Easy Bread Machine Sweet Bread with Almonds

Whenever I make this easy bread machine sweet bread recipe, my whole house smells like a bakery. The bread itself has this perfect softness inside with crunchy almonds that toast up nicely on top. It is not too sweet, which I like. My kids always know when I am making it – they just hover around the kitchen waiting for that first warm slice.

Check out my video below for this sweet almond bread – I show all my little tricks for getting that perfect texture every time! Subscribe for more easy bread machine recipes that I’ve tested dozens of times in my kitchen at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Sweet Bread Recipe

This sweet almond bread strikes the perfect balance – it’s just sweet enough without crossing into dessert territory. The condensed milk adds richness without making the bread too heavy, while the almonds provide both texture and that wonderful nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the slight sweetness. Yum!

What makes this almond bread recipe particularly appealing is its versatility. You can enjoy it as morning toast with a smear of butter, use it for exceptional French toast, or even serve slices alongside afternoon tea. The bread keeps well for several days, though in my house, it rarely lasts that long.

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Almond Loaf

The beauty of this bread machine sweet bread recipe is its simplicity, and this one is no exception. You likely have most ingredients already in your pantry.

For the Bread Dough:

• 1 cup (240 ml) lukewarm water
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/4 cups (430 g) bread flour
• 2 tablespoons (40 g) butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast or bread machine yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

I always use bread machine yeast for this recipe because it dissolves faster and requires no pre-activation, which means I can just toss everything in and press start without worrying about proofing steps.

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For the Topping:

• 3/4 cup (75 g) almond flakes, divided
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Note: While all-purpose flour can work in a pinch, bread flour gives the loaf a better structure and chewier texture due to its higher protein content.

Equipment Needed

The star of this condensed milk bread recipe is your bread machine. I made this sweet almond bread using my Amazon Basics Bread Maker below, and it handled the dough perfectly despite being a budget-friendly machine. 

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• Bread machine
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush (for the egg wash)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this almond bread is actually pretty foolproof – just dump everything in the right order and let your bread machine do its magic! I’ve found that the way you layer the ingredients really affects how well it rises and how soft the finished loaf turns out.

Preparing the Dough

1. Remove the bread pan from your machine and make sure the paddle is properly attached.
2. Pour 1 cup of lukewarm water into the bread pan. The water should be warm to the touch but not hot (about 110°F or 43°C).
3. Add 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the water.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the liquid mixture.
5. Add 3 1/4 cups of bread flour, completely covering the liquid.
6. Place 2 tablespoons of butter in small pieces on top of the flour.
7. Make a small indentation in the center of the flour (avoid going all the way to the liquid) and add 2 teaspoons of yeast to this depression.

Top Tip: The order of ingredients matters in bread machines. Adding yeast last prevents it from activating too early by keeping it separate from the liquid until mixing begins.

Setting Up the Machine

8. Insert the bread pan back into the machine and lock it into place.
9. Select the “Sweet Bread” or “Basic” setting on your machine, depending on what options your model offers.
10. Choose medium crust color if your machine has this option.
11. Start the machine and allow it to begin mixing the ingredients.

Adding Flavorings

12. After the initial mixing phase (usually about 5-10 minutes), add 1 1/2 teaspoons of almond extract directly to the dough.
13. Add 1/2 cup of the almond flakes, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for topping. The machine will incorporate these ingredients as it continues kneading.

Note: If your bread machine doesn’t have a beep to indicate when to add mix-ins, you can typically add them after the first 5-10 minutes of kneading when the dough has started to form.

Adding the Topping

14. Once the dough has completed its final rise and just before the baking cycle begins, open the lid carefully.
15. Working quickly to avoid losing heat, brush the top of the dough with egg wash using gentle motions to avoid deflating the dough.
16. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of almond flakes evenly over the top of the dough.
17. Close the lid and allow the baking cycle to complete.

Did You Know? The egg wash isn’t just for appearance—it helps the almond flakes stick to the surface and gives the bread that beautiful golden-brown sheen.

Finishing the Bread

18. When the baking cycle completes, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine using oven mitts or towels as it will be hot.
19. Turn the bread out onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
20. If the paddle sticks inside the bread, wait until it cools slightly before removing it.

Related Recipe: Love this bread machine recipe? Try Easy Milk and Honey Bread—soft, lightly sweet, and perfect for toasting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the convenience of a bread machine, occasional issues can arise. Here’s how to handle them:

Bread Didn’t Rise Properly

This is often due to expired yeast or liquid that was too hot. Test your yeast by dissolving a teaspoon in warm water with a pinch of sugar—it should foam within 10 minutes. If not, replace your yeast.

Bread Is Too Dense

This might happen if you added too much flour or not enough liquid. Bread dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If your machine allows, check the dough during the first kneading cycle and adjust as needed.

Almonds Burning on Top

If your machine tends to brown the top too much, you can cover the top loosely with foil during the last part of the baking cycle. Just be careful not to trap moisture under the foil.

Serving Suggestions

This bread maker almond bread truly shines when served slightly warm with a bit of butter melting into each slice.

Here are some other delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Toast thick slices and top with ricotta and honey for a yummy breakfast.
• Use it as the base for French toast, adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the egg mixture.
• This sweet almond bread makes a delicious side for hearty soups – the slight sweetness complements savory dishes perfectly.
• Make mini sandwiches with cream cheese and thinly sliced strawberries for tea time.

Almond Bread Storage Tips

To keep your bread machine sweet bread fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing. I find that wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and placing it in a bread box keeps it at the perfect texture for the first day or two.

For longer storage, place the completely cooled bread in a zip-top bag with as much air removed as possible. It will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread before freezing it—this way, you can take out just what you need.

To refresh slightly stale bread, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Variations to Try

While this fluffy white bread machine recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand:

Different Nuts

Swap the almonds for chopped pecans, walnuts, or pistachios. Each brings its own unique flavor to the bread.

Fruit Additions

Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots along with the almonds for a fruity twist.

Spice It Up

Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced version.

Top Tip: When adding dried fruit to bread machine recipes, make sure the pieces aren’t too large, as they can tear the dough structure during kneading.

Final Thoughts

What I love most about this sweet bread for bread machine is how it transforms a simple ingredient list into something that feels special enough for a weekend breakfast but is easy enough for any day. The contrast between the soft, tender crumb and the crunchy almond topping makes each bite interesting.

While bread machines sometimes get a bad rap for producing “boring” loaves, recipes like this prove that with a few thoughtful additions, you can create bakery-worthy bread with minimal effort. The almond extract might seem like a small addition, but it makes all the difference, infusing the entire loaf with that wonderful aroma.

I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home as it has in mine. There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a perfect loaf from your bread machine, especially when it’s as pretty and delicious as this almond-studded beauty.

Whether you’re new to bread machines or a seasoned baker looking to expand your repertoire, this sweet almond bread is sure to become a regular in your baking rotation. Enjoy!

More Bread Machine Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this bread machine sweet bread recipes with almonds, here are more delicious bread machine recipes to explore:

• Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread Recipe – A cozy, spiced loaf perfect for fall mornings.
• Bread Machine Banana Bread – A moist, flavorful banana bread that’s incredibly easy to make.
• Bread Machine Dinner Rolls – Soft, fluffy rolls perfect for any meal.

Try these bread machine recipes and let me know your favorite one in the comment below. I would love to hear from you!