Looking for a comforting, sweet treat that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious? This Amish Friendship Bread recipe is a classic, cinnamon-spiced loaf made using a simple homemade starter. It’s incredibly moist, easy to make, and designed to be shared—hence the name! Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting to friends, or just craving something cozy and nostalgic, this recipe delivers.
You’ll love the subtle tang from the fermented starter and the irresistible cinnamon-sugar topping. Ready to start your own friendship bread tradition? Follow our step-by-step guide for the perfect loaf every time!
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What is Amish Friendship Bread?
Amish Friendship Bread is a sweet, cinnamon-flavored quick bread made with a special fermented starter that you nurture over 10 days. The starter is a mixture of flour, sugar, milk, and yeast that ferments at room temperature, creating a slightly tangy, flavorful base for the bread.
What makes this bread unique is its tradition of sharing, after preparing the starter, you divide and gift portions to friends so they can bake their own loaves. It’s a recipe that’s not just about baking, but about building connections, making it a truly heartwarming kitchen tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Friendship Bread
What’s not to love about a warm, slightly sweet bread that’s incredibly shareable? This Amish Friendship Bread turns out moist and delicious. Beyond the delightful taste, making this bread at home is significantly cheaper than buying comparable loaves at a bakery. You control the ingredients, ensuring there are no unwanted additives.
The best part comes when you top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or add a handful of chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture. Are you in the mood for something similar, try our Cinnamon Swirl Bread? It doesn’t involve a starter but offers that classic, comforting cinnamon taste. We highly recommend you start your friendship bread journey today – your future self (and your friends!) will thank you.
Key Ingredients for Amish Friendship Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to nourish your starter and bake your wonderful Amish Friendship Bread:
For the Starter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
For the Bread (After the Starter is Ready):
- 1 cup starter (reserve the remaining starter – see instructions below)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
How to Make Amish Friendship Bread
This recipe will give you a wonderfully textured, subtly spiced bread that’s perfect for breakfast bread. It’s easy to put together, and the wait for a finished dish is so worth it.
The most patient part is taking care of the Friendship bread starter, The entire process, including starter preparation, takes only about 15 minutes of active work and lots of days of wait. Get ready for baking euphoria!
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Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 10 days
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
This sweet, cinnamon-laced Amish Friendship Bread is a comforting, community-centered treat. Moist, lightly spiced, and perfect for sharing, it’s a traditional recipe passed from friend to friend.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for starter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for starter)
- 1 cup milk (for starter)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 cup starter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for bread)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for bread)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk (for bread)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Day 1: In a large glass or plastic bowl, dissolve yeast in 1 cup warm water. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. Cover loosely and let sit at room temp for 5 days.
- Days 2–5: Stir starter daily. Add a tbsp or two of milk if needed to maintain moisture.
- Day 6: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk to the starter. Stir well. Cover and rest 4 more days.
- Days 7–9: Stir the starter daily again.
- Day 10: Reserve 1 cup starter for baking. Give away 3 cups to friends or freeze for later.
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup starter, 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. Combine with wet ingredients until just mixed.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Pour batter in and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes, until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Check starter for activity (bubbles = good). Avoid overmixing. For variations, add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Store tightly wrapped at room temp for 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (active)
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
What to Serve Amish Friendship Bread With
This Amish Friendship Bread is a delight on its own, served warm with a pat of butter. However, it also pairs beautifully with:
- A cup of coffee or tea: The sweetness of the bread complements the bitterness of coffee or the soothing warmth of tea perfectly.
- Fresh fruit: Sliced berries, peaches, or bananas make a refreshing addition.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an extra touch of indulgence.
- Vanilla ice cream: For a dessert that’s sure to impress, serve a slice of warm bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Top Tips for Perfecting Amish Friendship Bread
- Starter Activity: Ensure your starter is active. If it’s not bubbly, it might need more sugar or a warmer location.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix only until just combined.
- Baking Time: Check for doneness using a wooden skewer. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Variations: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Cinnamon Sugar: If you like more of a caramelized, crunchy crust, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture before baking, and the remaining half after it has baked for 30 minutes.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: To store leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
- Refrigerating: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw completely at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To reheat the bread, you can warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for a few seconds.
Final Thoughts
The Amish Friendship Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a gift, and a testament to the joy of sharing. So gather your ingredients, get your starter going, and get ready to spread the friendship! This bread brings people together, one delicious slice at a time. Happy Baking!
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Feel free to explore, save, and share your favorites – there’s a whole world of cozy, homemade magic waiting for you!
FAQs
What if my starter isn’t bubbly?
If your starter isn’t bubbly, it might need a little boost. Try adding a tablespoon of sugar and ensuring it’s in a warm place. Also, make sure you’re using active dry yeast and checking the expiration date.
Can I use a metal bowl for the starter?
It’s generally recommended to use a glass or plastic bowl for the starter, as the yeast can react with metal.
Can I freeze the starter?
Yes, you can freeze the starter! Place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it completely before using. Stir well after thawing.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the bread?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your taste. However, remember that the sugar also helps with the texture and moisture of the bread.
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