Print

Amish Friendship Bread

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Amish Friendship Bread is a moist, cinnamon-scented bread made from a special sourdough starter passed between friends. This sweet, tender bread is perfect for sharing and gifting, making it a delightful tradition for family and friends. With its soft crumb and rich flavor, Amish Friendship Bread brings people together in the kitchen and at the table.

Ingredients

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)

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 cup walnuts or raisins (optional)

Instructions

Making the Starter:

  1. 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 sit at room temperature for 24 hours, until bubbles form.

  2. Stir the starter, then add another cup of flour, sugar, and milk. Cover and let sit for another 24 hours. Repeat this feeding process for the next 5 days. On Day 6, the starter will be ready to use!

Making the Bread:

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

  2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the oil, vanilla extract, and 1 cup of the prepared starter. Add the milk and mix until smooth.

  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until combined. If using walnuts or raisins, fold them into the batter.

  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  6. Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Sharing the Starter:
After baking, divide the remaining starter into four portions (about 1 cup each) and pass it along to friends with instructions to continue feeding it for 5 days before baking.

Notes

Variations: Add chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped apples for different flavors.Freezing: Freeze the bread or starter by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature before serving.Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a non-dairy milk alternative.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/amish-friendship-bread/