Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amish Cinnamon Sourdough Bread?
It is a sweet, moist, generations-old recipe that uses a 10-day fermentation process to create a flavorful sourdough bread with a cinnamon swirl.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
The entire process takes ten days for the mixture to ferment and develop its incredible flavor and texture before baking.
Why does the recipe take 10 days?
The 10-day period allows the starter mixture to ferment on the counter, which results in a rich flavor and a specific moist texture.
Do I need to refrigerate the mixture during the 10 days?
No, the recipe specifies that the mixture should ferment on the counter at room temperature.
What are the main ingredients in Amish Cinnamon Sourdough Bread?
The bread consists of milk, sugar, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and vanilla instant pudding mix.
Can I add extra items to the bread?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts or raisins depending on your taste preference.
How many cups of flour are required?
The recipe calls for a total of 8 cups of all-purpose flour, which is divided among the different stages of preparation.
Is there a specific type of pudding mix to use?
You should use one 6-ounce box of vanilla instant pudding mix for the best flavor and texture.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, which is divided for sprinkling to create a cinnamon swirl.
Can I use a different type of oil?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of vegetable oil, but you can generally substitute it with other neutral oils if preferred.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
This recipe requires 3 eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the mixture.
What is the purpose of the vanilla instant pudding mix?
The pudding mix helps make the bread exceptionally moist and adds a sweet vanilla flavor.
Is this bread suitable for gifting?
Yes, it is traditionally known as a lovely gift for friends and family, especially during holidays and special occasions.
Can I make this bread without nuts?
Yes, the nuts are optional. You can omit them or replace them with raisins if you prefer.
How much sugar is used in the 10-day process?
A total of 3 cups of sugar is used, divided across the different preparation stages of the fermentation.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
The traditional recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which provides the classic texture. Using whole wheat may result in a denser loaf.
What size box of pudding mix is required?
The recipe specifies a 6-ounce box of vanilla instant pudding mix.
Does the bread have a strong sourdough taste?
While it is a sourdough bread, the addition of sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon makes it much sweeter and more like a dessert bread than a savory sourdough.
Is the bread moist?
Yes, the combination of oil, eggs, and pudding mix results in a very rich and moist bread.
How should I serve Amish Cinnamon Sourdough Bread?
It is delicious when served plain, but can also be toasted and buttered for a great breakfast treat.
Can I add raisins to the bread?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1/2 cup of optional raisins.
What type of milk should be used?
The recipe requires 4 cups of milk, which are added at different stages of the 10-day process.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses a combination of baking powder and baking soda, along with the natural fermentation of the starter.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is used to enhance the sweet flavor profile of the bread.
Can I double the recipe?
While the recipe is already quite large with 8 cups of flour, it can be doubled if you have a large enough container for fermentation.
Does the bread smell good while baking?
Yes, the cinnamon and vanilla create a heavenly aroma that fills your home as it bakes.
Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Vanilla is traditional, but some people experiment with butterscotch or chocolate pudding for different variations.
What makes this a 'Friendship' bread?
It is often called Friendship Bread because the 10-day starter process yields enough to share portions of the starter with friends.
Is this recipe hard to follow?
The process is simple but requires patience, as you must follow the steps over a 10-day period.