Why You’ll Love This Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a deliciously moist bread that feels like a warm hug, you’ll love this Amish Friendship Bread recipe.
The magic lies in its unique sourdough starter, which brings a depth of flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible.
Baking this bread feels like a delightful experience, as the sweet, cinnamon-infused aroma fills your kitchen.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or even transform it into a dessert.
Sharing it with friends and family creates bonds, making it more than just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming tradition that brings people together.
Ingredients of Amish Friendship Bread
When it comes to baking Amish Friendship Bread, the ingredients come together like old friends at a reunion, each bringing something special to the table. You’ll need a delightful mix of pantry staples and a few unique items that give this bread its signature flavor.
This recipe is as much about the experience as it’s about the ingredients, so let’s gather what we need to create this delicious treat.
Here’s your shopping list for Amish Friendship Bread:
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
- 3 cups sourdough starter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup oil
- ½ cup milk (yes, we use milk twice—don’t worry, it’s all good)
- 1 cup sugar (again with the sugar, but trust me, it’s worth it)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (more flour coming your way)
- 1 (6 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding
- ½ cup sugar (I know, I know, but it adds sweetness)
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon (for that extra sprinkle of goodness)
Now, as you gather these ingredients, keep in mind that quality matters. Fresh eggs and good-quality oil can really elevate your bread.
And if you have the option, use real vanilla extract instead of imitation; it makes a world of difference in flavor.
Oh, and don’t skip on the sourdough starter—it’s the heart and soul of this recipe! If it’s your first time making Amish Friendship Bread, get ready for a bit of a science experiment as the starter bubbles and ferments.
Just remember, it’s totally normal for your mixture to rise and smell a bit like beer (trust me, that’s a good sign). Happy baking!
How to Make Amish Friendship Bread
Alright, let’s plunge into making some delightful Amish Friendship Bread. First things first, gather your ingredients. You’ll be mixing together 1 ½ cups of milk, 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 ½ cups of sugar along with a ¼ ounce package of active dry yeast. I know—it sounds like a lot of sugar, but trust me, this bread is meant to be sweet and comforting.
You can start by combining these ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Just toss them in and give them a good stir until they’re well blended. You don’t need to worry about lumps; they’ll magically disappear as the starter ferments.
Now, here’s where the magic really happens. You’ll need 3 cups of that beloved sourdough starter, which is the heart of this recipe, and it’ll add that unique flavor you’re craving. Add in 3 eggs, 1 cup of oil (yes, we’re going for moist and delicious), ½ cup more milk, and another cup of sugar.
Mix it all together until it’s a smooth batter—seriously, a hand mixer will save you a world of trouble here. You want to avoid the workout of stirring by hand; trust me, your arms will thank you. Once your batter is ready, sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Oh, and don’t forget the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and that little box of instant vanilla pudding. That pudding is like a secret weapon for moisture and flavor.
After everything is mixed together nicely, it’s time to get your pans ready. Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease two large loaf pans. Here’s a fun tip: mix up some cinnamon and sugar in a dish—about ¼ cup should do—and dust the greased pans with half of that mixture. This will give your bread a lovely sugary crust.
Pour your batter evenly into the two pans, and then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Bake for about 1 hour, but don’t wander too far—keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let it cool for about 10 minutes before trying to turn it out onto a serving dish. And there you have it—Amish Friendship Bread that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone around! Enjoy it warm or cold, and remember, sharing is caring—so don’t forget to pass on a bit of that starter to a friend.
Amish Friendship Bread Substitutions & Variations
While Amish Friendship Bread is delicious as it is, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
For a healthier twist, I often substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour or use unsweetened applesauce instead of oil. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider replacing it with honey or a sugar substitute.
You can also add mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to elevate the flavor. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Experimenting with spices, like nutmeg or pumpkin spice, can also give your bread a unique flair!
Additional Tips & Notes
Customizing Amish Friendship Bread can make baking even more enjoyable, but there are a few additional tips to keep in mind for the best results.
Make certain your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it; this guarantees proper fermentation.
I always preheat my oven well in advance to ensure even baking.
If you find the bread too sweet, reduce the sugar slightly in future batches.
Finally, don’t skip dusting the pans with cinnamon and sugar—it adds a delightful crust.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container; it stays fresh longer that way!
Enjoy your baking adventure!