Homemade Amish Friendship Bread

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If you’ve ever received a bag of starter from a friend with the promise of sweet, cinnamon-kissed bread in your future, then you already know the joy of Homemade Amish Friendship Bread. This delightful recipe is built on the simple idea of sharing. A fermented starter is passed from kitchen to kitchen, offering not just a delicious loaf but a heartfelt connection to tradition and community.

This bread is wonderfully moist, with a tender crumb and a comforting flavor that blends vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of tang from the sourdough-like base. While the idea may sound old-fashioned, the result is pure magic — a loaf that feels like home, wrapped in nostalgia and perfect with a morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Amish Friendship Bread

Homemade Amish Friendship Bread is the kind of recipe that brings people together. Its slightly tangy, cake-like texture combined with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar top creates an irresistible contrast. It’s also incredibly versatile — you can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to make it your own. And the best part? You can share the starter with friends and family, giving them a delicious reason to bake too.

What Kind of Starter Do I Need for Amish Friendship Bread?

The starter is the heart of Amish Friendship Bread. It’s a simple mix of flour, sugar, and milk that ferments over ten days. If you don’t have a bag passed on from a friend, you can easily make your own starter at home. It develops a slight tang and bubbly texture that gives the bread its signature flavor and fluff. Keep feeding it and it will reward you with endless loaves to bake and share.

Ingredients for the Homemade Amish Friendship Bread

Amish Friendship Bread uses pantry staples, but each one plays an important role in the final result. From the rich starter to the warm cinnamon sugar coating, here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin:

Amish friendship bread starter
The base of the bread. This fermented mixture gives the loaf its unique flavor and soft texture.

All-purpose flour
Provides structure and stability to the bread while keeping it tender.

Granulated sugar
Used in the bread and also to create a sweet, crunchy coating on the pan.

Cinnamon
Infuses the bread with warmth and spice. It’s also sprinkled with sugar for that iconic crust.

Baking powder and baking soda
These leavening agents help the bread rise and become fluffy.

Vanilla pudding mix
Adds moisture and a hint of creamy vanilla flavor that’s characteristic of this bread.

Eggs
They bind the ingredients and add richness.

Vegetable oil
Keeps the bread moist and tender for days.

Milk
Balances the dry ingredients and contributes to a smooth batter.

Vanilla extract
Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of sweetness.

How To Make the Homemade Amish Friendship Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pans

Grease two loaf pans generously and coat them with a mix of cinnamon and sugar. This not only prevents sticking but creates a lovely sweet crust on the outside of the bread.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and pudding mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then stir in the Amish starter, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake at 325°F for about 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Amish Friendship Bread

This recipe makes two loaves, perfect for sharing or freezing. Each loaf serves about 8 people, making it a great choice for potlucks, brunches, or gifting.

Enjoy a warm slice plain or with a bit of butter for extra indulgence. Leftovers can be wrapped in plastic wrap and kept at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the loaves for up to 3 months — just wrap them tightly and label with the date.

What to Serve With Homemade Amish Friendship Bread?

Coffee or Latte

The warmth and mild bitterness of coffee perfectly balance the sweet cinnamon flavors.

Herbal Tea

Chamomile or cinnamon tea makes a cozy pairing for this comforting treat.

Fresh Berries

Serve with strawberries or blueberries for a bright, juicy contrast.

Yogurt Parfait

Add a slice alongside a yogurt parfait for a quick and satisfying breakfast.

Fruit Compote

Warm apples or peaches in syrup and spoon over the bread for a delightful dessert.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn a slice into a dessert by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cream Cheese Spread

A lightly sweetened cream cheese spread adds richness and a tangy finish.

Want More Bread Ideas?

If you loved this Homemade Amish Friendship Bread, check out more cozy and flavorful bakes like these:

• Easy Homemade Naan Bread Recipe
• Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
• Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake
• Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf
• Herb Cheese Quick Bread

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chocolate chips or keep it classic? Did you try it with fruit?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

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