Amish Cinnamon Bread (Friendship Bread)

🍞🤝 Amish Cinnamon Bread, also known as Friendship Bread, is a delightful and heartwarming baked treat that has a rich history and a tradition of sharing among friends and family. Here’s a comprehensive response with all the information you need:

What is Amish Cinnamon Bread (Friendship Bread)?
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a sweet and flavorful quick bread that is typically made with a starter or “sourdough” batter, which gives it a unique tangy taste. The bread is generously spiced with cinnamon and often includes ingredients like sugar, flour, eggs, baking soda, and vegetable oil. It’s sweet, moist, and has a delightful cinnamon swirl.

History:
The exact origin of Amish Cinnamon Bread is a bit unclear, and it’s not exclusive to the Amish community. However, it’s often associated with the Amish due to its tradition of sharing and passing down starter batter from one person to another, emphasizing community and friendship.

Components:
To make Amish Cinnamon Bread, you’ll need the following components:

• Starter Batter: This is the heart of the bread, typically made from flour, sugar, milk, and yeast. It’s what gives the bread its unique flavor and texture.
• Bread Ingredients: These include flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, vegetable oil, and ground cinnamon.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: A combination of cinnamon and sugar for the sweet, spicy swirl inside the bread.

Steps to Prepare Amish Cinnamon Bread:
Here are the steps to prepare this delicious bread:

Day 1: Creating the Starter Batter

1. In a glass or plastic bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of milk.
2. Add 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) of active dry yeast.
3. Stir well and cover the bowl loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap.
4. Allow the starter batter to sit at room temperature for 2-3 days, stirring daily.

Day 3: Feeding the Starter

1. Add 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of milk to the starter.
2. Stir well and recover loosely.
3. Stir daily for the next 3-4 days.

Day 6: Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease two loaf pans.
2. To the remaining starter batter, add 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of oil, 1/2 cup of milk, 3 eggs, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 2 cups of flour.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon.
5. Pour half of the batter into the two greased loaf pans.
6. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in the pans.
7. Add the remaining batter on top.
8. Use a knife to create a swirl pattern by gently stirring the batter in the pans.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time Needed:
The entire process of making Amish Cinnamon Bread takes about 9 days, with minimal daily effort. The actual preparation and baking on Day 6 will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including baking time.

Enjoy your homemade Amish Cinnamon Bread, and don’t forget to share some with friends and family as a gesture of friendship and love! 🍞❤️😊

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amish Cinnamon Bread (Friendship Bread):

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving, based on a standard recipe):

• Calories: Around 240-270 calories per serving (1 slice).
• Total Fat: Approximately 10-12 grams per serving.
• Saturated Fat: About 1-2 grams per serving.
• Cholesterol: Roughly 25-30 milligrams per serving.
• Sodium: Typically 150-200 milligrams per serving.
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40 grams per serving.
• Dietary Fiber: Minimal (less than 1 gram per serving).
• Sugars: Around 20-25 grams per serving.
• Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams per serving.

Health Information:

1. Moderation is Key: While Amish Cinnamon Bread can be a delicious treat, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its relatively high sugar and fat content. Excessive consumption may contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

2. Sugar Content: The bread’s sweetness primarily comes from sugar, both in the starter and the cinnamon-sugar swirl. Be mindful of your sugar intake, especially if you have diabetes or are watching your sugar consumption.

3. Fat Content: The bread contains vegetable oil, which contributes to its fat content. While not inherently unhealthy, it’s essential to be mindful of your overall daily fat intake for a balanced diet.

4. Limited Nutrient Value: Amish Cinnamon Bread is more of a dessert or indulgent treat rather than a nutritionally dense food. It doesn’t provide significant vitamins, minerals, or dietary fiber.

5. Customization: You can make healthier variations by reducing the sugar content, using whole wheat flour, and incorporating healthier fats if desired.

6. Sharing Tradition: Part of the beauty of Amish Cinnamon Bread is the tradition of sharing it with friends and loved ones, promoting a sense of community and togetherness.

Remember that the nutritional content may vary slightly based on the specific recipe and ingredients used, so it’s a good idea to check labels or calculate the nutrition if you’re closely monitoring your intake. Enjoy Amish Cinnamon Bread in moderation as an occasional treat! 🍞🥖😊