Amish Friendship Bread a Sweet Slice of Tradition

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how a bread recipe could become a tradition? This amish bread recipe is exactly that. It’s a sweet slice of history, spiced with cinnamon and a whole lot of love.

Brief Overview

Originating from Amish communities, this sweet bread recipe is more than just food. It represents community and sharing. It's a medium difficulty bake, needing about an hour of hands-on time plus 10 days for the starter.

This recipe makes 1 delicious loaf, perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

This amish friendship bread is a mood booster. The cinnamon scent alone is therapeutic! Perfect for a cozy brunch or as a thoughtful gift.

It is special because it’s baked with a shared starter, making it a true act of Friendship Bread .

What Makes This Amish Bread Recipe So Special?

You know, the best homemade bread recipes easy ones always have a story. This one's got layers. It starts with the starter.

And honestly, that starter is like a low-maintenance pet. It requires feeding, some love, and gives you something amazing in return.

Plus, you get to share it! How cool is that?

Let's Talk Amish Friendship Bread Variations

Thinking of jazzing things up? Me too! This cinnamon bread recipe is just the beginning. You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

It really is very versatile. Consider it a blank canvas for your baking masterpiece.

Getting Cozy with the Starter: Your Amish Friendship Bread Starter Recipe

The soul of this recipe is the amish friendship bread starter recipe . You begin it with flour, water, and yeast.

It will sit for days, and feeding it daily. It feels like magic seeing it bubble. This living thing is so good that it gives life to your bread.

Learning how to make a bread starter really is half the fun.

Gathering Your Ingredients for this Delightful Quick Bread Recipe

Alright, gather round, bakers! Here's what you'll need for this quick bread recipe . First, for the starter, grab flour, water, and yeast.

Then, for the bread itself, butter, sugar (both white and brown), eggs, vanilla, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Got it? Great! Let's get baking.

The Secret Ingredient: Patience

Okay, so maybe patience isn't technically an ingredient. But honestly, it's key to this amish bread recipe . Nurturing that starter takes time, but trust me, it's worth it.

So put on some tunes, pour yourself a cuppa, and enjoy the process. Remember: Good things come to those who wait.

..and bake!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to bake this amazing amish bread recipe . We're going to break it down, so it's dead easy.

Don't worry, you probably have most of this stuff already.

Main Players

For the Bread Starter (Day 1):

• All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . Unbleached is best.
• Lukewarm water: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Make sure it's not too hot, you know?
• Active dry yeast: 1/4 teaspoon (1g) . Gives our bread its oomph .

Feeding Time (Days 2-9):

• All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (60g) . More flour!
• Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Room temp is key .
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) . Sweetness is calling!

The Amish Bread Recipes (Day 10):

• Amish Friendship Bread Starter: 1 cup (240ml) . The star of the show!.
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113g) . Softened, not melted.
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150g) .
• Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) , packed. Adds lovely depth.
• Large eggs: 2 . Room temperature, again.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . For that je ne sais quoi .
• All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g) .
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
• Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) .
• Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) . Hello, cinnamon bread recipe !
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) .

Spice It Up!

Cinnamon is a must. I usually add a pinch of nutmeg too. Honestly, it makes all the difference. You can sub vanilla extract for almond extract.

Gear Up!

You'll need:

• A jar for the starter.
• Mixing bowls.
• Measuring stuff.
• A 9x5 inch loaf pan . This is essential .
• Spatula.
• Whisk.
• Parchment paper. (Optional, but makes life easier).

Don't have a loaf pan? A cake tin will do in a pinch!.

So there you have it. This is a quick bread recipe so you can make homemade bread recipes easy . This sweet bread recipe is super rewarding! So gather your things and get baking!.

Cooking Method: Baking Amish Friendship Bread

Alright then, let's get cracking on this amish bread recipe , shall we? It’s a bit of Americana in a loaf, perfect with a cuppa.

No soggy bottoms here. Honestly, this amish bread recipe is a winner!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First, the mise en place is key. Get all your ingredients measured out. This makes everything smoother. I’ve skipped this step before.

Trust me, it's worth the effort. For time saving tips, measure the night before. Soften that butter too!

step-by-step Process: Baking Bliss

1. Day 1: Start your bread starter . Mix the flour, water, and yeast. It needs to sit.
2. Days 2-9: "Feed" the bread starter daily. Stir in the flour, milk, and sugar.
3. Day 10: Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease the pan, get it ready.
4. Cream butter and sugars. Get it light and fluffy, like a cloud.
5. Mix your dry ingredients. Flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Combine wet and dry. Don't overmix!
7. Add 1 cup of the amish friendship bread starter recipe to the batter. Share the rest!
8. Bake for 50- 60 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Loaf

Want to make a great loaf of amish friendship bread ? Don't overmix the batter. It makes the bread tough.

