Easy Amish Sweet Bread
Dense, filling, and slightly sweet
Ingredients
- 2 c. water
- ⅔ c. sugar
- 1 ½ Tbsp. yeast
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ c. vegetable oil
- 5 ½-6 c. all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Begin by heating your 2 cups of water to 110°F. If you don't have a thermometer, try the trick above. When the water is the right temperature, add the sugar and give it a good stir. Then add in the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes. The yeast should begin to activate and get foamy and aromatic.
- When the yeast is ready, mix in the oil and salt using your dough hook attachment. Then begin adding the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing well in between each cup. You'll know you have added enough flour when the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl and doesn't stick to your fingers when poked. Next, knead the dough for about 5 minutes. You can do this the old-fashioned way or your can let your mixer to the work for you. If you need to add a little more flour while kneading, go for it. The dough should be free of lumps and should not easily tear when you grab a portion of it.
- Last, allow the dough to rise. Transfer the dough to a bowl that has been sprayed with cooking spray and cover with a damp towel. Allow it to rise for an hour, or until it has doubled in size. When the dough has double, punch it down in the middle and pull the dough away from the sides before turning out onto a floured surface. Cut the dough equally in half and place each half in a greased loaf pan to rise one more time. Allow the dough to rise in the pans for about 30 minutes before placing them in a preheated oven for 30 minutes at 350°F. The bread is done when they are a lovely golden brown color.