Description
Homemade Amish White Bread delivers classic comfort straight from Pennsylvania kitchens, with its pillowy texture and golden crust promising pure nostalgic delight. Simple ingredients and traditional techniques create a slice of wholesome happiness you can savor warm from the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Flour:
- 6 cups bread flour
Sweeteners:
- 2/3 cup white sugar
Liquids and Leavening:
- 2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving sugar in warm water, then gently sprinkle yeast on top. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it transforms into a frothy, creamy foam.
- Incorporate salt and oil into the activated yeast mixture. Gradually fold in flour, mixing thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes until the texture becomes smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the kneaded dough to a generously oiled bowl, rotating to ensure complete oil coverage. Drape a damp cloth over the bowl and allow the dough to rest in a warm environment until it doubles in volume, approximately 60 minutes.
- Deflate the risen dough by pressing down firmly. Briefly knead the dough and separate into two equal portions. Carefully shape each portion into a loaf and nestle into well-greased 9×5 inch loaf pans. Allow the loaves to rise for an additional 30 minutes, expanding until they crest 1 inch above the pan edges.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Position the loaves in the center rack and bake for 30 minutes. The bread is ready when the surface achieves a golden-brown hue and produces a hollow sound when gently tapped.
Notes
- Use water at precisely 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast perfectly without killing it, ensuring a fluffy bread rise.
- Knead dough thoroughly for 8-10 minutes to develop gluten, creating a soft, stretchy texture with excellent crumb structure.
- Brush freshly baked bread with melted butter for a golden, shiny crust that adds rich flavor and prevents drying out.
- Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze wrapped tightly for up to one month to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg