Amish Friendship Bread, with its intriguing tradition of sharing and its wonderfully sweet and tangy flavor, has captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of many. Traditionally, this bread requires a starter, passed down from friend to friend, nurtured and cared for over weeks. But what if you don't have a starter? Don't worry! This recipe allows you to bake this delightful bread without the wait and fuss of a traditional starter.
This no-starter version utilizes active dry yeast to achieve the same delicious results, bypassing the lengthy starter process. It’s perfect for those who crave the unique flavor of Amish Friendship Bread without the commitment of maintaining a starter.
What Makes this Recipe Special?
This recipe focuses on simplicity and accessibility. We've eliminated the need for a starter, making this recipe perfect for beginner bakers and those short on time. The result is a moist, slightly sweet, and wonderfully textured bread that captures the essence of the classic Amish Friendship Bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This crucial step ensures the yeast is active and will properly leaven the bread.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk well to combine.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
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First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This initial rise is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the bread.
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Second Rise: Stir in the remaining 3 cups of flour and melted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough will be sticky, so don't worry if it's not perfectly smooth. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for another 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Gently pour the dough into the prepared pan.
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Final Rise (Optional): Allow the dough to rise for another 15-20 minutes in the pan. This optional step helps achieve a taller loaf.
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Baking: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
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Cooling: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour will result in a chewier loaf, but all-purpose flour works perfectly fine and is readily accessible.
Why is my bread not rising?
This could be due to several factors: inactive yeast (ensure your yeast is fresh), water temperature (too hot or too cold will kill the yeast), or a cold environment during rising.
How long can I store this bread?
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use whole milk, skim milk, or even almond milk for a dairy-free version. The flavor might vary slightly depending on your choice of milk.
What if I don’t have a 9x5 inch loaf pan?
You can use a different sized loaf pan; adjust the baking time accordingly. You could also bake it in a round pan, but the baking time might need adjustment.
This no-starter Amish Friendship Bread recipe allows you to enjoy this classic bread anytime, without the hassle of a traditional starter. Share it with friends, family, or simply enjoy its deliciousness all to yourself! Happy baking!
