Amish Friendship Cake with Starter Recipe

Name: Amish Friendship Cake with Starter Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 16 slices
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup milk (whole or 2%); 1 cup Amish Friendship Cake starter (see starter instructions); 2/3 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans); 1 cup raisins

80 min 16 slices Medium

All Recipes

Discover the rich flavours of Amish Friendship Cake, a delightful treat made with a unique starter that’s shared among friends.

Prep

20 min

Cook

60 min

Total

80 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Amish Friendship Cake is a charmingly unique dessert that embodies the spirit of sharing and community. This cake starts with a fermented starter that’s passed among friends, creating a tangible link to traditional baking practices. The cake itself is moist, flavourful, and carries a hint of spice, perfect for gatherings or as a heartfelt gift. Our version of the Amish Friendship Cake stays true to its roots while ensuring it's accessible to modern bakers. With detailed instructions on creating and maintaining your starter, this guide helps you bring a piece of Amish tradition into your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious novice, this recipe is crafted for you.

Instructions

Prepare the starter

In a large non-metallic bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. Stir until smooth. Cover loosely and let it sit at room temperature.

Pro tip: Use a glass or plastic bowl to avoid metal reactions.

Maintain the starter

Stir the starter daily for 10 days. On the 5th day, feed it with 1 cup each of flour, sugar, and milk.

Pro tip: Ensure it's bubbling and has a sour aroma to indicate active fermentation.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of the starter, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.

Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Combine and add extras

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in nuts and raisins.

Pro tip: Do not overmix to keep the cake tender.

Bake the cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Pro tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.

Cool and serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Ensure your starter is active by observing bubbles and a sour aroma.
Use glass or plastic containers for fermentation to prevent metal reactions.
Stir the starter daily to promote fermentation and prevent separation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amish Friendship Cake?

Amish Friendship Cake is a dessert made with a sweet, fermented dough starter, often shared among friends to perpetuate the baking process.

How do you make the Amish Friendship Cake starter?

Combine equal parts of flour, sugar, and milk, and let it ferment at room temperature, stirring daily.

How long does it take to make Amish Friendship Cake?

The preparation time is about 80 minutes, but starter fermentation takes at least 10 days.

Can you freeze Amish Friendship Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake in slices for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How do you know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

How many calories are in a slice of Amish Friendship Cake?

Each slice contains approximately 270 calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Amish Friendship Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to accentuate its flavours. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can prepare the cake a day in advance, as its flavour deepens with time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze slices individually for up to 3 months.

Nutrition per serving

270

Calories

Protein

12g

Fat

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