Friendship Bread
Friendship Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread with warm cinnamon and vanilla notes, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Its soft texture and inviting aroma make it an ideal breakfast or snack, offering comfort and sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 (1/4 oz.) pkg. dry active yeast ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups warm water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 3 large eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the dry active yeast in warm water with sugar, and let it sit until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with flour, oil, sugar, vanilla, eggs, salt, and cinnamon; mix well.
- In another bowl, mix the remaining flour, milk, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently but thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and activate it properly. If you prefer a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also substitute the oil with melted butter for added flavor. Adding nuts or dried fruits can enhance the bread's taste, making it even more delightful. For a fun twist, try incorporating spices like nutmeg or cardamom.
Serving Suggestions
Friendship Bread is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with Royal Chocolate Sauce for a decadent treat. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for breakfast or brunch. It also makes a great dessert when topped with fresh fruit or whipped cream. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Friendship Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven until slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Friendship Bread contains roughly 508 calories, with 7g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 639mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Friendship Bread without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the three large eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) or use unsweetened applesauce as a binder. This will make the bread vegan-friendly while maintaining moisture.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the bread is done. If it still has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and check again. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bread.
Can I freeze Friendship Bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).