I learned this the hard way! If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil. You could also use a sugar substitute.

This also can be a great sweet bread recipe or cinnamon bread recipe !

There are many amish friendship bread variations . Add nuts or dried fruit. make-ahead? Freeze the baked bread. What a quick bread recipe and homemade bread recipes easy ! I hope you enjoy the Amish Bread Recipe

Recipe Notes: Your Amish Bread Recipe Roadmap

So, you're about to dive into baking this amish bread recipe . Awesome! Before you get flour everywhere, let's run through some essential bits and bobs.

I’m no expert, mind you, just a home cook sharing my experiences. Think of me as your bread baking buddy! Seriously, this sweet bread recipe is worth it!

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!

Okay, picture this: a warm slice of your freshly baked amish friendship bread , golden brown and smelling divine. Presentation matters, right?

• Plating and presentation ideas: I love dusting mine with a little icing sugar. It looks fancy but takes seconds. Or, go rustic. Slice thickly and arrange on a wooden board.
• Complementary sides or beverages: This bread is amazing with a strong cuppa. A vanilla latte is dreamy! Also, it goes with cream cheese.

Storage Tips: Keep That Loaf Fresh!

Honestly, this quick bread recipe is so good, it doesn't usually last long in my house. But if you manage to resist eating the whole loaf in one sitting, here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration guidelines: Wrap it tightly in cling film or put it in an airtight container. It'll last a few days in the fridge.
• Freezing options: You can freeze slices or the whole loaf. Wrap well in cling film then foil. It'll keep for a month.
• Reheating instructions: Thaw it out and pop it in the oven for a few minutes or microwave it on low. Toasting is also a great shout.

Variations: Spice Things Up!

Want to get creative with your amish friendship bread variations ? You go, Glenn Coco!

• Dietary adaptations: For a dairy-free version, try using almond milk. I know some people use applesauce instead of sugar. But I personally haven't done it.
• Seasonal ingredient swaps: In autumn, add some grated apple and a pinch of mixed spice. Trust me, it's amazing! In summer, berries are great too.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff!

I'm not a nutritionist, but here's the lowdown on the basics. It’s a sweet treat.

• Simplified nutrition information: It's got carbs, it's got sugar, it's got a bit of fat. Everything in moderation, eh?
• Key health benefits: Well, it tastes great! Seriously, food that makes you happy is good for the soul, right?

So there you have it! Your ultimate guide to making the most of your amish friendship bread starter recipe . Don’t be scared to experiment and make it your own.

Baking should be fun! Seriously you can even create cinnamon bread recipe version!. With these Homemade Bread Recipes Easy , baking is your canvas!.

I hope you enjoy this Amish Bread Recipes as much as I do!.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amish Bread, and why is it called "Friendship Bread"?

Amish Friendship Bread is a sweet, cinnamon spiced bread made from a unique starter that's shared among friends and family. The "friendship" aspect comes from the tradition of passing along portions of the starter to others, so they can bake their own loaves and continue the cycle think of it as a baking chain letter, but with delicious results!

My starter isn't bubbly; is it still okay to use in this Amish bread recipe?

If your starter isn't very bubbly, don't panic! It might just need a little more time or a warmer environment. Ensure you're feeding it regularly (as described in the recipe) and that it's stored at a consistent room temperature.

A slightly less active starter might just result in a slightly denser bread, but it should still be tasty!

Can I freeze either the Amish bread starter or the baked bread?

Absolutely! To freeze the starter, simply transfer it to a freezer safe container, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using and resume the feeding schedule.

Baked Amish bread can also be frozen; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely before slicing and serving.

What can I do with the extra starter after baking this Amish bread recipe?

The beauty of Amish Friendship Bread is sharing! Divide the remaining starter into portions for friends, along with a copy of the recipe. If you don't want to share (or don't have anyone to share with), you can bake another loaf, or even use the starter in pancakes, waffles, or muffins.

Alternatively, you can discard the excess starter it's all part of the process.

Is there a way to make this Amish bread recipe healthier or lower in sugar?

You can reduce the sugar in both the starter feeding and the bread recipe itself, but be mindful that this will affect the taste and texture. Experiment with substituting up to half the sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia.

You can also add ingredients like wheat germ or flax seeds to increase the nutritional content, just remember it will change the taste.

What if my Amish Friendship Bread is too dense and not rising properly?

Several factors can contribute to a dense loaf. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as they lose potency over time. Overmixing the batter can also lead to a tough bread, so mix until just combined. Finally, ensure your oven temperature is accurate; an oven thermometer can be a lifesaver!