Go Back
–+ servings
Friendship Bread
Friendship Bread is a beloved sweet, cinnamon-scented loaf made with a fermented starter that's shared among friends. Known for its tender crumb and rich flavor, the recipe calls for a 10-day fermentation period followed by a delicious batter that’s baked into two moist loaves. Often given as a gift, the bread represents generosity and connection, as the starter is passed along with a portion of the recipe to new bakers. The addition of vanilla pudding and cinnamon makes this a nostalgic favorite with a warm, spiced aroma that fills the kitchen.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Starter Process 10 days
Total Time 10 days 1 hour 20 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

Starter Feeding:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups milk

Main Recipe:

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup milk
  • 3 eggs (large )
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup pecans (chopped )
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix (1 box)
  • Optional: ½ cup raisins

For the pans:

  • butter or oil for greasing
  • sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Step 1: Starter Preparation

  • Day 1: Receive starter. Do not refrigerate.
  • Days 2, 3, 4, 5: Stir with wooden spoon once daily.
  • Day 6: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk. Stir with wooden spoon.
  • Days 7, 8, 9: Stir once daily with wooden spoon.
  • Day 10: Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup milk. Stir.
  • Divide into 3 one-cup portions. Keep one, gift two.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, pecans, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and pudding mix.
  • Optional: Stir in raisins.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Prepare Pans

  • Grease two loaf pans. Sprinkle inside with sugar and cinnamon.

Step 6: Bake

  • Divide batter evenly between the two pans.
  • Sprinkle tops with sugar and cinnamon.
  • Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

  • Let cool in pans before removing.

Tips

  • Add raisins if desired, as noted on the recipe card
  • Substitute chopped walnuts for pecans
  • Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar inside the batter for a swirl effect
  • Wrap loaves tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
  • Use disposable pans when gifting
  • Label starter bags clearly with the day number
  • Stir gently with a wooden spoon as instructed to protect fermentation
  • Store baked bread tightly wrapped at room temperature
  • Serve lightly toasted with butter
  • Excellent for holiday or potluck sharing

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 190mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.4mg
Keyword cinnamon bread, friendship bread, homemade gift bread, nostalgic recipe, shared starter, sourdough-style starter, vintage baking