Amish Friendship Bread
Originally, this classic sweet bread was simply a sourdough bread that was made occasionally by members of a congregation to help feed the poor, elderly and infirm, hence the name. Many purists still use this bread as a token of friendship and make it the same way that has been made for generations, using soured milk. Again, hence the name sourdough. The addition of apple juice plumped raisins is a Yankee idea, but who says the Yank's can't coexist with the Amish? I invite any of the Amish population here in PA to send me handed-down recipes, I adore time honored traditions that are still carried on to this day.
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Ingredients
For 4 people
Recipe
- 1/2 cup(s) dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup(s) apple juice or cider
- 1/2 cup(s) (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
- 1/2 cup(s) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup(s) packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup(s) plain yogurt*
- 2 cup(s) flour
- 1 (3.8-ounce)box instant vanilla pudding
- 2 teaspoon(s) baking powder
Swirl
- 1 cup(s) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon(s) cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon(s) unsweetened cocoa powder
Amish Friendship Bread Directions
- One hour before preparing, bring dried cranberries and apple juice to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Preheat oven to 350-degrees F. Grease 1 loaf pan well with nonstick cooking spray, paying close attention to the corners and bottom.
- For the bread: In the bowl of a standing mixer, or use a hand-held electric mixer, cream butter, sugars and eggs on high until fluffy. Reduce speed to medium and add the yogurt, flour(a 1/2 cup at a time), instant pudding mix and baking powder. Fold in the soaked cranberries, drained.
- For the swirl-in: In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Pour half the bread batter into a greased loaf pan, top with Cinnamon/Cocoa Swirl-in and swirl in with a butter knife. Pour remainder of batter over the top and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven to cool 15 minutes before removing to a rack or serving plate.
- *Try Greek yogurt for a more robust flavor. Classic Friendship Bread uses sour milk or buttermilk. Make you own sour milk by adding an 1 tablespoon acid(such as cider vinegar or lemon juice) per cup of whole milk. Let sit for an hour or longer at room temperature until you notice some separation.