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Homemade Amish Friendship Bread photo

Amish Friendship Bread

This Amish Friendship Bread is a delightful way to share the joy of baking! Enjoy its sweet aroma and endless variations!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Starter:
  • 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
For the Bread:
  • 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 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon sugar (optional)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Loaf Pans
  • Whisk
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Prepare the Starter:
  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. 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.
Feed the Starter:
  1. 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.
Make the Bread Batter:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
Combine Ingredients:
  1. 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.
Bake the Bread:
  1. 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.