Description

Amish Friendship Bread is a delightful and unique sweet bread made from a starter batter that you share with friends. This recipe involves preparing a yeast-based starter that ferments and is divided into portions to be gifted or used to bake moist, cinnamon-spiced loaves with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for sharing and enjoying fresh from the oven or at room temperature, this bread combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and vanilla pudding for a tender crumb and sweet finish.

Ingredients

Starter

1 envelope active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (divided: 1/2 cup and 1 1/2 cups, hot/warm)
1 cup whole milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar

Bread Batter

1 cup starter batter (prepared from the starter)
3 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 large or two small instant vanilla pudding boxes (not sugar free)

Topping

1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Starter: In a bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in 1/2 cup hot water. Add 1 1/2 cups hot water, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 cup granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until blended, whisking as needed to combine. This starter batter yields enough for four portions.
Distribute the Starter: Divide the starter batter evenly by placing 1 cup into each of three gallon-sized Ziploc freezer bags. These starter portions can be given away or used later for baking. You will have one cup of starter remaining in your bowl.
Prepare the Bread Batter: To the remaining 1 cup of starter batter, add 3 large eggs, 1 cup vegetable oil, 2/3 cup whole milk, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 cups all-purpose flour, and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Stir to combine; the batter will be slightly lumpy, which is normal.
Prepare Loaf Pans: Generously grease two loaf pans. For best results, grease the pans, line the bottom with parchment paper, then grease again to ensure easy removal.
Add Cinnamon-Sugar Topping to Pans: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on the greased pans before adding the batter. This creates a flavorful and crunchy bottom crust.
Fill Pans and Add Topping: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Then generously sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the batter in each pan to create a crunchy cinnamon topping.
Bake the Bread: Bake the loaves in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with butter for extra richness. Enjoy your delicious Amish Friendship Bread!
Use Remaining Starters: For the 3 remaining starter bags, follow instructions to continue the recipe cycle by feeding and fermenting or bake more loaves as desired.

Notes

You can gift the starter batter to friends along with the recipe, making it a fun tradition to pass along.
Ensure the yeast is fully dissolved and water is at the right temperature—not too hot—to activate fermentation properly.
The cinnamon-sugar topping is essential for adding texture and flavor to the bread crust.
Use parchment paper in pans to help remove the bread easily without sticking.
The bread is best enjoyed within a few days but can be frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American