Rustic Apple Amish Friendship Bread Recipe for Sweet Gatherings

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and homemade apple amish friendship bread will drift through your kitchen, promising warmth and comfort.

Neighbors might peek over the fence, drawn by the incredible scent wafting from your windows.

Generations of bakers have passed down this delightful recipe, connecting families through simple ingredients and shared traditions.

Soft, moist crumbs promise a delectable treat that feels like a sweet embrace from grandma’s kitchen.

Each slice tells a story of community and love, blending rustic charm with delicate flavors.

Mixing this bread becomes more than cooking, it’s creating memories that linger long after the last crumb disappears.

You’ll want to slice into this golden loaf and savor every single bite.

Fun Twists For Amish Friendship Bread

• Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice, almond, or coconut flour. Add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Loaf: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and replace caramel with a dairy-free version made from coconut milk and brown sugar.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Apple Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce caramel sauce amount, and incorporate more diced apples for natural sweetness.

Pairing Ideas For Amish Friendship Bread

• Savor Sweet Caramel Apple Companions
• Pair Warm Cinnamon Tea: Delicate herbal cinnamon tea perfectly complements the bread's warm spices, enhancing the caramel and apple flavors with a gentle, soothing warmth.
• Match Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast against the warm bread, while its smooth sweetness amplifies the caramel notes.
• Serve Salted Caramel Latte: Rich espresso with salted caramel syrup provides a bold, sophisticated drink that echoes the bread's deep caramel undertones and adds a luxurious caffeine kick.

How To Keep Amish Friendship Bread Tasty

• Store cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Wrap bread completely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Slice desired portion and microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a small damp paper towel to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Warm slices at 300°F for 5-7 minutes wrapped in aluminum foil. This method helps restore the bread's original texture and keeps it soft and delicious.

FAQs On Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread

• What is Amish Friendship Bread Starter?

A fermented mixture of flour, milk, sugar, and yeast that acts like a sourdough starter, creating a unique tangy flavor and soft texture in bread recipes.

• Can I make this recipe without caramel sauce?

Yes, you can substitute caramel with maple syrup or skip it entirely. The bread will still be delicious with the natural sweetness from apples and sugar.

• How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. Avoid wet batter on the toothpick.

All The Feels For Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread

• Craft Comfort Cuisine: Discover a delightful twist on traditional Amish friendship bread that brings warmth and sweetness to your kitchen.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe offers simple steps and forgiving techniques that guarantee a delicious result every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Packed with juicy apples, rich caramel, and tender bread, this recipe creates a crowd-stopping treat that works for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend snacking.
• Customizable Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe by adding optional nuts, adjusting spices, or experimenting with different caramel drizzles to make it uniquely yours.

What’s Needed For Amish Friendship Bread

• Amish Friendship Bread Starter: A unique fermented mixture that gives the bread its signature tangy flavor and soft texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the bread moist and tender.
• Buttermilk: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the bread.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to complement the apples.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors.

• Diced Apples, Caramel Sauce: Provide sweet, fruity, and rich caramel notes throughout the bread.
• Nuts (Optional): Add crunch and extra nutty flavor to the bread.

Steps To Bake Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F and get a 9×5-inch loaf pan ready by greasing it or lining with parchment paper for super easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Amish friendship bread starter
• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Create a light and fluffy dry mixture.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined – don’t go crazy mixing! Some tiny lumps are totally okay.

Step 5: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

• Diced apples
• Caramel sauce
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Pour and Smooth

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to create a smooth, even surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like heaven! Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Final Touch and Serve

Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Slice and enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Tips To Make Friendship Bread Even Better

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to keep bread tender and avoid tough, dense texture. Lumps are perfectly fine and contribute to a softer crumb.
• Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture. Dice apples evenly to ensure consistent baking.
• Starter Freshness: Use active, bubbly Amish friendship bread starter for maximum rise and tangy flavor. Check starter's consistency before mixing.
• Caramel Swirl Technique: Drizzle caramel sauce in layers while pouring batter for beautiful marbled effect. Reserve some sauce for final topping after baking.
• Storage Pro Tip: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight container.

Apple Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Apple Amish Friendship Bread delivers comfort and tradition straight from Midwestern kitchens. Sweet cinnamon-kissed layers offer pure homestyle warmth you can savor with each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup Amish friendship bread starter
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix-ins:

• 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour or parchment paper.
2. Combine Amish friendship bread starter, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent over-mixing and maintaining a slightly lumpy texture.
5. Carefully fold diced apples, caramel sauce, and optional nuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
6. Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to create an even surface and smooth top.
7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the bread develops a golden-brown appearance.
8. Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Optional: Embellish with an additional caramel sauce drizzle before slicing and serving the fragrant, decadent bread.

Notes

• Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture in your Amish friendship bread.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for better structure and balanced sweetness against the caramel.
• Prevent apple pieces from sinking by tossing them lightly in flour before folding into the batter, which helps distribute them evenly.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for improved texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg