Amish Friendship Bread is a beloved homemade treat that has been passed down through generations. With its rich flavor and versatile options, it’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a thoughtful gift, this recipe is a true classic.

Amish Friendship Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amish Friendship Bread is not only simple to make, but it also offers a fun and interactive way to share with friends and family. The starter for this bread is a unique part of the recipe that can be passed around, creating a sense of community with every loaf baked. The bread is wonderfully moist and sweet with hints of cinnamon and vanilla. It’s easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips, making it a delightful treat for all ages. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this Amish Friendship Bread is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

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

1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter
3 eggs
1 cup oil
½ cup milk
1 cup sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 cups flour
1 small box vanilla instant pudding
1 cup nuts (chopped, optional)
1 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Amish Friendship Bread starter, eggs, oil, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Gradually mix in the flour and vanilla instant pudding until fully incorporated. Add in any optional ingredients like nuts or raisins, if desired.
Grease two large loaf pans and dust them with a mixture of ½ cup sugar and 1½ teaspoons cinnamon.
Pour the batter evenly into the greased loaf pans.
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter.
Bake for 1 hour or until the bread loosens evenly from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool slightly before removing from the pans.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Amish Friendship Bread!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 18 slices (or 2 loaves)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Amish Friendship Bread is highly adaptable, and you can make it your own by trying different variations:

Add-ins: Feel free to toss in your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or baking chips. Popular choices include walnuts, pecans, cranberries, or chocolate chips.
Healthier version: Swap out half the oil with applesauce or mashed bananas, and reduce the sugar to ⅔ cup or use honey instead.
Flavor variations: For a unique twist, try using different flavored puddings, such as chocolate or butterscotch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store Amish Friendship Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It can also be refrigerated to extend its shelf life for up to a week.
Freezing: If you’d like to store it for longer, Amish Friendship Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply slice and microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. What is Amish Friendship Bread starter?

Amish Friendship Bread starter is a mixture of flour, sugar, and yeast that ferments over time. It’s passed along to friends and family, and each person who receives a portion can use it to make bread.

2. How do I make Amish Friendship Bread starter?

To make the starter, mix 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of milk in a bowl. Add yeast and let it ferment for 5-7 days. Stir it daily, and after the fermentation period, you’ll be ready to use it in your bread recipe.

3. Can I make Amish Friendship Bread without the starter?

While the starter adds unique flavor and texture to the bread, you can substitute it with a mixture of sourdough starter or even a simple combination of milk, sugar, and yeast, though the taste will differ.

4. How long does Amish Friendship Bread last?

When stored at room temperature in an airtight container, Amish Friendship Bread can last for up to 3-4 days. If refrigerated, it can last up to a week.

5. Can I freeze Amish Friendship Bread?

Yes, Amish Friendship Bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

6. Can I use whole wheat flour in Amish Friendship Bread?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the white flour in the recipe. However, keep in mind that it may change the texture and flavor slightly.

7. What can I use instead of oil in this recipe?

You can substitute half the oil with applesauce, mashed bananas, or yogurt to reduce the fat content and add extra moisture to the bread.

8. How can I make Amish Friendship Bread healthier?

You can make Amish Friendship Bread healthier by reducing the sugar, using applesauce or mashed bananas in place of oil, and adding whole grain flours or incorporating nuts for added nutrition.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes! Chocolate chips are a great addition to Amish Friendship Bread. You can add up to 1 cup of chocolate chips or any other mix-ins of your choice.

10. Can I make a gluten-free version of Amish Friendship Bread?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a gluten-free starter and check the other ingredients for hidden gluten sources.

Conclusion

Amish Friendship Bread is a simple, timeless recipe that brings people together with its delicious flavor and ease of preparation. Whether you enjoy it as a gift or for your own family, the combination of moist texture, cinnamon sweetness, and vanilla richness will make it a staple in your kitchen. With the ability to customize it with a variety of mix-ins and health-conscious substitutions, this recipe will remain a cherished treat for years to come.