There’s something heartwarming about recipes that bring people together, and Amish Friendship Bread is one of them. This sweet, cinnamon-flavored bread starts with a homemade starter that can be shared with friends and family, creating a chain of baking and giving that lasts for weeks.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a tradition rooted in kindness and community. If you’ve ever received a bag of Amish starter from a friend, you know the excitement of feeding it, watching it grow, and finally baking it into a loaf that makes your kitchen smell heavenly.

Ready to make your own Amish Friendship Bread from scratch? Let’s get started!

🍞 Amish Friendship Bread Recipe Card

Starter Ingredients

• 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (nonfat, regular, or 2%)

Feedings (2 times)

• 2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
• 2 cups milk (divided, non-fat okay)

For the Bread

• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup starter
• 2/3 cup oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Optional: nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon sugar

Instructions

Make the Starter

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large glass or plastic bowl (not metal), mix flour, sugar, and milk. Add the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
3. Cover loosely and let the starter sit at room temperature. This is Day 1.

Feed the Starter

• On Day 6: Feed the starter with 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, and 1 cup milk. Stir and cover loosely.
• On Day 10: Feed again with the same amounts. At this point, you can divide the starter into portions to bake bread or share with friends.

Make the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease two loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flour.
3. In another bowl, mix starter, oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed (do not overmix).
5. Fold in optional nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
6. Pour batter evenly into loaf pans. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans.

Enjoy your homemade Amish Friendship Bread warm or cooled!

❓ FAQs About Amish Friendship Bread

Amish Friendship Bread

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• Author: Emily
• Total Time: 10 days 1 hour
• Yield: 2 loaves 1x

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Description

A sweet and moist cinnamon-flavored bread made from a 10-day fermented starter, perfect for sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (nonfat, regular, or 2%)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
• 2 cups milk (divided, non-fat okay)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup starter
• 2/3 cup oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Optional: nuts, chocolate chips, or cinnamon sugar

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large glass or plastic bowl (not metal), mix flour, sugar, and milk. Add the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
3. Cover loosely and let the starter sit at room temperature. This is Day 1.
4. On Day 6: Feed the starter with 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, and 1 cup milk. Stir and cover loosely.
5. On Day 10: Feed again with the same amounts. At this point, you can divide the starter into portions to bake bread or share with friends.
6. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease two loaf pans.
7. In a large bowl, whisk together baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and flour.
8. In another bowl, mix starter, oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
9. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just mixed (do not overmix).
10. Fold in optional nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
11. Pour batter evenly into loaf pans. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
12. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans. Enjoy your homemade Amish Friendship Bread warm or cooled!

Notes

This recipe is a great way to share love and homemade sweetness. Remember to stir the starter daily and feed it on the correct days!

• Prep Time: 10 days
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: amish friendship bread, starter, cinnamon, sweet bread, gift bread

Conclusion

Amish Friendship Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition of sharing, caring, and connecting through food. From the bubbly starter to the warm loaf fresh from the oven, every step is filled with anticipation and joy. Whether you gift the starter to a friend or enjoy the bread with your family, you’re part of a time-honored tradition that spreads love one slice at a time.

👉 Have you ever received Amish Friendship Bread starter from someone? Share your experience in the comments below!