Amish Friendship Bread: The Heartwarming Recipe That Connects Generations
If you’ve ever received a mysterious bag of batter with a note saying, “Don’t throw this away — feed it and share it,” then congratulations — you’ve already been introduced to the charming world of Amish Friendship Bread. This sweet, cinnamon-scented loaf isn’t just a treat; it’s a time-honored tradition of connection, community, and kindness.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about Amish Friendship Bread — from how to make the starter from scratch to baking your first loaf, customizing it with delicious add-ins, and sharing the love with others. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a heartwarming reminder that good things are meant to be shared.
What Is Amish Friendship Bread?
Amish Friendship Bread is a sweet, cake-like bread made with a unique sourdough-style starter that’s passed from friend to friend. It’s similar to a cinnamon coffee cake, with a tender crumb and irresistible aroma.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its starter — a fermented mixture of flour, sugar, and milk that grows and matures over several days. Each time you “feed” the starter, it multiplies, allowing you to bake a loaf and share portions with friends so they can start their own batches.
This concept of giving — both bread and starter — symbolizes friendship, generosity, and the joy of homemade comfort food.
The Story Behind Amish Friendship Bread
Though its exact origins are unclear, Amish Friendship Bread is believed to have roots in Amish and Mennonite communities, where sharing baked goods was a common act of kindness. The bread became widely known in the 1980s and 1990s when handwritten recipes began circulating in small towns across America.
Each bag of starter came with instructions and a simple message: “You’re now part of a baking chain of friendship.” It wasn’t just about the bread — it was about connection. Even today, this recipe carries the same sentiment: sharing something homemade and heartfelt.
How to Make Amish Friendship Bread Starter (Day 1 to Day 10)
Before you can bake Amish Friendship Bread, you’ll need to prepare the starter, which is the foundation of the recipe. It takes 10 days to develop, but don’t worry — it’s incredibly simple and only requires minimal attention.
Ingredients for the Starter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk (2% or whole milk preferred)
Instructions:
Day 1:
- In a large glass, plastic, or ceramic bowl (no metal!), mix together 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk.
- Stir with a wooden spoon or plastic spatula until smooth.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and leave it at room temperature.
Days 2–4:
- Stir the mixture once a day. You’ll start to notice small bubbles — that means it’s fermenting and alive!
Day 5:
- Feed your starter: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. Stir well and cover again.
Days 6–9:
- Stir the mixture daily. You may notice a sweet yeasty smell and more bubbles — that’s a good sign!
Day 10:
- Feed your starter again with 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Now divide it: Keep 1 cup for yourself to bake with, give 1 cup each to friends (in zip-top bags), and save one to continue feeding for your next batch.
You’ve now created your Amish Friendship Bread starter — a living, bubbling source of endless baking joy!
Amish Friendship Bread Recipe (Classic Version)
Now comes the fun part — baking your first loaf! This version is the classic cinnamon-sugar Amish Friendship Bread, known for its moist texture, sweet crumb, and comforting aroma.
Ingredients:
(Use 1 cup of your starter)
- 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread starter
- ⅔ cup oil (vegetable or canola)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 small box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (optional but adds flavor and moisture)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease two loaf pans generously with butter or nonstick spray. Dust with cinnamon sugar.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together starter, oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until well blended.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Add pudding mix (optional): Stir in the instant pudding for extra softness.
- Pour into pans: Divide the batter evenly into two loaf pans. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before slicing. The aroma will fill your kitchen — and you’ll know why this bread is so loved.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ways to customize your Amish Friendship Bread:
- Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup of diced apples and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Chocolate Chip: Stir in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist.
- Blueberry Lemon: Add 1 cup fresh blueberries and 1 tbsp lemon zest.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace vanilla pudding with pumpkin spice pudding and add ½ cup canned pumpkin.
- Coconut Almond: Mix in shredded coconut and sliced almonds for a tropical touch.
Each version brings something new — and sharing different flavors with friends keeps the tradition exciting!
Tips for Perfect Amish Friendship Bread
- Use non-metal bowls and utensils to avoid interfering with fermentation.
- Feed your starter regularly — every 5 to 10 days if you plan to keep it alive.
- Freeze starter portions if you need a break; thaw and feed before using again.
- Don’t overmix the batter — gentle stirring keeps it light and fluffy.
- Always share the love! This bread tastes best when gifted to friends or neighbors.
How to Store Amish Friendship Bread
Once baked, Amish Friendship Bread stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the cooled loaf in foil, then place it in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight at room temperature — it tastes just as good as fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Amish Friendship Bread without the starter?
Technically, you can use a quick bread recipe with similar flavors, but it won’t have the same texture or tang that comes from the fermented starter. The starter is what makes it authentic.
2. What if I don’t want to wait 10 days?
You can make an “instant” starter by combining 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk, and 2 teaspoons yeast. Let it sit overnight, and it’s ready to use the next day.
3. Why can’t I use metal utensils or bowls?
Metal can react with the acid in the fermented starter, which may affect the flavor or kill the natural yeast. Use plastic, glass, or ceramic instead.
4. How many times can I feed the starter?
Indefinitely! As long as you keep feeding it, your starter can live for years. Some bakers have starters that are decades old.
5. Can I bake it as muffins or cake?
Absolutely. Pour the batter into muffin tins or a bundt pan. Adjust the baking time — muffins usually bake in 20–25 minutes.
Why Amish Friendship Bread Is More Than Just Baking
In a world full of instant recipes and quick fixes, Amish Friendship Bread stands out for its simplicity and purpose. It’s a reminder that food isn’t just nourishment — it’s connection.
When you hand someone a bag of starter, you’re giving them more than ingredients; you’re sharing an experience, a ritual, and a little piece of warmth that travels from kitchen to kitchen.
This bread brings people together — across neighborhoods, families, and generations. Every loaf carries a story, a friendship, and a sense of gratitude that transcends time.
Conclusion: Start Your Amish Friendship Bread Tradition Today
Making Amish Friendship Bread is more than a recipe — it’s an act of love. From nurturing your starter to baking your first loaf and sharing it with others, this timeless tradition captures the essence of togetherness.
Whether you enjoy it with a morning coffee or gift it to a friend, each slice is a sweet reminder that kindness — just like this bread — grows when you share it.
So grab your mixing bowl, start your 10-day journey, and keep the tradition alive. Who knows? You might just inspire someone else to pass it on.
