Warm Up Your Winter with This Spiced Gingerbread Recipe
Looking for a warm and delicious gingerbread recipe to spice up your holiday season? Look no further than this classic Amish Friendship Gingerbread Recipe! This recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, as it makes a whole loaf or several individual servings.
But what makes this gingerbread extra special? It’s made with an Amish friendship bread starter, a traditional method of baking that has been passed down for generations. This unique ingredient gives the gingerbread a one-of-a-kind taste and texture that you won’t find in any other recipe.
Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it also comes together quickly and easily with just a few simple ingredients. So grab your apron and get ready to whip up some delicious gingerbread that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you’ll love this Amish Friendship Gingerbread recipe. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry.
But, what truly sets this recipe apart is the amazing combination of spices that make up the gingerbread. The warm and festive flavors of nutmeg, clove, ginger, and cinnamon will transport your taste buds to a cozy winter wonderland.
Additionally, this recipe uses an unconventional ingredient – instant butterscotch pudding mix – which gives the gingerbread an unparalleled depth of flavor and an irresistibly moist texture.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is molasses, which is not only delicious but also provides several health benefits such as being high in iron and antioxidants. This healthy twist on a classic gingerbread recipe makes it even more appealing to those who want both taste and nutrition in their baked goods.
Another great feature of this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it plain, topped with whipped cream or even turn it into a fantastic dessert by serving it alongside some ice cream. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or fancy brunch with friends.
Lastly, friendship bread is called such for a reason – it brings people together! This recipe uses the Amish Friendship Bread Starter as its base ingredient which means you can share it with your family and friends while simultaneously providing them with their own starter to make even more delicious bread!
Overall, this Amish Friendship Gingerbread recipe offers an irresistible combination of health benefits, convenience, versatility and fantastic flavors. You don’t have to take my word for it – try it yourself and discover why everyone loves this delectable treat!
Ingredient List
Before making this Amish Friendship Gingerbread, be sure to have all the ingredients listed below. This recipe uses spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to give it its signature taste. You’ll need a few leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda to help the bread rise, along with some flour, molasses, and sugar for the sweetness. Finally, you’ll need some wet ingredients like milk, applesauce, and an egg to bind everything together.
Here are all the ingredients you’ll require for this recipe:
- 1 cup of Amish Friendship Bread Starter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ginger
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of clove
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 2 cups of flour
- 1/4 cup of molasses
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of applesauce
The Recipe How-To
Mixing the Batter
Making Amish Friendship Gingerbread is a straightforward process. First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, I combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon clove.
Next, I stir until everything is well-combined. Then, in another mixing bowl, I whisk together the wet ingredients: 1/2 cup of applesauce, 1 egg, 1 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of molasses.
After that, I add the wet mixture into the dry mix and stir well with a wooden spoon until it forms a smooth batter. For good measure, add one packet of instant butterscotch pudding mix into the batter – this will make your gingerbread moist and delicious!
Baking and Cooling Time
I then grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil spray, pour in the batter and smooth it with a spatula. The oven should be heated by now, so I pop it in there and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean.
Once out of the oven, I let my Amish Friendship Gingerbread cool on a wire rack for around 15-20 minutes. While waiting, I prepare my cup of coffee because nothing pairs better with gingerbread than coffee!
Substitutions and Variations
The Amish Friendship Gingerbread Recipe is already delicious as it is, but if you’re looking to switch things up a bit or cater to certain dietary needs, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Gluten-free: replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to experiment with different blends to find the right one for the recipe.
– Vegan: Instead of milk, use unsweetened almond or soy milk, replace applesauce with mashed bananas, and swap out the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
– Healthier version: substitute half of the white sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to add more fiber.
– Different spice blend: gingerbread is traditionally made with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. However, you can play around with different ratios or even add other spices like cardamom or allspice.
– Add-ins: This gingerbread recipe can be elevated by adding in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or even dried fruit (cranberries or raisins).
With these substitutions and variations, you’ll be able to create a unique spin on this classic Amish Friendship Gingerbread Recipe that suits your tastes and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect taste that’s just right for you.
Serving and Pairing
Amish Friendship Gingerbread is a perfect snack or dessert that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. The delectable gingerbread flavor pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea, brightening up even the dullest of mornings.
