As with so many recipes, the origins of Amish friendship bread aren’t entirely clear.
Amish friendship bread is similar to a European recipe called Herman Friendship Cake. Friendship bread and cake recipes can be dated back to the 1860s, with pioneer women feeding their starters as they traveled and sharing it with other women throughout their journey.
To the Amish, this free starter can be shared with others in the community, especially the sick and needy, to make fresh, homemade bread recipes. Plus, it can be passed down from person to person, becoming a special gift that keeps on giving.
