Oh my gosh, you are going to love this Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread recipe! This is one of those delightful treats that feels warm and cozy, perfect for a chilly afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee. I discovered it during a potluck with friends, and ever since, it’s become a go-to around my house. The blend of sweet caramel and tart apples makes this bread so inviting that it’s hard to resist having just one slice!
Not only does this bread smell amazing while it’s baking, filling your home with a sweet aroma, but it’s also super easy to make. The texture is moist and fluffy, with a delicious caramel drizzle on top that makes it feel extra special. It’s perfect for sharing with family or friends, and trust me, they will be asking for the recipe as soon as they take a bite! If you enjoy this one, you might also want to try my classic Amish Friendship Bread; it’s a hit as well!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread
- Deliciously moist with a perfect blend of caramel and apple flavors
- Uses a special Amish friendship bread starter for a unique tang
- Loaded with tender, diced apples for that fresh fruit taste
- Swirls of caramel sauce add a sweet, indulgent touch
- Easy to make with straightforward ingredients and steps
- Customizable with optional nuts for added crunch
- Great for sharing—perfect as a gift or for special occasions
This bread not only combines the wonderful flavors of fall but also showcases the joy of friendship through the use of a cherished starter. Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of extra caramel for the ultimate treat!
How to Make Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread
This Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy afternoon. The combination of caramel and fresh apples makes it feel like a warm hug in bread form!
What You’ll Need:
- Amish friendship bread starter – 1 cup. Make sure yours is active and bubbly for the best results!
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup. I like using King Arthur Flour for its consistent quality and texture.
- Sugar – 1 cup, which adds sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Vegetable oil – 1/2 cup. You could also use canola oil for a neutral flavor.
- Buttermilk – 1/2 cup. This adds a lovely tang to the bread. I recommend using whole buttermilk for creaminess!
- Large eggs – 3. Make sure they’re at room temperature to help with mixing.
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, because who doesn’t love a hint of warmth?
- Baking soda and baking powder – 1 teaspoon each, the perfect leavening agents for this bread.
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, for that warm, comforting spice!
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon, to enhance all the fabulous flavors.
- Peeled and diced apples – 1 1/2 cups (I love using Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness).
- Caramel sauce – 1/2 cup (plus extra for drizzling, if you want to go all out!). Go for a good-quality sauce like Smucker’s.
- Chopped nuts – 1/2 cup, optional (pecans or walnuts add a great crunch!).
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for an easy release.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Amish friendship bread starter, vegetable oil, buttermilk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, don’t over-mix; it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
- Fold in the diced apples, caramel sauce, and optional nuts until everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to make it look nice and pretty.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle with additional caramel sauce, if you’d like, before slicing into delicious pieces. Enjoy your warm, sweet creation!
This bread is perfect for sharing, or just treat yourself—you deserve it! Happy baking!
Can I Use Another Type of Starter?
Yes! While the traditional Amish friendship bread starter works best for this recipe, you can use a sourdough starter in a pinch. Just remember that sourdough may lend a slightly tangy flavor, which can complement the sweetness of the caramel and apples quite nicely. Adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread.
Can I Substitute Almond Milk for Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitution by mixing 1/2 cup of almond milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to your batter. This will give your bread a similar acidity that keeps it moist and fluffy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easier thawing!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like pears or berries to customize the flavor. Just keep in mind the moisture content—if using juicy fruits, consider reducing the amount of buttermilk slightly to maintain the batter’s consistency. Enjoy experimenting with combinations!
