Amish Friendship Bread

Amish friendship bread is one of those recipes that feels like a gentle pause in a busy day. It’s soft, lightly sweet, and baked with a starter that turns a simple loaf into something meaningful and comforting. People love it because it’s easy to keep going, easy to share, and fits naturally into everyday life. It works for quiet evenings, family snacks, and colder nights when the kitchen feels like the warmest place to be. I usually bake it when I want something familiar and low-pressure, the kind of recipe that doesn’t rush you. It’s cozy, forgiving, and made to be enjoyed slowly.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe feels special without asking much from you. The flavor is gently sweet with a tender crumb that stays soft for days. It’s budget-friendly, using pantry staples, and flexible enough to adjust with simple add-ins. Leftovers freeze well, which makes it freezer-friendly and practical for future treats. It’s also crowd-pleasing in a quiet way, perfect for sharing without fuss. Amish friendship bread fits into real schedules because the hands-on time is short, and the process is familiar once you’ve tried it once. It’s cozy, reliable, and comforting, which is why so many people save it to bake again later.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use an active, bubbly starter that has been fed recently for the best rise and texture.

  • Amish friendship bread starter – 1 cup
  • All-purpose flour – 2 cups
  • Sugar – 1½ cups
  • Milk – 1 cup
  • Vegetable oil – ½ cup
  • Eggs – 3 large
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon
  • Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven and grease two loaf pans. In a large bowl, stir together the starter, sugar, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. The mixture should look smooth and creamy with a light, glossy surface.

See also  Homemade garlic bread

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until no dry spots remain and the batter feels thick but pourable.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Tap them lightly on the counter to release air bubbles. The tops should level out naturally and look slightly shiny before baking.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Bake until the loaves rise and turn golden, filling the kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma. A toothpick should come out mostly clean. Let the bread cool before slicing so it holds together neatly.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe spreads the work out instead of piling it into one moment. Most of the time is hands-off, and the baking step takes care of itself. You can bake once and enjoy slices for days, which makes it perfect for saving now and baking later when life feels full.

Tips & Tricks

  • Measure carefully: Too much flour makes the bread dense. Spoon flour into the cup and level it gently to keep the crumb soft and tender instead of heavy.
  • Use room-temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can slow the rise. Let everything sit out briefly so the batter mixes smoothly and bakes evenly.
  • Don’t overmix: Stir just until combined. Overmixing develops too much structure and can make the loaf tough instead of soft and sliceable.
  • Cool completely before cutting: Warm bread breaks easily. Cooling helps the crumb set, giving you clean slices and better texture.

Variations

Meaty version
Add small pieces of cooked bacon for a sweet-and-savory twist. Fold it in gently at the end so it stays evenly distributed without sinking too much during baking.

See also  Sandwich Bread Recipe

Vegetarian option
Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add texture and a warm, nutty flavor that fits naturally with the soft sweetness of the bread.

Ingredient swap
Use melted butter instead of oil for a richer taste. Let it cool slightly before mixing so it blends smoothly into the batter.

Flavor or herb boost
Add a pinch of nutmeg or extra cinnamon for deeper warmth. These small changes make the loaf feel seasonal without changing the base recipe.

Serving Suggestions

  • Simple breakfast slices: Serve warm with butter or jam. It feels cozy and filling without needing anything else on the plate.
  • Afternoon snack: Pair with tea or coffee for a quiet break. The soft crumb makes it easy to enjoy without feeling heavy.
  • Family dessert: Add a light dusting of powdered sugar and serve after dinner for a simple, comforting finish.
  • Gift-ready loaf: Wrap cooled bread in parchment and twine for an easy homemade gift that feels thoughtful and personal.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Store wrapped loaves in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them tightly covered to prevent drying out.
  • Reheating: Warm slices briefly in the microwave or oven. Avoid overheating, which can make the bread tough.
  • Freezing: Freeze whole loaves or slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Make-ahead tips: Bake a day ahead for best flavor. The texture settles nicely overnight, making slicing easier.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Rest Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories range from 220–260 per slice, depending on size. Protein is approximately 4–6 grams per slice. The bread provides carbohydrates and small amounts of calcium from milk and eggs. Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.

See also  Bread Rolls

FAQs

Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Overmixing the batter.

Yes, melted butter works well.

Too much flour or inactive starter.

Up to 5 days refrigerated.

Conclusion

This recipe is meant to feel comforting, not complicated. Amish friendship bread fits naturally into everyday routines, whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others. It’s flexible enough to change, forgiving if you’re distracted, and reliable when you want something familiar. Once you’ve made it, you’ll likely come back to it again, adjusting flavors or baking extra to freeze. That’s part of its charm. It’s warm, simple, and made to be enjoyed at your own pace, one slice at a time.

Amish Friendship Bread Save
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Amish Friendship Bread

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Bread Recipe
Servings

16

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A soft, lightly sweet homemade bread made with a simple starter and pantry ingredients. Cozy, comforting, and perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Amish friendship bread starter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1½ cups sugar

  • 1 cup milk

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease two loaf pans.
  • In a large bowl, mix starter, sugar, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  • In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir gently until combined.
  • Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
  • Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  • Cool before slicing.

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