Amish Friendship Bread Recipe: Pennsylvania’s Sweet Tradition You Can Bake at Home

If you’ve ever visited Pennsylvania, especially the countryside near Lancaster, chances are you’ve come across a unique, heartwarming treat called Amish Friendship Bread. This sweet, cinnamon-scented bread isn't just a dessert—it's a tradition of sharing and community, making it a true reflection of Amish values. Whether you’re familiar with Amish culture or discovering it for the first time, baking this bread is a beautiful way to connect with the simplicity and warmth of Amish hospitality.

Photo byNick Davies

At its core, Amish Friendship Bread is built around a starter—a fermenting mixture of flour, sugar, and milk that grows over time, much like sourdough. Once your starter is ready, the bread can be made in batches, with enough to share with friends, family, or even neighbors. That’s where the name comes from—it’s all about creating something to pass along. If you're living in Pennsylvania or visiting, you’ll find this recipe to be a staple in many Amish households, particularly during the colder months when comfort foods reign supreme.

A Bit of Amish Tradition:

Amish Friendship Bread is deeply rooted in the values of generosity and community, key elements of Amish life. The Amish, particularly in Pennsylvania, are known for their simple, humble way of living, which centers around faith, family, and hard work. This bread embodies the Amish spirit, as it's meant to be shared. You don’t just bake it for yourself—you share the starter with others, allowing the tradition to spread. It's more than just a recipe; it’s a way of building connections.

The Recipe for Amish Friendship Bread:

The process of making this bread is a bit unique because of the starter, but don’t worry—it's worth the time! Once you’ve got your starter going, the actual bread is incredibly simple to make. The result? A soft, moist, sweet loaf that’s spiced with cinnamon and sugar. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!

Ingredients for the Starter:

• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup milk

Directions for the Starter:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
2. In a larger bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and milk. Stir in the yeast mixture.
3. Cover loosely and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Stir once a day for the next 5 days.

Baking the Amish Friendship Bread:

Once your starter has fermented for 10 days, it’s time to bake! On day 10, you’ll divide the starter into four parts: three to share, and one to keep for yourself.

Ingredients for the Bread:

• 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread starter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup oil (or applesauce for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (optional, but adds a delightful richness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease two loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the starter, sugar, oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. If using, stir in the vanilla pudding mix.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the two greased loaf pans.
6. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar (optional, but adds a delicious crust!).
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the bread.
8. Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.

Variations and Pro Tips:

• Add-ins: Feel free to mix in extras like chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond or rice flour, and ensure your starter uses gluten-free flour from the beginning.
• Storage: This bread stays moist for days! You can wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It also freezes well—just slice and freeze, so you can grab a slice whenever you crave one.

Pairing Ideas:

Amish Friendship Bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s also fantastic alongside a fresh fruit salad for breakfast or a light afternoon snack.

Call to Action:

Did you enjoy this Amish Friendship Bread recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below if you tried it, and don’t forget to share the starter and recipe with your friends—keeping the tradition alive! Follow for more Pennsylvania-inspired Amish recipes that bring warmth and tradition into your kitchen.

Sources:

Family Recipe