If you have ever wanted to share more than just food with friends, the Amish Friendship Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful cinnamon-swirled sweet bread starts from a homemade starter that ferments over several days, creating a tender, flavorful loaf that feels like a warm hug right out of the oven. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced bread enthusiast, this recipe offers a charming way to connect, bake, and savor together while filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two thick slices of nut bread on a white plate with a dotted edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The bread slices are golden brown with a crumbly texture and darker spots from nuts inside. Behind the plate, there are three more slices stacked on a white rectangular tray, showing a rough crust dusted with sugar. To the top left, a small white bowl contains honey with a wooden honey dipper resting in it, and to the bottom right, three cinnamon sticks partly inside and outside a small clear glass jar are visible. A striped beige and white cloth is casually draped on the left side. The scene is bright and clean with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors and textures of your Amish Friendship Bread. From the rich oils to the warming spices, every component brings something special to this comforting loaf.

Active dry yeast: Activates the starter by creating the fermentation process needed for rise and flavor development.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while feeding the yeast starter for that perfect rise.
All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of both the starter and the bread for tender crumb texture.
Milk: Contributes moisture and richness to the starter and bread for softness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering the flavors.
Eggs: Provide stability and richness, creating a fluffy loaf that holds its shape well.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and reacts with baking powder to produce a light texture.
Baking powder: Helps provide additional rise and fluffiness to the bread.
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that swirls throughout, giving every bite its signature warmth.
Toasted chopped pecans: Add a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness to complement the soft crumb.
Cinnamon sugar mixture: Sprinkled on top to create a lightly crunchy, sweet crust that tops off this cozy treat.

How to Make Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activating the Yeast for the Starter

Begin by gently dissolving active dry yeast in warm water (around 110°F). Letting the mixture sit until frothy is a key signal that your yeast is alive and ready to lend its magic to the starter. This foundational step ensures your bread will have that tender rise and complex flavor the Amish Friendship Bread is loved for.

Step 2: Creating and Feeding the Starter

Combine sugar, flour, and milk in a large bowl, then stir in the frothy yeast mixture. This blend kickstarts the fermentation process. Cover the starter loosely and keep it at room temperature, away from sunlight, allowing it to ferment over several days. Feed your starter regularly with additional sugar, flour, and milk to keep it active and bubbly, essential for the bread’s unique sweet and tangy personality.

Step 3: Preparing the Bread Batter

Once your starter is bubbly and ready, it’s time to preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare your loaf pan. Mix together the starter, sugar, and vegetable oil first, then add eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk for a smooth, luscious batter. Gently fold in sifted dry ingredients, including flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb. Finally, fold in toasted pecans to add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.

Step 4: Baking Your Amish Friendship Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the top with your cinnamon sugar mixture to add a sweet, crackly crust. Bake for 60 to 90 minutes, watching for that golden hue and testing with a toothpick for doneness. Let it cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing – the perfect moment to smell its warm cinnamon aroma fill your kitchen.

How to Serve Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

A loaf of cinnamon nut bread is placed on a white plate with a slightly raised edge. The bread has two visible slices stacked on top of each other in front of the main loaf, showing a golden brown color with darker spots from cinnamon and nuts inside. The top crust looks crunchy and has a sugar and cinnamon layer, giving it a speckled darker brown texture. To the left of the plate is a white bowl with honey and a wooden honey dipper resting inside it. A striped beige and white cloth and a knife with a light brown handle lie behind the plate. Two cinnamon sticks are placed on the white marbled surface in the lower right corner of the image. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, consider a light spread of butter or cream cheese on warm slices. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add an extra cozy touch. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears also pairs wonderfully and complements the bread’s cinnamon sweetness.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It’s also delightful served with a bowl of homemade soup or creamy chili, creating a comforting and satisfying meal experience that feels like a loving hug.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking about sharing this Amish Friendship Bread Recipe with guests? Consider serving it as French toast for brunch or cubing it for bread pudding. Wrap slices in parchment paper tied with rustic twine for a charming homemade gift that invites smiles and conversation around your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Amish Friendship Bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to three days, keeping that moist texture and sweet, cinnamon kick intact.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Frozen slices can stay delicious for up to three months, perfect when you want to enjoy a slice on a whim or share with friends far away.

Reheating

Rewarm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for just seconds to revive their softness and aroma. A quick warm-up is all you need to enjoy Amish Friendship Bread like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the starter in Amish Friendship Bread Recipe?

The starter is a fermented mixture that acts like a natural leavening agent, giving the bread its unique flavor and texture. It’s what makes Amish Friendship Bread distinct from standard quick breads, adding both sweetness and a slight tanginess.

How long does it take to make the starter?

The starter requires about 10 days of fermentation and regular feedings before it’s ready to use in the bread dough. This slow fermentation develops complex flavors that make the bread so special.

Can I use the leftover starter again?

Absolutely! The recipe is designed for you to share or reuse the starter. You can save some, feed it weekly to keep it alive, or pass it on to friends so they can bake their own batch.

What if my starter smells bad or has mold?

A healthy starter smells sweet or slightly tangy, with bubbles forming on the surface. If you detect a rotten or sulfur-like smell or see mold, it’s best to discard and start fresh to keep your bread safe and tasty.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts or omit them?

Yes! You can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even leave out the nuts altogether if preferred. The bread will still taste wonderful with the warm cinnamon notes and tender crumb intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Amish Friendship Bread Recipe. It’s more than just a delicious cinnamon bread – it’s a heartfelt way to connect, share, and create something memorable with those you care about. So why not start your own starter today and invite a little sweetness and friendship into your kitchen? I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a treasured part of your baking favorites.