A Bite of Amish Friendship: Easy Bread Recipe

Amish Friendship Bread is a unique and flavorful bread recipe that is often shared among friends and family. It is believed to have originated in the Amish community in the United States, and has since become a popular treat enjoyed by many.

This bread is made with a sourdough starter, which gives it a slightly tangy flavor. The dough is also enriched with milk, sugar, and butter, resulting in a soft and moist texture. Amish Friendship Bread can be enjoyed plain, toasted, or with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients for Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

• 1 cup warm water (105-115F)
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions for Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
2. Add the milk, butter, salt, and flour to the bowl. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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. Punch down the dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a loaf and place in two greased 9×5-inch loaf pans.
6. Cover the loaves with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the bread is completely cool, you can enjoy it plain, toasted, or with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Cooking or Baking Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

1. If you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can use 1 packet of instant yeast instead.
2. You can add 1/2 cup of raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor.
3. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk.
4. Be sure to let the dough rise in a warm place. This will help the yeast to activate and the bread to rise properly.
5. Don’t overbake the bread. It should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
6. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and serving.
7. Amish Friendship Bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
8. To freeze Amish Friendship Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions about Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, bread flour, or a gluten-free flour blend.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?

Yes, you can use the dough cycle on your bread machine. Once the dough is mixed, remove it from the machine and shape it into loaves. Place the loaves in greased loaf pans and let rise and bake as directed.

Q: Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead of sugar.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the dough?

Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to the dough for extra flavor.

Amish Friendship Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make bread that can be enjoyed by everyone. With its slightly tangy flavor and soft, moist texture, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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