The world of baking has many treasures, but few are as beloved and iconic as the classic Amish friendship bread. This sweet treat has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in many American households. But why settle for just one recipe when you can have 20? In this article, we’ll explore the best Amish friendship bread recipes that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family.
From classic flavors like cinnamon swirl and chocolate chip to creative twists like pumpkin spice and strawberry, these recipes offer something for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to serve at breakfast or brunch, or a special dessert to bring to the next potluck, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get started and explore the wonderful world of Amish friendship bread!
Classic Amish Friendship Bread
Classic Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
This traditional Amish recipe has been passed down through generations, and its sweet aroma fills the air as it bakes to perfection. A staple at many Amish gatherings, this bread is a testament to the power of friendship and community.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy your delicious Classic Amish Friendship Bread!
Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread
This classic bread recipe is a staple of Amish tradition, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Rich, buttery flavors mingle with sweet chocolate chips in this indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl; mix until smooth batter forms.
3. Fold in chocolate chips.
4. Pour batter into greased loaf pan (9×5 inches).
5. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: One 9×5-inch loaf
Cinnamon Swirl Amish Friendship Bread
Warm up with a sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. This classic Amish bread recipe is infused with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and topped with a gooey swirl.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons butter, melted
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
2. Add melted butter, flour, salt, white granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle shape. Spread with remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
5. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one end. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
6. Place each piece in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving some space between for expansion.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy!
Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread
This sweet bread is a delightful twist on the classic Amish Friendship Bread recipe, infused with the warmth of pumpkin spice and the comfort of fall. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this recipe yields two loaves of moist and flavorful bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 package Amish Friendship Bread starter
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– Pumpkin pie spice to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine starter, pumpkin puree, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until smooth.
3. Add sugar, milk, and eggs; mix until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pans and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice if desired.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Banana Nut Amish Friendship Bread
This recipe combines the classic Amish Friendship Bread with the natural sweetness of bananas and the crunch of chopped nuts, creating a delightful treat perfect for sharing with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and flour. Add mashed bananas, baking powder, and salt; mix until smooth.
3. Fold in chopped nuts and milk until well combined.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Amish Friendship Bread
A sweet and comforting treat perfect for sharing with friends and family. This moist and flavorful bread is infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped apple (Granny Smith or other sweet-tart variety)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, chopped apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Amish Friendship Bread
Lemon Poppy Seed Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
This classic Amish friendship bread recipe gets a bright and citrusy twist with the addition of lemon zest and poppy seeds, making it perfect for springtime gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the mixture. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and poppy seeds.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Blueberry Amish Friendship Bread
This sweet bread recipe is a twist on the classic Amish Friendship Bread, adding juicy blueberries to create a deliciously moist and flavorful treat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water (110°F – 115°F)
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, salt, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth batter forms.
3. Fold in blueberries.
4. Knead dough on floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
5. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
7. Divide dough evenly between pans and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool on wire racks before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Strawberry Amish Friendship Bread
Strawberry Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
This sweet bread is a classic Amish tradition passed down through generations. With its moist texture and sweet strawberry flavor, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and sugar to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Punch down the dough and fold in melted butter and sliced strawberries.
7. Shape into a round loaf and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Peach Cobbler Amish Friendship Bread
Savor the sweet aroma of warm peaches and rich cobbler crust with this twist on traditional Amish friendship bread. This recipe combines the tender fruitiness of fresh peaches with the comforting warmth of homemade cobbler.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active dry yeast
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, salt, and sugar.
3. Add warm water and mix until dough forms.
4. Knead for 5 minutes.
5. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Mix in melted butter, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and diced peaches.
7. Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Carrot Cake Amish Friendship Bread
This recipe combines the traditional flavors of Amish friendship bread with the warm spices and sweetness of carrot cake, creating a unique and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, carrots, and walnuts (if using). Mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Allow loaves to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Zucchini Amish Friendship Bread
This moist and flavorful bread combines the best of summer with the warmth of friendship, making it a perfect treat for any gathering. With its subtle zucchini flavor and crunchy streusel topping, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup grated zucchini
– Streusel topping (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add warm water and mix until smooth.
4. Beat in egg and grated zucchini.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
6. Top with streusel topping (see below).
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Mix dry ingredients and cold butter until crumbly.
Coconut Amish Friendship Bread
A sweet and tender bread filled with the warmth of coconut and the love of friendship, perfect for sharing with your community.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and coconut to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Almond Joy Amish Friendship Bread
This unique variation of traditional Amish Friendship Bread combines the rich flavors of coconut, almonds, and chocolate to create a deliciously moist and indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active dry yeast
– 2 cups warm water
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, sugar, coconut, almonds, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in melted butter and chocolate chips.
4. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan or muffin tin.
5. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Maple Pecan Amish Friendship Bread
This sweet bread combines the warmth of maple syrup with the crunch of pecans, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water)
Instructions:
- Mix flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
- Add warm water, maple syrup, and melted butter. Stir until combined.
- Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Punch down dough and fold in chopped pecans. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with egg wash during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Maple Pecan Amish Friendship Bread!
Raspberry Cream Cheese Amish Friendship Bread
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic Amish Friendship Bread recipe, this dessert combines the natural sweetness of raspberries with the richness of cream cheese. Perfect for potlucks or special occasions!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add yeast mixture and stir until dissolved.
3. Let mixture sit for 24-48 hours, feeding with more flour as needed (see notes).
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×13-inch baking dishes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Fold in raspberries and pour mixture into prepared baking dishes.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pineapple Upside-Down Amish Friendship Bread
Pineapple Upside-Down Amish Friendship Bread is a delightful twist on the classic bread recipe, featuring caramelized pineapple rings and cherries on top. This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active dry yeast
– 2 cups warm water
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup pineapple rings
– 1/2 cup cherries, pitted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
4. Fold in pineapple rings and cherries.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Drizzle with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven, let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Oatmeal Raisin Amish Friendship Bread
This classic recipe combines the warm spices of traditional Amish friendship bread with the natural sweetness of oats and raisins, creating a deliciously moist treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and raisins to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cherry Almond Amish Friendship Bread
This sweet bread combines the flavors of cherries and almonds to create a delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup cherry juice or extract
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
3. Add warm water, cherry juice or extract, and chopped almonds. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in prepared pan.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiced Chai Amish Friendship Bread
Spiced Chai Amish Friendship Bread: A Warm and Inviting Treat
This sweet bread is a delightful twist on the classic Amish friendship bread, infused with the warm spices of chai tea. Perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying on your own, this recipe yields a moist and aromatic loaf.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup chai tea (brewed or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add warm water, chai tea, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Discover the delicious world of Amish Friendship Bread with these 20 mouth-watering recipes! From classic and chocolate chip to pumpkin spice and strawberry, there’s something for every occasion. Try making a Cinnamon Swirl Amish Friendship Bread for breakfast, or a Peach Cobbler Amish Friendship Bread for dessert. Or why not get creative with Lemon Poppy Seed or Raspberry Cream Cheese? Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes are sure to satisfy. Get ready to make some new friends and fill their bellies with these scrumptious Amish Friendship Breads!
