Did Amish friendship bread make its way to your elementary school? If you had a little pouch of strange-smelling spongy dough (it’s called a sourdough starter) in your locker, you’re probably familiar. It was a sweet tradition for making a tasty bread with your friends and family that should you should totally try with your gang.
What Is Amish Friendship Bread?
There are several variations of the recipe, but the gist remains the same. It’s a two-part process: creating the starter and baking the bread. The starter itself takes 10 days to form, but once it’s ready, it can last forever (as long as it’s fed with water and flour every so often), One baker told us she’d been keeping her starter active since 1985! Once the starter is complete, it’s divided into one-cup increments and distributed among friends, saving them the grueling 10-day process. If that’s not friendship, what is?
Don’t have any friends that will share with you? Not to worry, you can create your own starter by mixing 1 cup each of white sugar, flour and milk with a one packet of yeast. Stir it up really well and set aside for 5 days. On the fifth day, feed your starter 1 cup each of white sugar, flour and milk. Stir it well and set aside for another 5 days (10 days total). On the 10th day, feed your starter again and then divide it into one cup portions. One of those portions is now your day 1 starter, the rest you can bake with, share with friends or even freeze to use later.
Amish Friendship Bread Recipe
It’s a little lighter and healthier than the original version but still has that awesome traditional flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Amish friendship starter
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 box vanilla pudding
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 egg
- 1/2 cup canola oil
Directions
In a bowl, combine starter, milk, beaten eggs, vanilla, buttermilk & oil. Mix well.
In a separate bowl whisk together remaining dry ingredients. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients being careful not to over mix. Pour into 2 greased, floured 8″ loaf pans. In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon, sprinkle on top of batter.
Bake at 350º for 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Yield: 2 loaves
Where Did the Tradition Come From?
Amish friendship bread is a food surrounded by stories. Amish lore has it that an Amish mother will hand down a piece of her starter on her daughter’s wedding day. That way, the family bread will be passed down from generation to generation. When fed with flour and water every few days, the starter just grows stronger. In fact, it lasts so long that Amish families never truly use it up: They keep scooping out one-cup sections to use in baking and feed the remaining sponge so that it can be used again and again. More commonly, though, Amish communities just divide their starter and distribute it among their friends. This tradition lives on today inside and outside of Amish communities.
Be sure to give one of our other awesome quick bread recipes a try with your friends or family.
31 Easy Quick Bread Recipes
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Cinnamon Coffee Cake
I love the excellent texture of this easy coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
Glazed Cranberry Sweet Potato Bread
The Sweet Potato Festival Committee of Vardaman, Mississippi shared this recipe starring their crop. Slices of the moist bread topped with an orange glaze make a sweet snack to enjoy anytime.
Grandma’s Onion Squares
My grandma brought this recipe with her when she emigrated from Italy as a young wife and mother. It is still a family favorite. —Janet Eddy, Stockton, California
Socca
Socca is a traditional flatbread from Nice, France. It's common to see it cooked on grills as street food, served chopped in a paper cone and sprinkled with salt, pepper or other delicious toppings. Bonus: It's gluten-free. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Gluten- and Dairy-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
After learning of gluten and dairy issues in our family, I knew I had to re-create our favorite sweet bread. This gluten-free bread can be made using a premixed gluten-free flour or your own homemade blend. We use coconut milk to make it dairy-free, but any type of milk works! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Apple Quinoa Spoon Bread
My cousin is a strict vegetarian, so creating satisfying veggie dishes is my yearly self-challenge. This spoonbread can act as a side, but the addition of hearty, healthy quinoa and vegetables make it a well-rounded winter casserole. This can be an amazing Thanksgiving side dish, or a main vegetarian meal; pair with a seasonal salad. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Cran-Almond Loaf
My delicious quick bread is comforting in the afternoon with a cup of tea, served toasted in the morning for breakfast, or as a midnight snack. Morning, afternoon or evening, this is always a treat! —Mary West, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts
Raspberry-Almond Coffee Cake
This fruity raspberry almond coffee cake is an awesome brunch treat. If you can’t find raspberries, try blueberries or strawberries. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Pumpkin Bread with Gingerbread Topping
This yummy pumpkin bread won first prize in the Acorn Pantry Bread Contest. It melts in your mouth, and the recipe easily doubles for gift-giving. —Renee' Nanez, Frederic, Wisconsin
Cranberry Gingerbread Scones
Cranberry studded scones are perfect for a holiday brunch. The baking aroma is so welcoming, I bake these gingerbread scones as guests arrive. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Country Cinnamon Swirl Bread
I'm always busy with three active sons, so this rich quick bread is a favorite. I like to wrap these loaves to give as gifts. —Sharon Walker, Huntington Station, New York
Olive & Onion Quick Bread
I’ve been baking for over 50 years and I never get tired of trying new recipes for my family, friends and co-workers. Baking actually relaxes me. I feel like an artist creating a masterpiece of love. This savory loaf makes a great gift. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, PA
Irish Soda Bread Muffins
Irish soda bread is traditionally made in a loaf shape, but these muffins have the same terrific flavor with buttermilk, caraway seeds and currants. They are easy to make and delicious served warm. —Lorraine Ballsieper, Deep River, Connecticut
Honey Spice Bread
The texture of this bread is almost like a cake, so I usually serve slices of it for dessert. The loaf looks so festive with the pretty glaze drizzled on top. —Gaye O'Dell, Binghamton, New York
Ice Cream Bread
Ice cream gets a whole new use in this tender bread recipe that I pared down to serve two. Be sure to use full-fat ice cream for best results. —Katherine Kuehlman, Denver, Colorado
Crunchy Breadsticks
These thin, crisp breadsticks created in our Test Kitchen add a bit of elegance to a holiday dinner. Each bite is perfectly seasoned with thyme and coarse salt.
