Amish Friendship Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amish Friendship Bread is not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful tradition. It’s a fun way to share something special with friends and family while involving them in the process of creating the bread. The sweet, cinnamon flavor combined with the soft, tender crumb makes this bread irresistible, whether enjoyed on its own, with butter, or as a snack. What sets this bread apart is the starter, which ferments over several days, developing a unique flavor that gives the bread its signature taste. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—add raisins, nuts, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Starter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup milk

• 1 packet active dry yeast

For the Bread:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup starter (from your Amish Friendship Bread starter)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 cup walnuts or raisins (optional)

Directions

Making the Starter:

1. Prepare the starter: In a large glass or plastic container (no metal), combine the flour, sugar, and milk. Stir in the yeast and cover with a cloth or plastic wrap. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. You should see some bubbles form in the mixture.

2. Feed the starter: After the first day, stir the starter and add another cup of flour, cup of sugar, and cup of milk. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Repeat this feeding process for the next 5 days. On Day 6, you should have a well-developed starter, ready to bake with!

Making the Bread:

1. Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the oil, vanilla extract, and 1 cup of the prepared starter (this is the starter you’ve been nurturing). Add the milk and mix until smooth.

4. Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined. If you’re adding walnuts or raisins, fold them into the batter at this point.

5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

6. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn the loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Sharing the Starter:

• After making the bread, you’ll have leftover starter that you can pass on to friends and family. To share, divide the remaining starter into four portions (each about 1 cup), and give it away along with the instructions to feed it for the next 5 days before baking.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 loaves (approximately 16 slices per loaf)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 5-7 days for the starter)

• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes

• Total Time: 5-7 days (depending on starter preparation time)

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist on the classic bread.

• Banana Amish Friendship Bread: Substitute 1 cup of mashed bananas for part of the oil to add a banana flavor to the bread.

• Apple Cinnamon Amish Friendship Bread: Add 1 cup of finely chopped apples and a bit of extra cinnamon for an autumn-inspired version.

• Coconut Amish Friendship Bread: Mix in 1 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store Amish Friendship Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. It also freezes well—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

• Reheating: To reheat, wrap slices in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

How do I start a new batch of starter?

To start a new batch of starter, you will need 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of milk. Mix them together in a non-metal container, add 1 packet of active dry yeast, and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Then continue feeding it for the next 5 days.

Can I use a metal container for the starter?

It’s best to avoid using metal containers as they can react with the yeast. Use glass, plastic, or ceramic containers for best results.

Can I freeze the starter?

Yes, you can freeze portions of your starter for later use. To do this, divide it into smaller portions (about 1 cup each) and freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw and then feed it as usual for a few days before baking.

Why is the starter fed every day?

The starter needs to be fed every day to keep the yeast active and healthy. It’s what gives the Amish Friendship Bread its unique flavor. Skipping a day or two won’t hurt, but it’s best to feed it regularly for the best results.

Can I make Amish Friendship Bread without the starter?

Unfortunately, you cannot make Amish Friendship Bread without the starter, as it is an integral part of the recipe. The starter provides the distinct flavor and texture of the bread.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when it has a golden-brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If there’s batter on the toothpick, it needs more time to bake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Amish Friendship Bread gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Make sure to use a gluten-free pudding mix as well.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that the sugar is essential for the flavor of the bread, as well as for the development of the yeast starter. If you reduce it too much, the bread may not rise properly.

How can I make this bread vegan?

To make the bread vegan, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and replace the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond or oat milk.

Can I add other fruits to the bread?

Yes, you can add fruits like raisins, cranberries, or diced apples. Just be sure to fold them into the batter gently to avoid overmixing the dough.

Conclusion

Amish Friendship Bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition of sharing and connecting with others. This sweet, moist bread, made from a special starter that’s passed from friend to friend, is perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to someone special. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or served as a delicious breakfast, Amish Friendship Bread is a treat everyone will love. Give it a try, and pass the love along to others with the gift of friendship and freshly baked bread!

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