Amish friendship bread – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
United States Of America Servings: Serves 10
United States Of America Servings: Serves 10Amish Friendship Bread is a delightful sweet bread that encapsulates the spirit of sharing and community. Originating from the Amish communities in the United States, this bread is traditionally made and passed along to friends and family with a starter that is shared and nurtured over time. The recipe creates a tender, sweet loaf with a slight tang from the sourdough-like starter, often infused with cinnamon and other spices, making it perfect for gatherings or as a comforting treat.
Ingredients
- Amish Friendship starter – 1 cup / 240 ml
- Vegetable oil – 2/3 cup / 160 ml
- Sugar – 1 cup / 200 g
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Eggs – 3 large
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups / 240 g
- Cinnamon – 2 tsp
- Baking powder – 1.5 tsp
- Baking soda – 0.5 tsp
- Salt – 0.5 tsp
- Milk – 2/3 cup / 160 ml
- Instant vanilla pudding mix – 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease two loaf pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Amish Friendship Bread starter, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, and stir until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Fold in the instant vanilla pudding mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Substitutions
- Vegetable oil -> Melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- Sugar -> Brown sugar or honey
- Vanilla extract -> Almond extract
- Instant vanilla pudding mix -> Butterscotch or chocolate pudding mix
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Add chopped nuts or raisins for texture.
- Incorporate a streusel topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg for additional spice complexity.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
