Amish Friendship Bread is a delightful treat that brings people together through the simple joy of baking and sharing. At the heart of this tradition is the starter—a sweet, fermented mixture that acts as the base for the bread and can be passed on to friends and family. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a starter for Amish Friendship Bread, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step with easy-to-follow instructions and tips to get your starter bubbling and ready for baking.
What Is Amish Friendship Bread Starter?
The starter is essentially a sweet sourdough-like mixture made from flour, sugar, milk, and yeast. It ferments over about 10 days, developing a unique flavor that makes Amish Friendship Bread so soft, moist, and delicious. Unlike traditional sourdough starters, this one is sweeter and simpler to maintain, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your Amish Friendship Bread starter from scratch, gather these basic ingredients:
– 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup warm water (about 110-115°F)
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
– 3 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
– 3 1/2 cups whole milk (divided)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Starter
Day 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Base
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy—this means the yeast is active.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of sugar.
- Stir in 1 cup of milk until well combined.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen cloth, plastic wrap, or a shower cap, and leave it at room temperature.
Days 2 to 4: Stir and Let It Ferment
– Each day, uncover the starter and stir it well to keep the yeast active and evenly distributed.
– Cover it back and leave it on the counter.
Day 5: Feed the Starter
– Add 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of flour, and 1 cup of sugar to the starter. Stir until everything is fully combined.
– Cover and set aside again.
Days 6 to 9: Continue Stirring
– Each day, stir the starter thoroughly, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
– Keep it covered and at room temperature.
Day 10: Final Feeding and Divide
– Feed the starter one last time with 1 1/2 cups each of milk, flour, and sugar. Stir well.
– Divide the starter into 1-cup portions.
– Reserve one cup to keep as your ongoing starter, one cup for baking your bread, and share the rest with friends to continue the tradition!
Tips for Success
– Use non-metal bowls and utensils to avoid any reaction with the yeast and starter. Glass or plastic works best.
– Keep the starter in a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen. Around 70-75°F is ideal.
– Stirring daily helps to aerate the mixture and keep the yeast thriving.
– If your starter develops a pink or orange tint or smells unpleasantly sour, discard it and start over. Healthy starter smells sweet and yeasty.
– Once your starter is established, you can store it in the fridge and feed it weekly to keep it alive.
What to Do Once Your Starter Is Ready?
With your starter ready on day 10, you can bake a delicious loaf of Amish Friendship Bread. The starter gives the bread its signature sweet, cinnamon flavor and tender crumb. Plus, you can gift portions of your starter to friends, spreading the joy of baking and friendship.
Why Make Your Own Starter?
Starting your own Amish Friendship Bread starter means you don’t have to wait for a friend to share theirs. It’s a fun project that connects you to a warm tradition. Plus, once you have the starter, you can keep it going indefinitely, baking fresh bread whenever you like and sharing it with others.
Amish Friendship Bread starter is simple to make, requires just a few ingredients, and brings a sense of community and warmth with every batch. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to baking sweet, soft loaves that are perfect for sharing!