Indulge in the rich, chocolatey delight of Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread — a homemade favorite that blends the tangy warmth of a traditional starter with deep cocoa flavor and gooey chocolate chips. This moist, fudgy quick bread is perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee. Whether you’re new to Amish Friendship Bread or a seasoned baker with extra starter on hand, this chocolate version is sure to become a household favorite.
It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and irresistibly delicious. Get ready to bake a comforting treat that’s made to be shared and savored!
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What is Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread?
Amish Friendship Bread…the name alone conjures images of wholesome kitchens, shared laughter, and maybe a little bit of mischief. Why “Friendship Bread?” Is it because the starter demands coddling like a fussy friend? Or perhaps because, like true friendship, this bread just keeps on giving? Some say it originated in Amish communities as a symbol of community and sharing, passed from neighbor to neighbor.
Regardless of its true origins (which are shrouded in delicious, slightly mysterious history), one thing is clear: this bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It will definitely impress that special someone “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So grab your starter, dust off your mixing bowl, and let’s embark on this chocolatey adventure!
Key Ingredients for Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread:
- Amish Friendship Bread Starter: 1 cup, actively bubbling and fermented.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup, plus extra for dusting.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1/2 cup, high-quality for best flavor.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup, such as canola or sunflower oil.
- Milk: 1/2 cup, any percentage will work.
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, pure vanilla extract is preferred.
- Chocolate Chips: 1 cup, semi-sweet or dark chocolate, or a mix
- Optional Toppings: Chopped nuts, cinnamon sugar, or a chocolate glaze.
How to Make Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread:
Get ready for a simple culinary journey! This bread is surprisingly easy to make, yielding a moist, delicious loaf with a rich chocolate flavor that’s sure to satisfy. The recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few steps and common ingredients.
The key is the Amish Friendship Bread starter, which adds a unique tang and texture to the bread. Plan for a manageable preparation time, with a baking time of approximately 50-60 minutes.
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Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, moist, and irresistibly chocolatey, this Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread is a nostalgic treat with a deep cocoa flavor and sweet community spirit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread starter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- Optional: chopped nuts, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together starter, flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until no lumps remain.
- Add vegetable oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft. Customize with chopped nuts, peanut butter swirls, or dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread
This isn’t your average chocolate bread! First and foremost, the rich, fudgy flavor is irresistible. The chocolate chips, combined with the moist, slightly tangy bread, create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for slice after slice. Secondly, making this bread at home is incredibly cost-effective.
Store-bought chocolate bread often comes with a hefty price tag and questionable ingredients. Finally, the variations are endless! Add nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a truly personalized loaf. Considering trying a regular Amish Friendship Bread alongside this recipe! Ready to experience the joy of warm, homemade chocolate bread? Give it a try today!
What to Serve Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread With:
This decadent bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:
- Coffee or Tea: The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with a warm beverage.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing for a reason! The cold ice cream complements the warm, moist bread.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a touch of elegance.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a refreshing contrast to the chocolate.
- Chocolate Sauce: For the true chocolate lover, drizzle with hot fudge or a homemade chocolate sauce.
Top Tips for Perfecting Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread
Use Quality Cocoa Powder: The type of cocoa powder makes a big difference. Opt for a Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer, darker flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined. This is important in baking.
Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
Nuts for Chocolate Chips Feel free to add chopped walnuts , almonds for extra flavour.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: To store your Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread, allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the bread completely at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave individual slices for a few seconds until warmed through. Alternatively, you can wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Final Thoughts:
This Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s about sharing, community, and the simple joy of baking something delicious from scratch. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy the warm, chocolatey goodness that awaits!
Looking for more classic Amish recipes and natural remedies? Check these out:
- Amish Friendship Bread Pancakes
- Muffins with Amish Starter
- Amish Bread Scones
- How to Freeze Amish Starter
- Fridge Storage for Amish Starter
- Low Sugar Amish Bread
- Applesauce Substitute in Amish Bread
- Oil Swap for Amish Loaf
- Classic Friendship Bread Recipe
- Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread
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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 is Amish Friendship Bread starter?
Amish Friendship Bread starter is a live yeast culture that is used to make this bread. It needs to be “fed” regularly with flour, sugar, and milk. You can obtain a starter online or from a friend who already has one.
Can I use a gluten-free flour blend?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. However, the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make this bread without chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chocolate chips, you can leave them out or substitute them with nuts or dried fruit.
How do I “feed” my Friendship Bread starter?
You need to feed the starter every day for 10 days with 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk stir well each day. On day 10 you use the starter and reserve 1 cup and begin all over again.
What can I do with the extra starter besides making bread?
You can use it to make muffins, pancakes, or even cake! There are many recipes online that utilize Friendship Bread starter.