Chocolate Quick Bread
My husband and I both enjoy cooking, but the baking is left to me. Our sons loved this chocolaty quick bread when they were little...and still do as grownups!—Melissa Mitchell-Wilson, Wichita, Kansas
Cheesy Garlic Herb Quick Bread
This could be the perfect bread for any dish. The sharp cheddar cheese makes it irresistible.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bacon Parmesan Popovers
This recipe proves that simple ingredients often result in the best-tasting dishes. These popovers are a nice change from ordinary toast or muffins. —Donna Gaston, Coplay, Pennsylvania
Orange-Chip Cranberry Bread
Tart berries, crunchy nuts and sweet chocolate are simply scrumptious when mixed together in this easy quick bread. Sometimes I'll top it off with an orange-flavored glaze. —Donna Smith, Fairport, New York
Dutch Apple Loaf
Being of Dutch descent, I knew I had to try this recipe for a moist, fruity quick bread. It freezes well, so I often have a loaf on hand for church bazaars. —Gladys Meyer, Ottumwa, Iowa
New to baking bread? Check out our complete bread baking guide.
Gingerbread Scones
These moist scones' gingerbread flavor make them just right for serving around Christmastime. They are a scrumptious treat with tea or coffee. —David Bostedt, Zephyrhills, Florida
Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread
While cinnamon swirl bread is a natural for breakfast, we love it so much we enjoy it all day long. This is a nice twist on traditional cinnamon swirl yeast breads. —Helen Richardson, Shelbyville, Michigan
Cranberry Muffins
There's an abundance of cranberries in our area during the fall, and this recipe is one of my favorite ways to use them. I've often given these fresh-baked muffins as a small gift to friends, and they're always well received. —Ronni Dufour, Lebanon, Connecticut
Lemon Blueberry Bread
Of all the quick breads we had growing up, this beautiful lemon blueberry bread is the best! The citrus glaze adds a lustrous finish and locks in moisture. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota
Fresh Pear Bread
When our tree branches are loaded with ripe and juicy fruit, I treat my family and friends to lots of pear recipes. I always receive raves and requests for this particular recipe because of the mix of fun ingredients.—Linda Patrick, Houston, Texas
Eggnog Mini Loaves
The seasonal flavors of eggnog, rum extract and nutmeg shine through in these moist, golden loaves. Tender slices go great with a cup of coffee. —Beverly Elmore, Spokane, Michigan
Best Ever Banana Bread
Whenever I pass a display of bananas in the grocery store, I can almost smell the wonderful aroma of my best banana bread recipe. It really is that good! —Gert Kaiser, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Parmesan Zucchini Bread
This loaf has a rugged, textured look that adds to its old-fashioned appeal. The mild Parmesan flavor nicely complements the zucchini, which adds bits of green color to every tender slice. —Christine Wilson, Sellersville, Pennsylvania
One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Bread
My family hops out of bed on Valentine’s Day because they know I’m baking this quick bread for breakfast. They’re major chocoholics and it always hits the spot. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Herb Quick Bread
This simple bread is especially good with soups and stews, but slices are also tasty alongside fresh, green salads. The herbs make it a flavorful treat any time of the year. —Donna Roberts, Shumway, Illinois
Pumpkin Banana Bread
I came across this recipe in a local newspaper about 10 years ago, and I still make the bread on a regular basis. The recipe conveniently yields a number of mini loaves, making gift-giving easy. —Linda Wood, Roanoke, Virginia
Pistachio Quick Bread
I love making many of these special loaves to give away for the holidays. They also freeze well so it is easy to pull out for unexpected guests. —Judy Fischer, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Poppy Seed Bread with Orange Glaze
My neighbor gave me this recipe, and I love that it makes two loaves. We usually eat one and then give the other away or freeze it for later. The glaze complements the bread perfectly. —Heather Frese, Albany, Missouri
Swiss Beer Bread
This recipe is a favorite because it isn't greasy like some cheese breads I have tried. It will not last long! —Debi Wallace, Chestertown, New York
Candy Cane Chocolate Mini Loaves
Having a bunch of leftover candy canes after the holidays inspired me to use them up by adding them to a chocolate bread. Coffee and cocoa intensify the flavor. —Shelly Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin
Cranberry Orange Almond Quick Bread
