Name: No-Fail Amish White Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water, 110°F; 1 cup milk, 110°F; ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil or melted butter, cooled to 100°F); 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing); ⅔ cup sugar (can be reduced if desired); 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 5-½ cups bread flour (may need a little more or less); 1 pinch powdered ginger (optional, to activate yeast)

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Introduction

Amish white bread is the homemade version of classic Wonder Bread—soft, fluffy, and perfect for sandwiches or toast. Known for its reliable rise and delicious texture, this bread freezes beautifully, making it a great staple to have on hand. With countless rave reviews, it’s a recipe every home baker should try.

Two fluffy golden brown bread loaves sit side by side on a dark plate against a softly lit warm background. The loaves have a soft, smooth top crust with a slightly shiny texture and a light crust around the edges. The bread’s sides show a pale creamy color with a fine crumb texture. The image gives a cozy and fresh baked feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup water, 110°F
1 pinch powdered ginger, optional (activates yeast)
1 cup milk, 110°F
⅔ cup sugar (can use less if preferred)
1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¼ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil (melted and cooled to 100°F) or melted butter
5 ½ cups bread flour (may need a little more or less)
2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and milk.
Step 2: Whisk in yeast and powdered ginger if using. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Stir in 1 cup of flour, then whisk in salt and oil.
Step 4: With mixer running, add the remaining flour one cup at a time until dough pulls away from the bowl.
Step 5: Knead with the mixer for about 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, mix until sticky dough forms, then knead on floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 6: Oil a large bowl, place dough ball inside, oil the top of the dough, and cover with a damp cloth.
Step 7: Let dough rise about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Step 8: Punch down dough and knead for 3 minutes. Divide in half and let rest 5 minutes.
Step 9: Shape into loaves and place in greased 9×5-inch loaf pans. Brush tops with melted butter.
Step 10: Let rise 30 minutes until dough rises about an inch above pans.
Step 11: Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until loaves sound hollow when tapped and internal temperature reaches 190°F.
Step 12: For a soft crust, brush tops with butter and cover with a clean tea towel after removing from oven. Cool in pans for 5 minutes, then remove and finish cooling covered.

Tips & Variations

Reduce sugar by half for less sweetness; this will alter texture slightly but remain delicious.
Try coconut oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter for different subtle flavor twists—make sure oils are melted and cooled to 100°F before adding.
To help dough rise, place it in a warm spot like an oven with just the light on, or add a pinch of ground ginger to activate the yeast.
Consider using natural dough enhancers like potato water to improve dough structure and rise.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread well-wrapped. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature. To refresh, warm slices lightly in a toaster or oven.

How to Serve

Two freshly baked golden brown loaves of bread sit side by side on a dark tray. The loaves have a smooth, slightly shiny crust with a soft texture visible on the sides. The tops are rounded with a warm, even color showing slight cracks from baking. The background is softly blurred with warm tones, highlighting the bread's rich color and texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, add the ingredients in the order recommended by your bread machine manufacturer. Use the white bread cycle. When the first rise completes and the second kneading cycle begins, you can pause and restart the machine to control timing if needed.

What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?

Make sure your water and milk are at the right temperature (around 110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Adding a pinch of powdered ginger can help activate the yeast. Also, keep the dough in a warm place to encourage rising.