Homemade Amish Friendship Bread

I still remember the first time I was handed a zip-top bag of bubbling starter and a sheet of instructions titled "Amish Friendship Bread." It felt like receiving a warm little secret—a recipe meant to be shared, passed on, and treasured. When I finally baked my first loaf, the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filled my kitchen and instantly transported me to a place of comfort and nostalgia.

This Homemade Amish Friendship Bread has become a staple in my kitchen, especially around the holidays. The soft, sweet crumb swirled with cinnamon sugar tastes just like a comforting hug. It’s not only delicious but also a beautiful way to connect with friends and family. Even if you don't have a starter passed down from someone else, you can easily make one yourself—and once you do, it’s like opening a door to endless batches of heartwarming bread.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Amish Friendship Bread

It’s more than just a loaf—it’s an experience. This bread offers a uniquely sweet, tender texture with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that’s downright addictive. It's simple enough for new bakers yet satisfying for those more experienced. And best of all, it’s meant to be shared—each batch makes two loaves, giving you one to gift and one to enjoy.

What Kind of Starter Should I Use?

Traditional Amish Friendship Bread relies on a sweet, fermented starter that takes about 10 days to develop. It’s a mix of flour, sugar, and milk that ferments slightly, giving the bread its distinct flavor and texture. If you don’t have a starter on hand, you can make one from scratch at home with just a few ingredients—or find a friend who’s ready to share. Keep it going by feeding it regularly, and you’ll always have a little magic on hand for baking.

Options for Substitutions

You can adapt this recipe in many ways without losing the comforting essence of the original. Swap out the instant vanilla pudding mix for butterscotch or banana pudding for a fun twist. If you’re dairy-free, almond milk works well in the starter and the batter. You can also fold in extras like chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips. And if you’re watching your sugar intake, try a reduced-sugar pudding mix and cut the sugar topping in half—it’s still wonderfully flavorful.

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Ingredients for this Homemade Amish Friendship Bread

• Amish Friendship Bread Starter – This is the heart of the recipe. It gives the bread its signature taste and texture. If you’ve been gifted a starter or made your own, it’s ready to go!
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure and stability for the bread.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the bread and the cinnamon sugar topping.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – Enhances moisture and flavor. It also gives the crumb a velvety texture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Help the bread rise and become fluffy.
• Salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Cinnamon – Swirled into the batter and dusted on top, it gives the bread a warm, spicy note.
• Eggs – Bind everything together and add richness.
• Milk – Helps loosen the batter and hydrates the dry ingredients.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Mixture – Coated on the pan and swirled through the batter for a crunchy-sweet exterior and marbled interior.

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Step 1: Prepare the Pans

Grease two standard loaf pans generously with butter or cooking spray. Then coat them with a few tablespoons of cinnamon sugar mixture. Tap out any excess. This not only prevents sticking but adds a sweet crunch to the crust.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your Amish Friendship Bread starter, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—you want the batter to stay light.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Divide half the batter between the two prepared pans. Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over the batter in each pan. Then add the remaining batter on top and finish with another generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon layer into the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 50 to 60 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice once it’s fully cooled to avoid crumbling. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

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How Long to Prepare the Homemade Amish Friendship Bread

Preparation Time: Most of your time investment will go into gathering your ingredients and combining the batter. Expect prep time to take about 15–20 minutes, especially if you already have the starter ready to go. If you're making the starter from scratch, it takes 10 days of fermenting—though that’s mostly hands-off.

Baking Time: Each loaf bakes for 50 to 60 minutes at 325°F (163°C). Add another 10 minutes for cooling before slicing, for a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes from oven to plate.

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Tips for Perfect Homemade Amish Friendship Bread

• Always use room temperature eggs and milk for smoother blending.
• Don’t overmix the batter—just stir until incorporated for a tender crumb.
• Swirling the cinnamon sugar creates that marbled look; don't skip it!
• Let the bread rest before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
• Grease and sugar the pans thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure that golden crust.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold ingredients – Can lead to uneven mixing and affect the rise.
• Overbaking – Watch closely during the last 10 minutes; overbaking dries the loaf.
• Under-swirling the cinnamon – It can sink or clump instead of creating that signature swirl.
• Skipping the sugar coating on the pan – You'll lose out on the best crust!
• Ignoring starter activity – If your starter is flat or smells off, your bread may not rise correctly.

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What to Serve With Homemade Amish Friendship Bread?

1. Hot Coffee or Tea

A warm slice paired with a freshly brewed cup is the ultimate cozy experience.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad

Balances the sweetness with something light and refreshing.

3. Scrambled Eggs or Omelet

Makes for a hearty breakfast combo if you want to add protein.

4. Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt

Add a dollop on top for an elegant brunch presentation.

5. Ice Cream

Turn it into dessert by serving a toasted slice with vanilla ice cream.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Keep the bread tightly wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It maintains its texture well and tastes even better the next day.

Refrigeration: If your kitchen is warm or humid, store the loaf in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Freezing: Amish Friendship Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap each loaf in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (per slice, based on 20 slices per recipe)

• Calories: 190
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Sugar: 17g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Cholesterol: 20mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the Amish Friendship Bread starter?

Combine equal parts of flour, sugar, and milk and allow it to ferment over 10 days, stirring and feeding it according to a simple schedule.

Can I bake the bread without a starter?

Technically yes, but it won’t have the signature flavor. You can replicate it using a quick starter with yeast, though it won’t be the same.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes! You can reduce both the batter sugar and the cinnamon sugar coating slightly without affecting the structure.

Is it possible to make muffins with this batter?

Absolutely! Divide into greased or lined muffin tins and bake at 325°F for 20–25 minutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your starter was fed with gluten-free flour from the beginning.

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Conclusion

Homemade Amish Friendship Bread is more than a sweet treat—it’s a gift, a tradition, and a comforting bite of nostalgia. Whether you're baking it to share or savoring a slice with coffee, it’s a recipe that brings people together. The cinnamon-sugar crust, tender crumb, and shareable spirit make it one of the most cherished baked goods in my kitchen.

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