensures tenderness AND rise
✔ Sugar feeds yeast while adding a light sweetness
✔ Bread flour provides the ideal protein structure for fluffiness
✔ Two rises create air pockets for soft texture
✔ Butter finish keeps the crust pillowy and irresistible
The result?
A golden-downy crust and plush interior that melts in your mouth.
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Serving Ideas
• Classic sandwiches (ham & cheese, PB&J, egg salad)
• French toast or toast with butter and jam
• Bread pudding
• Grilled cheese
• Homemade croutons
• Kids’ lunchbox staple
This is your go-to everyday bread for everything.
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Storage & Freezing Instructions
◈ Room Temperature Storage
Store in a bread box or wrapped in foil/plastic for up to 4–5 days.
◈ Freezing
Wrap loaves in plastic then foil. Freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature inside the wrapping to prevent drying out.
Keep Bread Fresh Tip
Never store homemade bread in the refrigerator — it dries out quickly!
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Variations and Add-Ins
Experiment with flavor while keeping the same basic formula:
• Honey Amish Bread – replace some sugar with honey
• Cinnamon-Swirl Amish Bread – roll with cinnamon sugar before shaping
• Whole Wheat Blend – swap 1–2 cups flour for whole wheat
• Garlic Herb Loaves – add garlic powder + Italian herbs
• Dinner Rolls – shape into 24 balls and bake 18–20 min
This Amish White Bread Recipe converts beautifully for customized baking.
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Troubleshooting Guide
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dense or heavy bread | Not enough kneading | Knead fully to develop gluten |
| Dough didn’t rise | Water too hot/too cold or dead yeast | Use 110°F liquid, fresh yeast |
| Dry dough | Too much flour added too soon | Add flour gradually — dough should be soft and slightly tacky |
| Gummy interior | Underbaked | Ensure internal temp reaches 190°F |
| Wide loaves with no dome | Overproofed | Keep final rise to 30 minutes max |
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Equipment You’ll Need
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two 9×5-inch loaf pans
• Instant-read thermometer
• Pastry brush (for butter topping)
• Clean kitchen towel
Nothing fancy — true to Amish simplicity.
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Health & Nutrition Info (approximate per slice)
• Calories: 240
• Carbs: 46g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
Homemade means no preservatives — much better compared to store-bought!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Amish White Bread Recipe
Do I need bread flour?
Bread flour gives the best rise, but all-purpose works — bread may be slightly softer.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes — ⅓ to ½ cup still yields a wonderful texture.
How do I get a shiny golden crust?
Brush with egg wash before baking.
Can I double this recipe?
Already doubled — it makes two loaves!
How long before slicing?
Let cool 1 hour to prevent smashing the crumb.
Amish White Bread Recipe (Perfectly Soft & Fluffy Homemade Bread)
This Amish White Bread is soft, slightly sweet, and wonderfully fluffy — similar to classic store-bought sandwich bread, but so much better. With thousands of rave reviews online, this beloved recipe is a must-try for anyone wanting to bake homemade bread. It freezes beautifully, making it perfect for weekly meal prep or last-minute sandwich cravings!
Ingredients
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1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
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Pinch powdered ginger (optional, helps activate yeast)
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1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
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⅔ cup sugar (can reduce for less sweetness)
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1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
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1 ½ teaspoons salt
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¼ cup vegetable oil (melted coconut oil or melted butter works too!)
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5 ½ cups bread flour (may need slightly more or less)
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2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
Make the Dough
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In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and warm milk.
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Whisk in yeast (and ginger if using). Let stand 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
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Stir in 1 cup of flour, then add salt and oil.
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Gradually mix in remaining flour (1 cup at a time) until dough pulls away from the bowl.
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Knead 5 minutes using a stand mixer
— OR hand-knead 8–10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
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Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat.
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Cover with a damp towel and let rise 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape & Second Rise
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Punch down dough and knead briefly (2–3 minutes). Divide into 2 equal portions.
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Shape each piece into a loaf and place in greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
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Brush tops with melted butter.
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Let rise 30 minutes, or until dough is about 1 inch above the rim.
Bake
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Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes, or until:
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tops are lightly golden
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loaves sound hollow when tapped
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internal temperature reads 190°F (88°C)
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Remove from pans and cool on a rack.
For Softer Crust
Brush tops with more melted butter and cover with a clean tea towel while cooling.
Notes
✔ Milk makes the texture extra soft and rich
✔ Don’t add flour too quickly — dough should be soft and slightly tacky
✔ If yeast doesn’t foam, discard and start fresh
✔ Use bread flour for best rise and structure
Final Thoughts: Amish White Bread Recipe
There’s a reason the Amish White Bread Recipe remains one of the most beloved homemade bread recipes of all time. It’s timeless, dependable, and incredibly delicious. Every slice brings a feeling of comfort and tradition — a reminder of simpler days, shared meals, and warm kitchens.
Once you bake your first batch, store-bought bread will never taste the same. This recipe proves that with just a few ingredients and a little patience, anyone can create soft, beautiful homemade bread. It’s ideal for busy families, special occasions, or anyone who craves a wholesome, affordable loaf made with love.
