Sweet Bread Amish Style
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 cup whole milk (110°F)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 5 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
1. Dissolve Sugar and Yeast:
- In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and milk. Stir in the yeast and let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it starts to froth.
2. Mix Ingredients:
- Mix in 1 cup of the flour while stirring. Add the salt and oil and whisk to combine. With the mixer running, gradually add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough starts to pull away from the bowl.
3. Knead the Dough:
- If kneading by hand, mix in the flour until you have a sticky dough, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
- Grease a large bowl and place the dough ball inside. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
5. Punch Down and Shape:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down with your fists. Knead for about 3 minutes, then divide the dough in half. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shape it into loaves and place them in buttered 9×5-inch loaf pans.
6. Second Rise:
- Spread melted butter on top of each loaf. Let the dough rise for about 30 minutes, or until it’s about an inch or two higher than the pans.
7. Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for about 30 minutes, or until they produce a hollow sound when tapped.
8. Soften Crust:
- For a tender crust, immediately brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter after removing them from the oven. Then cover them with a clean tea towel and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
9. Serve:
- After the loaves have cooled slightly, remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve.
Note:
- You can freeze the dough after shaping it into loaves. Thaw and let it rise before baking as instructed.
- Enjoy your homemade Sweet Bread Amish Style!
This recipe makes deliciously soft and sweet bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own.
FAQs:
- Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
- Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, and the loaf may not rise as much as it would with bread flour. If using all-purpose flour, consider adding wheat gluten to help improve the rise and fluffiness of the bread.
- How can I tell if the yeast is activated properly?
- You’ll know the yeast is activated properly when it begins to froth and foam after being mixed with warm water and milk. This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. If the mixture doesn’t froth, the yeast may be expired or the water temperature may be too hot or too cold.
- Can I knead the dough by hand instead of using a mixer?
- Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. Mix in the flour until you have a sticky dough, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- How long should I let the dough rise?
- Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about an hour. However, rising times may vary depending on factors such as room temperature and the activity of the yeast.
- Can I freeze the dough for later use?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has been shaped into loaves. Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw and rise before baking as instructed.
Tips:
- Use an Instant-Read Thermometer:
- To ensure the water and milk are at the correct temperature (110°F), use an instant-read thermometer. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, while water that is too cold may not activate it properly.
- Grease Loaf Pans Well:
- Be sure to grease the loaf pans well to prevent the bread from sticking. You can also line the pans with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Check for Doneness:
- To check if the bread is done baking, tap the bottom of the loaf with your knuckles. It should sound hollow. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the bread reaches about 190°F.
- Add a Soft Crust:
- For a softer crust, brush the tops of the baked loaves with melted butter and immediately cover them with a clean tea towel. This will help keep the crust soft as it cools.
- Allow Bread to Cool Completely:
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy. Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or resealable bag to keep it fresh.
By following these FAQs and tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and tender Amish-style sweet bread that’s perfect for sandwiches or enjoying on its own!