Are you looking for a way to share the love and warm hearts with friends, family, and neighbors? Look no further than Amish Friendship Bread! This classic recipe has been passed down through generations, and its popularity endures. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for sharing.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious variations of the beloved recipe, each one packed with flavor and perfect for gifting (or keeping all to yourself – we won’t judge!). From classic recipes like the original Amish Friendship Bread to more decadent options like Raspberry White Chocolate and Pecan Pie, there’s something for everyone. So grab a mixing bowl and get ready to spread some love!
Classic Amish Friendship Bread
This iconic sweet bread has been a staple of Amish communities for generations, made with simple ingredients and a unique process that fosters sharing and connection among friends. With its moist texture and sweet flavor, it’s no wonder this bread remains a beloved tradition.
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 milk
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, and milk to the mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Punch down the dough and shape into loaves or rolls.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread
This moist and delicious bread is a twist on the classic Amish Friendship Bread recipe, with the added indulgence of dark chocolate chips. Perfect for snacking or sharing with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread starter (see note)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine starter, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool on wire rack before slicing and serving.
Note: Amish Friendship Bread starter can be obtained from friends who have made the bread previously, or by creating your own starter using flour, sugar, and warm water (see online tutorials).
Banana Nut Amish Friendship Bread
Banana Nut Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Amish Friendship Bread, incorporating the natural sweetness of bananas and the crunch of chopped nuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tsp active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed banana and warm water.
2. Add yeast and let mixture sit for 5 minutes, until frothy.
3. Mix in flour, sugar, melted butter, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Knead dough on floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth.
5. Place dough in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or damp cloth, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down dough and shape into loaf.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
Note: This recipe yields a delicious banana bread. To share with friends, divide the dough among friends before baking. Each recipient will then use their portion to make their own banana nut amish friendship bread!
Cinnamon Swirl Amish Friendship Bread
Warm up with a slice (or two!) of this sweet, cinnamon-spiced bread that’s sure to become a new favorite. This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (equal parts sugar and cinnamon)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and sugar to the bowl; mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead dough on floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Place dough in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Roll out dough on floured surface; spread melted butter and cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
7. Roll up dough tightly; cut into 12-15 slices. Place in prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread
Pumpkin Spice Amish Friendship Bread: A Twist on a Classic Recipe
This recipe combines the warmth of traditional Amish friendship bread with the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice, creating a delicious and unique treat perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the bowl. Mix until smooth.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Punch down dough and shape into desired form (e.g., loaf, rolls).
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Amish Friendship Bread
This recipe yields a moist and flavorful bread infused with the brightness of lemon zest and the nutty crunch of poppy seeds, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 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 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into two loaves. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Blueberry Amish Friendship Bread
This classic recipe has been passed down through generations of Amish homemakers, and is a staple at many family gatherings. With its tender crumb, sweet blueberries, and hint of cinnamon, this friendship bread is sure to bring joy to all who taste it.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the mixture. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in blueberries and cinnamon.
4. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan (9×5 inches). Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Amish Friendship Bread
This moist and flavorful bread is a perfect blend of autumnal spices and sweet apples, making it an ideal treat for cozy fall gatherings. With its unique history and cultural significance, this Amish Friendship Bread recipe is sure to become a treasured tradition in your household.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water (105°F – 115°F)
– 1/2 cup active dry yeast
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in chopped apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Strawberry Amish Friendship Bread
This sweet bread recipe combines the classic Amish Friendship Bread with the freshness of strawberries, creating a delicious and unique dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water (104°F to 112°F)
– 1/2 cup active dry yeast
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a warm mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, milk, beaten eggs, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until smooth.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until elastic.
4. 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.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough and stir in sliced strawberries.
6. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Let cool on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Carrot Cake Amish Friendship Bread
This recipe combines the classic flavors of carrot cake with the traditional Amish friendship bread technique, resulting in a moist and delicious dessert perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Beat in eggs, grated carrots, chopped walnuts (if using), and vanilla extract.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cranberry Orange Amish Friendship Bread
This recipe combines the classic Amish Friendship Bread with the flavors of cranberries and orange, creating a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup cranberries, chopped
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, sugar, and yogurt to the bowl. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in orange juice, cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Peach Cobbler Amish Friendship Bread
Peach Cobbler Amish Friendship Bread Recipe: A Sweet and Simple Treat
This classic American dessert is a staple of Southern hospitality, and this recipe combines the tender sweetness of peaches with the comforting warmth of Amish Friendship Bread. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried Amish Friendship Bread starter (see notes)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups fresh peaches, sliced
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and sugar; mix until smooth.
4. Stir in Amish Friendship Bread starter.
5. Fold in sliced peaches.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Almond Amish Friendship Bread
This moist and flavorful bread is a twist on the classic Amish Friendship Bread recipe, with the added nutty goodness of almonds. Perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 egg, beaten
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, milk, almond butter, and sliced almonds to the bowl. Mix until smooth batter forms.
3. Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down dough and shape into loaf. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Raspberry White Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread
Discover the sweetness of friendship with this delightful bread, infused with the tartness of raspberries and the creaminess of white chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 package Amish Friendship Bread starter
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, white chocolate chips, and raspberries to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pans.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Enjoy sharing this delicious bread with friends and family!
Coconut Pineapple Amish Friendship Bread
Coconut Pineapple Amish Friendship Bread Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
This sweet bread combines the classic flavors of pineapple and coconut with the unique charm of Amish Friendship Bread. With its moist texture and tangy sweetness, this loaf is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar; stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Add yeast and let mixture sit for 5-10 minutes or until frothy.
3. Gradually add flour, salt, and baking powder; mix until smooth.
4. Stir in pineapple juice, unsweetened coconut, and chopped pineapple.
5. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Yield: One large loaf
Cherry Amish Friendship Bread
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic Amish Friendship Bread recipe, this version incorporates cherries and a hint of almond extract for added depth. Perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup pitted cherries, chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Mix warm water and yeast in a large bowl; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, sugar, milk, egg, and cherries to the bowl; mix until smooth.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake bread for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let cool on a wire rack before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pecan Pie Amish Friendship Bread
This unique recipe combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with the tender, sweet bread of Amish Friendship Bread. The result is a moist and indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup pecan halves
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir until yeast is dissolved.
2. Add flour, salt, and pecan halves to the mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×13-inch baking dishes.
5. Punch down the dough and divide evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Mix brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the bread in each pan.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple Walnut Amish Friendship Bread
This classic bread recipe is a staple of Amish tradition, made with love and shared among friends and family. With its sweet and nutty flavors, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 packet active dry yeast
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add warm water, maple syrup, and yeast; mix until smooth.
3. Fold in chopped walnuts.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Punch down dough and shape into a round loaf.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to share the love with these 18 delicious Amish Friendship Bread recipes! From classic vanilla to decadent chocolate chip, and from fruity banana nut to spicy pumpkin spice, there’s something for everyone. Discover how to make cinnamon swirl, lemon poppy seed, blueberry, apple cinnamon, strawberry, carrot cake, cranberry orange, peach cobbler, almond, raspberry white chocolate, coconut pineapple, cherry, pecan pie, and maple walnut Amish Friendship Breads. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these sweet treats are sure to bring joy and warmth to any gathering.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
