The Ultimate Amish Friendship Bread Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Discover the Delight of Amish Friendship Bread

Amish Friendship Bread is not just a delicious treat; it’s a cherished culinary tradition. This bread is made from a unique starter that is nurtured and shared among friends. The process of making this delightful treat fosters community and connection, turning baking into a shared experience. In this blog post, we will share the ingredients, detailed directions, and tips to create this scrumptious bread that you can share joyfully with family and friends.

Ingredients for Amish Friendship Bread

To get started with your Amish Friendship Bread, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup of the prepared starter (more on this later)

• Optional: nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins for added flavor

With these ingredients on hand, you are well on your way to creating a delicious batch of Amish Friendship Bread!

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Amish Friendship Bread

Creating Amish Friendship Bread involves two key components: preparing the starter and then baking the bread itself. Here’s how to do both:

Preparing the Starter

Your journey begins by making the starter, which typically ferments in about 10 days. Combine flour, sugar, and milk in a large Ziploc bag. Every day, ‘feed’ the mixture with equal parts flour, sugar, and milk, allowing it to ferment and bubble. On day 10, your starter is ready to be used or shared!

Baking the Bread

Once your starter is prepared, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the starter with the remaining ingredients: flour, sugar, milk, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined, ensuring a smooth batter.

Grease two loaf pans, or you can use paper liners. Pour the batter evenly into the pans. Optionally, sprinkle with nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins to add delightful flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Sharing the Joy

Let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can enjoy a slice yourself and share the starter with friends, encouraging them to participate in this joyful baking experience! Each batch creates not just bread but a sense of community and connection with others within your circle.

In conclusion, the Amish Friendship Bread recipe is a wonderful way to blend baking with friendship. By following these simple directions and using easily accessible ingredients, you can elevate your baking skills while fostering relationships with those around you. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your starter, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of this beautifully traditional bread!