You can customize this bread to your family's specific tastes. Try dried apricots and pecans, or dried blueberries and hazelnuts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Blueberry Brunch Loaf
I like to make special breakfasts on the weekend for my husband and children. This recipe's sweet frosting really makes the already delicious blueberry bread even tastier. —Jean Nietert, Claremont, South Dakota
I Like to Eat Apples and Bananas Bread
My children love to bake (and eat) all kinds of banana bread. They make this all by themselves, with just a little help from me to put it in the oven. —Kristin Metcalf, Charlton, Massachusetts
Zucchini & Cheese Drop Biscuits
These colorful little drop biscuits are very easy to put together and yet are packed full of flavor. I serve them warm out of the oven. —Keith Mesch, Mt. Healthy, Ohio
Rhubarb Bread
This is quite a good bread - our family really enjoys it! It's also very quick and easy to prepare, once you have the rhubarb diced. —Grace Capen, Sacramento, California
Chocolate Zucchini Bread
I shred and freeze zucchini from my garden each summer so that I can make this bread all winter long. Our family loves this chocolaty treat.—Shari Mckinney, Birney, Montana
Skillet Herb Bread
This recipe was one of my mother's favorites. The flavors call to mind the taste of corn bread stuffing! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California
Lemon Blueberry Biscuits
Lemon and blueberries make such a fresh and flavorful combination in all kinds of baked goods, especially these biscuits. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Autumn Pear Bread
Pears give these little loaves delicious flavor and help keep them nice and moist. They're great to wrap up in plastic wrap and give as gifts. —Mary Lynn Wilson, Linden, Texas
Cowboy Cornbread
This cornbread is richer and sweeter than others I’ve tried, and especially luscious alongside ham and beans. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Apple Bread
I got this apple quick bread recipe a long time ago and with a few changes it's become one of our favorites. Everyone who's ever tasted this apple bread has asked for the recipe! —Phyllis Herlocker, Farlington, Kansas
Rhubarb Bread
This is quite a good bread - our family really enjoys it! It's also very quick and easy to prepare, once you have the rhubarb diced. —Grace Capen, Sacramento, California
Banana Nut Bread
This quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
Macadamia Nut Mini Loaves
While these loaves may be small, they have a big rich flavor. The macadamia nuts make them a special treat with tropical flair. Plus, they're so pretty with the toasted coconut topping. —Kim Gilliland, Simi Valley, California
Sweet Italian Holiday Bread
This is authentic ciambellotto, a sweet loaf my great-grandmother used to bake in Italy. I still use her traditional recipe—the only update I made was for using modern appliances. —Denise Perrin, Vancouver, Washington
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread
My family loves quick breads. This one is moist and spicy. If you don't have mini loaf pans it works just as well in regular size pans. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Spicy Applesauce Fruit Bread
I've had this fruity loaf in my recipe collection since 1975. I tweak it with spices and candied fruit, depending on the season. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Lemon-Thyme Tea Bread
I received this recipe as part of a gift, along with a lemon thyme plant and a fresh loaf of this pound cake-like bread. Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe. —Jeannette Mango, Parkesburg, Pennsylvania
Herb Quick Bread
This simple bread is especially good with soups and stews, but slices are also tasty alongside fresh, green salads. The herbs make it a flavorful treat any time of the year. —Donna Roberts, Shumway, Illinois
Jalapeno Buttermilk Cornbread
If you’re from the South, you have to have a good cornbread recipe. Here’s a healthier version of my mom’s skillet cornbread. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Pumpkin Banana Bread
I came across this recipe in a local newspaper about 10 years ago, and I still make the bread on a regular basis. The recipe conveniently yields a number of mini loaves, making gift-giving easy. —Linda Wood, Roanoke, Virginia
Banana Nut Bread
This quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
Lemon Pound Cake Loaves
My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon pound cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Yummy Apricot Pecan Bread
Every time I prepare this yummy bread, I always receive raves. It’s perfect with coffee or as a gift, plus it’s really quick and easy to prepare. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas