Friends Will Be Coming Out Of The Woodwork For This Bread

At one time, before having my children, I worked outside of the home. There, I made a lot of friends and we were always trying out new recipes. One of the gals brought in a “starter bag” for Amish friendship bread one day. Honestly, I was kind of afraid of it. She gave me directions to go along with it how it had to sit for so many days and be kneaded on certain days, etc. etc. Well, I gave it a try even with all my apprehensions…and it was yummy!

We did it a few times there at work before I became a full-time stay-at-home mom. That’s when the craving for this bread hit me again. Except now, I didn’t have any friends to get a starter bag from.

I took to the web and found this recipe on Recipe Lion. It looked just like what I remembered so I figured, why not? I gave it a try and it was just as good as I remembered! My kids loved it too. Now I can make it whenever I want…who needs friends? Haha!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread is not only nostalgic but also incredibly delicious and easy to make once you have your starter ready. The combination of spices and apples makes it perfect for any occasion, and it can be a delightful treat to share with family and friends.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Small bowl
• Medium bowl
• Large bowl (preferably for an electric mixer)
• Whisk
• Two loaf pans
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Starter:

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup Gold Medal flour
• 1/3 cup warm milk (90-100 degrees)
• 1 teaspoon quick-rise yeast*

Topping Sprinkle:

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick’s ground cinnamon

For the Bread:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup Domino sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs
• 3/5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apple
• 1 cup chopped nuts, divided

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix sugar, flour, and milk with the yeast and set in a warm place for 10-15 minutes until the mixture shows bubbles on the top.
2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Grease two loaf pans well with butter and then sprinkle about half the cinnamon sugar mixture over the bottom and sides of the pans, reserving the rest for topping.
3. In a medium bowl, place flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and spices and whisk with a fork to mix well.
4. In a large bowl of an electric mixer, place eggs, oil, and vanilla. With the machine on low, add the yeast mixture and then stir in the dry ingredients until well mixed. Do not over beat.
5. Stir in the apples and half of the nuts by hand. Spoon into prepared bake pans, dividing equally.
6. Combine the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture with the remaining nuts and sprinkle the tops of the loaves.
7. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out without any wet crumbs attached.
8. Place pans on a cooling rack and let stand for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto the cooling rack and remove pans to continue to cool.

Tips for Success

Ensure your yeast mixture bubbles before adding it to the rest of the ingredients. This indicates the yeast is active and will help your bread rise properly. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or even add raisins for extra texture and flavor. You can also swap out the apples for pears if you’re feeling adventurous!

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each slice of this bread offers a comforting balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats from the nuts, and a hint of protein, making it a lovely addition to any breakfast or snack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze this bread? Yes, this bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

What can I use instead of apples? You can substitute pears or even bananas for a slightly different flavor profile.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious bread as much as I do. It has become a staple in our home, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Feel free to share your experiences and any tweaks you make to the recipe in the comments below. Happy baking!