Amish Coffee Soup is a hearty, old-world breakfast (or supper) dish featuring torn bread soaked in strong hot coffee, sweetened with sugar, and enriched with milk or cream. Rooted in frugality and resourcefulness, this simple yet comforting recipe provided sustenance during hard times when ingredients were scarce.
If you’re curious about timeless, no-fuss dishes that warm both body and soul, keep reading to discover why this humble soup has endured for generations—and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
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What Makes Amish Coffee Soup Special?
Unlike elaborate café concoctions, Amish Coffee Soup relies on just a few pantry staples: coffee, day-old bread, sugar, and milk. But therein lies its magic. This recipe embodies an era when nothing went to waste and every ingredient told a story. Personally, I love how a slice of stale bread transforms into a silky, coffee-infused bowl of comfort. Try this trick: use a dash of molasses in place of sugar, and you’ll taste the sweet, earthy depth reminiscent of authentic Mennonite kitchens.
How to Make Amish Coffee Soup Step by Step
Quick Overview
- Brew strong black coffee.
- Tear or cube day-old bread.
- Combine bread and coffee; stir in sugar and milk.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon (optional).
Key Ingredients and Their Importance
- Strong Black Coffee: Acts as the “broth.” The bolder the brew, the more flavor you’ll achieve. Personally, I grind my beans fresh each morning for maximum aroma.
- Day-Old Bread: Sturdy enough to hold up in hot liquid without disintegrating instantly. White or whole wheat both work; Amish homemade bread is ideal.
- Sugar (or Molasses): Balances the bitterness of coffee. For an authentic Amish touch, use a tablespoon of local molasses in place of sugar.
- Milk or Cream: Adds richness and mellows the coffee’s intensity. Some Amish families use buttermilk or homemade cream for added tang.
- Pinch of Salt (optional): Enhances overall flavor—just a pinch will do.
Amish Coffee Soup
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
A traditional Amish breakfast soup made from strong black coffee, day-old bread, and milk, offering rustic comfort with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) strong black coffee
- 1–2 slices (60 g) day-old hearty bread
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar or 1 tablespoon molasses
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk, cream, or buttermilk
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Small pat of butter or ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brew 1 cup of very strong black coffee using a French press or drip machine on the “bold” setting.
- While coffee brews, tear 1–2 slices of day-old bread into 1-inch pieces.
- Place torn bread in a heatproof bowl and slowly pour hot coffee over it, ensuring all pieces are moistened.
- Let bread soak for 1 minute until softened but still holding shape.
- Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of sugar or 1 tablespoon molasses to taste.
- Add ½ cup milk, cream, or buttermilk, whisking gently for smooth consistency.
- Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Garnish with a pat of butter or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Serve hot immediately.
Notes
Use freshly brewed dark roast coffee for the boldest flavor. If using fresh bread, toast it lightly and let cool before tearing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Tips for the Best Amish Coffee Soup
- Use Quality Beans: A robust, freshly ground coffee transforms the simplicity of this recipe into something memorable.
- Bread Texture Matters: Avoid overly soft or sweet breads; you want something sturdy that won’t dissolve completely.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Molasses or sorghum syrup yield a richer, more authentic flavor than refined sugar.
- Milk Temperature: Warm the milk slightly before adding—cold milk can cool the soup too quickly.
- Don’t Over-Soak: Let the bread soften just enough to absorb coffee. Over-soaking can make it mushy.
- Experiment with Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or a few grinds of black pepper can add unexpected depth.
Recommended Tools
- French Press or Drip Coffee Maker: To brew a strong, full-bodied cup of coffee.
- Heatproof Mixing Bowl: Large enough to hold at least 1½ cups (360 ml) of liquid comfortably.
- Whisk or Spoon: For gentle stirring—avoid vigorous mixing that breaks the bread into tiny pieces.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: To maintain consistent proportions, especially when experimenting with molasses or cinnamon.
How to Store Amish Coffee Soup for Freshness
Because Amish Coffee Soup is best enjoyed piping hot and fresh, storage is typically minimal. However, if you have leftovers:
- Refrigerate Promptly: Transfer to an airtight container and chill within 1 hour.
- Reheat Gently: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to recombine any separated liquid and bread.
- Avoid Freezing: The texture of soaked bread changes drastically when frozen and reheated—stick to same-day consumption if possible.
More Related Recipes & Articles
If you love the straightforward charm of Amish Coffee Soup, you might also enjoy exploring these other Old Plain Recipes classics:
- Amish Apple Cake Recipe
- Amish Church Soup Recipe
- Amish Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Amish Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Amish Chocolate Whoopie Pies
For behind-the-scenes stories and additional vintage cooking tips, check out our Medium page and follow us on Pinterest for mouth-watering visuals and inspiration.
Whether you’re exploring Amish Beef Stew on a chilly evening or indulging in sweet Amish Apple Butter during harvest season, there’s always a comforting corner of the kitchen waiting to be discovered.
FAQs
Is Amish Coffee Soup a real thing?
Absolutely! Amish Coffee Soup is a traditional recipe passed down through generations. During the Great Depression and in frugal Amish households, this soup provided a warm, filling meal using minimal ingredients. It’s still enjoyed today in some Pennsylvania Dutch communities and by modern cooks who appreciate its simplicity.
What is Amish coffee?
“Amish coffee” typically refers to a no-frills, strong black coffee—often brewed with a dark roast. In many Amish homes, coffee was served black and sweetened, sometimes with homemade sweeteners like molasses or sorghum syrup. The term can also relate to coffee served alongside Amish dishes, such as Coffee Soup or Church Picnic lunches.
What is Amish Church Soup?
Amish Church Soup is another community-style recipe, often enjoyed at Sunday church gatherings or potlucks. Unlike Coffee Soup, Church Soup usually features meat (like ham or chicken), vegetables, and sometimes homemade dumplings or noodles. If you’re curious, check out our full Amish Church Soup Recipe with step-by-step instructions and tips for that rich, homey flavor.
What is Amish Style Iced Coffee?
Amish Style Iced Coffee combines strong chilled coffee with milk or cream and often maple syrup or cane sugar. It’s a refreshing twist on the usual iced latte, sometimes served with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. If you’re exploring old-fashioned beverages, give it a try on a warm afternoon—you’ll taste the difference of real ingredients and homemade sweeteners.
I love this breakfast coffee