Amish Friendship Bread
Amish Friendship Bread is more than just a delicious treat; it’s a delightful way to connect with friends and family through the art of baking. This unique bread starts with a starter that grows over time, allowing you to share the love—and the baking experience—with others. Enjoy the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your home as you create this simple yet satisfying bread. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, Amish Friendship Bread is a recipe that brings joy and warmth to any occasion.
Top Reasons to Make Amish Friendship Bread
- Community Connection: Sharing your starter with friends creates a fun and interactive baking experience.
- Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Endless Variations: Customize your bread with nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices.
- Aromatic Delight: The smell of baking bread is comforting and inviting.
- Perfect for Gift Giving: A loaf of Amish Friendship Bread makes a thoughtful gift for neighbors or loved ones.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (nonfat, regular, or 2%)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
- 2 cups milk (divided; nonfat okay)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup starter
- 2/3 cup oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon sugar (optional)
Appliances & Accessories
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for perfect bread.
- Loaf Pans: Standard or disposable pans work well for baking.
- Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Plastic Wrap: To cover the starter while it ferments.
Amish Friendship Bread — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare the Starter
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 cup of milk. Stir well, then add the yeast mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
Step 2: Feed the Starter
After 24 hours, you should see some bubbles on the surface. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 cup of milk to the starter. Mix well and let it sit again for another 24 hours. Repeat this process for a total of 5 days, stirring each day.
Step 3: Make the Bread Batter
On the 6th day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well. In another bowl, beat together the starter, 2/3 cup of oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If desired, fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkle cinnamon sugar for added flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Grease two loaf pans and divide the batter evenly between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
- Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup of chopped apples and increase cinnamon to 1 tablespoon.
- Pumpkin Spice: Substitute 1 cup of pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich treat.
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
- Not checking the yeast: Always ensure your yeast is active before starting.
- Overmixing: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread; stir until just combined.
- Skipping the resting period: Allowing the starter to ferment is crucial for flavor.
- Not greasing the pans: Prevent the bread from sticking by greasing your loaf pans well.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
Amish Friendship Bread can be stored in various ways to maintain its freshness.
- Refrigerate: Store the bread in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and then foil to freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen bread in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Ask & Learn
How long does the starter last?
The starter can last up to 10 days if properly fed and stored at room temperature. If you need to pause, consider refrigerating it and feeding it once a week.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread. Just be aware it may change the texture slightly.
What if my starter isn’t bubbling?
If your starter doesn’t bubble after the first 24 hours, ensure the yeast was active and that you used warm water. If it remains inactive, you may need to start over.
Can I make variations without affecting the starter?
Absolutely! You can add flavors and mix-ins to the batter without impacting the starter. Just be sure to maintain the base recipe proportions.
Save & Share
If you enjoyed this recipe for Amish Friendship Bread, don’t forget to save it for later and share it with friends! Baking is meant to be shared, so spread the joy of this delightful bread. Tag your baking adventures and let others join in the fun of creating and sharing!
Amish Friendship Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition that fosters friendship and community. Each loaf carries with it the spirit of sharing, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or a simple indulgence at home. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend to join you, and start a new baking journey that will warm your heart and fill your home with delicious aromas. Happy baking!
Amish Friendship Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 cup of milk. Stir well, then add the yeast mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, you should see some bubbles on the surface. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 cup of milk to the starter. Mix well and let it sit again for another 24 hours. Repeat this process for a total of 5 days, stirring each day.
- On the 6th day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well.
- In another bowl, beat together the starter, 2/3 cup of oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If desired, fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkle cinnamon sugar for added flavor.
- Grease two loaf pans and divide the batter evenly between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Always ensure your yeast is active before starting.
- Stir until just combined to avoid dense bread.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
