Amish Friendship Bread
There’s something magical about sharing baked goods with friends. A simple loaf of bread, baked with love, becomes more than food — it’s a way to connect, to create memories, and to carry on traditions that feel timeless. Amish Friendship Bread is one of those recipes that captures this spirit perfectly.
Traditionally, Amish Friendship Bread begins with a special starter that’s passed from friend to friend, but once your starter is ready, the fun really begins. What follows is a soft, sweet loaf with a hint of cinnamon, a cozy flavor that makes your kitchen smell heavenly. This recipe is a treasure because it not only gives you delicious bread, but it also lets you keep the tradition alive by sharing new starters with others.
Because at the end of the day, sharing food isn’t just about the bread itself. It’s about giving a piece of yourself, wrapped in sweetness and care. And that’s the real magic of Amish Friendship Bread.
Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
Directions (10-Day Cycle):
After you received your starter in large Ziplock bag: store it on the counter… DO NOT REFRIGERATE!!!
- Day 1: Do nothing.
- Days 2–5: Mush the bag 2 times during the day.
- Day 6: Add to the bag: 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk (2% works best). Let out as much air as possible, mush thoroughly.
- Days 7–9: Mush the bag 2 times during the day, letting out air as needed.
- Day 10: Squeeze contents into a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk. Measure out four (1-cup) starters into large Ziplock bags — share with friends or save one to keep the cycle going!
Baking the Bread (with the leftover starter in your bowl):
Wet ingredients:
- 1 cup oil
- ½ cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
Dry ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1–2 small boxes (or 1 large) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease two loaf pans with nonstick spray and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- In a large bowl, combine starter, oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, pudding mix, and nuts (if using).
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour into prepared pans. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.
Variations:
🍋 Lemon Amish Friendship Bread
- Add 1 box (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- Optional: drizzle with a light lemon glaze after baking
🍫 Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread
- Add 1 box (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- Replace ½ cup of flour with ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Mix in 1 cup chocolate chips for extra richness
🌰 Cinnamon-Walnut Amish Friendship Bread (classic style)
- Add 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- Swirl in 2 tsp cinnamon mixed with ½ cup sugar before baking
- Stir in 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
🫐 Blueberry Amish Friendship Bread
- Add 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding mix
- Gently fold in 1–1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- Optional: sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for a crunchy top
🍌 Banana Nut Amish Friendship Bread
- Add 1 box (3.4 oz) banana pudding mix
- Mash in 2 ripe bananas
- Fold in 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
💡 Tip: The instant pudding mix isn’t strictly necessary, but it gives the bread a moist, soft texture and lets you play with flavors.
Enjoy warm slices with friends — or wrap up a loaf as a sweet homemade gift!
Try our Cranberry Orange Loaf or Harvest Apple Bundt Cake – I promise you will like it.
Please leave a review, and share this recipe with friends and family.
ENJOY!
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