Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

Use your bag of starter to make Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship Bread with this delicious bread recipe. I’ve had great success with these AFB basic recipes that are one of my favorite ways to share baking fun with friends.

Be sure to get my free printable recipe guide plus more variations for Amish Friendship Recipes, tips, tricks, and how to make your own sweet bread Amish Friendship Bread starter recipe: HERE.

Plus, more delicious recipe to try: Cinnamon Roll Recipe, Banana Cake, Whoopie Pies, and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with warmth, flavor, and tradition? This sweet bread sourdough starter is so easy to try. Make your own starter for a quick start to your quick bread. It takes a few days to get going, but then you will have lots of starters and quick breads to share with your friends, hence the name.

Look no further than the delightful creation known as Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship Bread. This timeless recipe brings together the tangy zest of lemon, the sweet tartness of cranberries, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon in a moist, irresistible loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Vibrant Flavor Fusion: The combination of lemon and cranberry creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds with every bite. The subtle hints of cinnamon add depth and warmth, making each slice a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.
2. Easy to Make, Hard to Resist: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this easy recipe is accessible to both novice and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or simply craving a cozy treat at home, this bread is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• About a cup of starter remaining batter (You will have this remaining in a bowl after you split your starter four ways on the tenth day into a ziplock bag or bowls if you want to make separate batches of the starter batter for different loaves if you want to stop the chain)
• 1 cup oil
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1- 5.1 oz lemon pudding mix (Instant pudding mix, not sugar-free)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• Lemon zest (optional)

How to Make the Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Spray two to three smaller bread pans with cooking spray.
2. In a large or medium bowl, mix together oil, sugar, eggs, milk, pudding mix, flour, vanilla, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and lemon extract until well combined.
3. Fold in dried cranberries and lemon zest, if using.
4. In a separate small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar to make the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
5. Sprinkle the prepared greased loaf pans with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
6. Pour batter evenly into the pans. Fill pans halfway full.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the mini loaves pans for 10 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Places to Enjoy Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship Bread

This versatile bread is perfect for a variety of occasions and settings. Here are some ideas for where to enjoy it:

• Brunch Gatherings: Serve slices of Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship Bread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and mimosas for a delightful brunch spread.
• Afternoon Tea: Pair this bread with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat with friends.
• Dessert Buffets: Add a touch of elegance to dessert tables at parties or events by offering slices of this bread alongside other sweet treats.
• Holiday Season: Great for gifting a loaf with a wooden spoon or alone as a great way to treat your friends and family.

Variations to Elevate Your Recipe

Looking to switch things up? Here are some creative variations to customize your Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship Bread:

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch and added texture.
• Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus flavors by substituting lime or orange zest and extract for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Glazed Delight: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cooled bread for an extra burst of sweetness and shine.

Storing and Making Ahead

Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship Bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To extend its freshness, you can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months. If making ahead, consider preparing the batter and storing it in the refrigerator overnight before baking for freshest results.

Common Questions about Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship Bread

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? While dried cranberries are preferred for their concentrated flavor and chewy texture, fresh cranberries can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that fresh cranberries may add extra moisture to the batter and adjust baking time accordingly.
2. Can I omit the pudding mix? No, do not omit the pudding mix. If you don’t have lemon flavor, you can use vanilla pudding.
3. Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can make this recipe vegan-friendly by substituting eggs with flax or chia eggs, dairy milk with plant-based milk, and using a vegan-friendly pudding mix.
4. What can I serve with this bread? Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship Bread pairs well with a variety of spreads such as butter, cream cheese, or lemon curd. It’s also delicious on its own or toasted with a cup of coffee, milk, or tea.
5. Can I make this a coffee style cake? Yes, feel free to bake in a bundt pan for a lemon cranberry coffee cake. Baking time may need to be adjusted. Watch for doneness.

Download your FREE COPY of the Amish Friendship Bread Recipe to gift with friends here:

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Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the joy of baking and sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re savoring a slice with your morning coffee or gifting a loaf to a friend, this delightful bread is sure to brighten any day. Try it for yourself and experience the magic of homemade goodness in every bite.

More Recipes to Try:

• Berry Custard Pie
• Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
• Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

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