For an extra treat, try serving your gingerbread topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also pair it with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apple for a healthy twist.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try taking your Amish Friendship Gingerbread up a notch by using it to create an impressive ginger bread house or gingerbread men. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe.
For those looking for gluten-free options, this recipe can be adjusted accordingly by simply swapping out regular flour for gluten-free flour.
Whether you’re enjoying it with your family at home or impressing guests at a holiday party, Amish Friendship Gingerbread is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). So go ahead, get creative, and have fun serving and pairing this traditional favorite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Amish Friendship Gingerbread is one of those recipes that actually tastes better the day after it’s made because the spices have had time to infuse and mellow. It’s a great recipe to make ahead, so you’re not rushing around on the day you plan to serve it.
To store the gingerbread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, we recommend freezing it. To freeze, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe container. The gingerbread will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat your Amish Friendship Gingerbread, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can either reheat in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F and place slices of gingerbread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For reheating in the microwave, place individual slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat at medium power (50%) for 15-20 seconds.
Overall, Amish Friendship Gingerbread is a great recipe to make ahead for holiday gatherings or as a special treat during colder months. With proper storage methods, you can enjoy this moist and flavorful gingerbread whenever you desire!
Tips for Perfect Results
As you venture into making your Amish Friendship Gingerbread, there are some tips that can help you get the best outcome. The Amish Friendship Gingerbread is one of the few recipes that can give you amazing results even when improvised. However, having a few tricks up your sleeve always helps in case things don’t go as smoothly as planned.
Firstly, when measuring the flour, refrain from scooping it right from the bag with a measuring cup. Instead, use a spoon to scoop and put them into the measuring cup then level it. This method ensures that the flour is not compacted and helps to avoid over-measuring. Over-measurement leads to dry bread, something you don’t want.
Secondly, ensure that you use room temperature ingredients to make the gingerbread. Melting any solid ingredients only makes it harder for them to mix properly with other components and may make it clumpier hence resulting in an uneven bake.
Incorporating warm ingredients like hot coffee or water into cold elements like butter or milk can result in curdling due to a chaotic mixture of temperatures. That’s why it’s best practice to mix your wet ingredients (like milk) with cold eggs before moving on to other steps so they all come up to at least room temperature together.
Thirdly, make use of parchment paper while lining your baking pans. Lining your pans with parchment paper will help prevent the bread from sticking onto the pans and breaking apart when removing them from the pan.
Finally, stir the ingredients using a wooden spoon instead of an electric mixer. Done manually; this allows enough air into the batter resulting in fluffier gingerbread.
Utilize these tips, and you’ll get perfect gingerbread every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Amish Friendship Gingerbread Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves to bake and enjoys the rich and comforting taste of gingerbread. This recipe has been passed down through generations of the Amish community, and it’s easy to see why it remains such a beloved classic.
With its perfect combination of warm spices like nutmeg, clove, and ginger, this gingerbread recipe is sure to delight your tastebuds. And thanks to the addition of instant butterscotch pudding mix, this recipe has a moist texture that keeps you coming back for more.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious holiday treat or just want to enjoy the taste of homemade gingerbread all year round, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. So grab your apron and start baking – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Amish Friendship Gingerbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup amish starter
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1/4 cup applesauce (I use natural unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup milk or 1/4 cup cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 cup flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon clove
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 (4 ounce) box instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 1/4-1/2 cup candied orange peel (optional)
- 1/4 cup fairly thin cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Combine wet ingredients: starter, egg, oil, applesauce, milk or cream, vanilla, and molasses. Stir well.
- Combine dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, and pudding mix in a separate bowl. Whisk until well-combined.
- Add dry mix gradually to wet mix, and stir until barely combined. Stir in candied peel if using.
- Spread in greased loaf pan.
- Bake (at 325 degrees) approximately one hour. Check it at fifty minutes to determine baking time for your oven!
- Remove from oven and cool on a rack. When BARELY warm to the touch, spread cream cheese frosting over top of loaf. I like runny, glazey, drippy frosting–if you like it thicker, you’ll need more frosting and a light hand to keep from tearing pieces off the top of this tender loaf!
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.