This Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread recipe is the ultimate fall baking treat. Blending the cozy flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spice with the tangy richness of a traditional Amish Friendship Bread starter, this loaf is moist, tender, and irresistibly flavorful. It’s the perfect homemade recipe for sharing during the autumn season, whether with family, friends, or at festive gatherings.
If you love banana bread or pumpkin loaf, this spiced version will quickly become a seasonal favorite. Whether enjoyed warm for breakfast or served with cream cheese frosting as dessert, this easy-to-make bread brings comfort in every bite.
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What is Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread?
Amish Friendship Bread. What a mysterious name, right? Is it really bread made by Amish friends? Or is it some sort of edible peace offering? Maybe it’s secretly a magical loaf that ensures lifelong friendship… or perhaps it’s just a really delicious bread that’s been passed down through generations, shared with friends and family, and enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
The truth is likely a little bit of all of those things! The bread boasts of the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” could be rephrased as “the way to anyone’s heart is through a slice of warm, pumpkiny, spiced bread.” Either way, it’s time to bake a loaf and spread the love! Ready to embark on this friendship-making (and bread-baking) adventure?
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread:
Here’s what you’ll need to conjure up a delightful Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread:
- Amish Friendship Bread Starter: 1 cup (This is the heart of the recipe! You can get some from a friend or start your own – more on that later!)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup for the starter feeding, 2 cups for the dough
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup for the starter feeding, 1 cup for the dough
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup for the dough (packed)
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: 2 teaspoons
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread
Making this Friendship Bread is surprisingly easy and richly rewarding! The magic lies in the tangy starter, which adds a depth of flavor you won’t find anywhere else. The resulting loaf is moist, flavorful, and unbelievably satisfying with its warm spices.
This recipe requires approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare, including baking time. Get ready for a slice of autumn heaven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Day 1-5: Starter Care
- If you have starter begin with adding it to a non metal bowl.
- Add to the bowl a non metal spoon. This is extremely important in making your starter last.
- Stir well but do not over mix. Give the starter a few folds until it all has come together.
- For the next five days place your starter on the counter and let it sit at room temperature, stir it daily.
Day 6: Feeding the Starter
- Feed the Starter: Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of milk to the starter. Stir well until combined.
Day 7: Dividing and Baking
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Measure Starter: You should now have about 4 cups of starter. Use one cup in the batter for this recipe, give one cup away to a friend, and save the other two cups in the freezer for next time!
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Add Sugar: Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the wet ingredients. Mix well.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Incorporate Starter: Add one cup of the Amish Friendship Bread starter and mix until just combined.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread:
This Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread isn’t just another loaf of bread; it’s an experience! First off, the unbeatable pumpkin spice flavor evokes all the warm and fuzzy feelings of autumn. Making it at home is a budget-friendly delight, costing far less than that overpriced latte from your favorite coffee shop. And let’s not forget the incredible topping options! From a simple glaze to a decadent cream cheese frosting, the possibilities are endless.
If you like banana bread, this recipe offers a similar warm and comforting texture, but with a festive seasonal twist! So, skip the store-bought stuff and gather your ingredients – the best Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread is waiting to be baked by you!
What to Serve Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread With:
This Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a warm breakfast treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a delightful dessert. Consider these pairing options:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A classic pairing that complements the spices perfectly.
- Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping for a less decadent option.
- Apple Cider: The warm spices of the cider enhance the bread’s flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Transform the bread into a delicious dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Spiced Nuts: Add a crunchy texture and complementary flavors with toasted pecans or walnuts.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread
- Starter Quality: The quality of your starter is key! Ensure it’s active and bubbly before using it. If it smells sour or has discolored liquid on top, discard it and start fresh.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cloves, nutmeg, or ginger for extra warmth.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Nut Options: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or other nuts.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Store the cooled Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave until warm. You can also toast the slices for a crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a connection, and a delicious way to celebrate the season. It’s a way to share a piece of your kitchen with friends and family, and to savor the simple pleasure of a warm, homemade loaf. So, gather your ingredients, nurture your starter, and get ready to bake a loaf that will bring joy to everyone who tastes it!
Looking for more classic Amish recipes and natural remedies? Check these out:
- Our latest posts on Medium – Discover more old-fashioned recipes and tips
- Follow us on Pinterest – Daily pins full of Amish goodness
- Best Amish Recipes for Easy Homemade Meals – A roundup of wholesome, simple favorites
- Amish Apple Cake Recipe – Moist, flavorful, and perfect for fall
- Amish Amoxicillin Natural Remedy – A powerful herbal immune booster
- Amish Chocolate Whoopie Pies – Soft, chocolatey, and filled with sweet nostalgia
- Best Amish Recipes for Easy Homemade Soups, Main Dishes & Desserts
Feel free to explore, save, and share your favorites – there’s a whole world of cozy, homemade magic waiting for you!
FAQs
What if I don’t have an Amish Friendship Bread starter?
You can get a starter from a friend who’s already baking with it, or you can make your own! There are plenty of recipes online for starting your own Amish Friendship Bread starter. It takes about 10 days to get it ready, but it’s well worth the effort!
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, you should use plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sugar that will alter the flavor and texture of the bread.
My bread is sinking in the middle. What did I do wrong?
This can happen if your oven temperature is too high, or if you opened the oven door too often during baking. Make sure your oven is at the correct temperature and avoid opening the door unnecessarily. Also, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may be slightly different. Look for a blend that’s designed for baking and contains xanthan gum for best results.
Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving a warm, spiced treat that screams fall? This Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread is a delicious twist on a classic, bringing the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice to the unique tradition of Amish Friendship Bread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread starter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for starter feeding)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for dough)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for starter feeding)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for dough)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Day 1–5: Stir your starter daily with a non-metal spoon in a non-metal bowl. Keep it at room temperature.
- Day 6: Feed the starter with 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. Stir until combined.
- Day 7: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Measure out 1 cup of starter to use. Save or share the rest.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add granulated and brown sugar to wet mixture and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in 1 cup of Amish Friendship Bread starter.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use an active and bubbly starter. Don’t overmix the batter. Check doneness with a skewer. Add chocolate chips or nuts for variation. Serve with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, apple cider, or vanilla ice cream. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temp or 5 days in fridge. Can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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