Orange Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

Bake a delicious Orange Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread with starter. The perfect sweet bread AFB variation for sharing, gifting, or enjoying yourself.

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.

A Sweet Twist on a Classic

If you’ve ever made Amish Friendship Bread, you already know how warm and comforting it can be. The joy of sharing the starter with friends and passing the love along is something special.

But what if we took it to the next level? I’m always looking for a new way to make something delicious!

This Orange Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread recipe adds bright citrus flavor and creamy white chocolate chips to the basic recipe. It’s a mouthwatering, soft, and flavorful bread that smells amazing while it bakes.

And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to make it.

Let’s dive in.

What is Orange Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread?

Amish Friendship Bread is a sweet, cake-like bread made from a fermented starter. You share the starter with friends, who can then bake their own loaves and keep the chain going.

It’s kind of like a culinary chain letter.

This version takes that original concept and adds orange zest for brightness and white chocolate chips for sweetness. The result is a moist, tender bread with a subtle citrus twist.

You’ll love the mix of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Orange Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread:

• 1 cup of starter (remaining after you’ve split your starter into four new bags on day ten)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup milk
• 1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding (not sugar-free)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1-1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
• 2–3 tablespoons orange zest (to taste)

For the pans:

• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  (This is for sprinkling inside the greased pans if you like)

How to Make Orange Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread

Follow these easy steps to bring this recipe to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Grease 2 to 4 smaller loaf pans with cooking spray. The number of loaves of Amish Friendship Bread you make will depend on the size of the loaf pans. Mini loaves work great for this recipe!
3. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
   Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture inside each greased pan to coat the bottoms and sides.
4. In a large mixing  bowl, combine wet ingredients:
   • 1 cup oil
   • 1 cup sugar
   • 3 eggs
   • ½ cup milk
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
     Mix well until smooth.
5. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
   • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
   • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
   • 1 box vanilla pudding
   • ½ teaspoon baking soda
   • 2 cups flour
   • ½ teaspoon salt
     Stir until everything is well combined.
6. Fold in:
   • 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
   • 2 to 3 tablespoons orange zest
7. Divide and pour batter evenly into your prepared pans.
8. Sprinkle any leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of each loaf of unbaked delicious bread batter.
9. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on a wire cooling rack.

That’s it! Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now with the scent of this quick bread baking.

Where to Take or Use This Recipe

This bread is great for almost any occasion. Here are some fun ideas:

• Gift a loaf to a friend or neighbor with a copy of the recipe and a Ziploc bag of starter. Get the free printable sheet below.
• Bring it to brunch or a breakfast potluck.
• Serve it during the holidays as part of a dessert tray for a nice holiday variation.
• Wrap it for teacher gifts or thank-you baskets.
• Keep it for yourself as a morning treat with coffee or tea.

It’s always a hit. And it travels well, so it’s easy to bring along.

Fun Variations to Try

Want to mix it up? Here are some easy ways to change the flavor or style:

• Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white for a richer taste. Throw in a cup of chocolate chips in your favorite variety.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Swap in lemon zest instead of orange for a tart twist.
• Mix in dried cranberries for a holiday feel.
• Try chocolate pudding in place of vanilla for a deeper flavor.

Every variation gives you something new and exciting to try.

Can You Store or Make It Ahead?

Absolutely!

This bread keeps well. Here’s how:

• Store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freeze for longer storage. Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To thaw, just leave it on the counter overnight.

You can also make the batter the day before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before baking.

Common Questions About Orange Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread

Do I have to use the Amish Friendship Bread starter?
Yes, the sourdough starter is key. It gives the bread its signature texture and flavor. You can find out how to make your own starter here.

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
You can! Vanilla works best, but you can try chocolate, white chocolate, or even cheesecake flavor, any box of instant pudding will work. Avoid sugar-free, though—it affects the texture.

How much orange zest should I use?
Start with 2 tablespoons and taste the batter. You can add more if you like a stronger orange flavor.

Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
Yes, just adjust the baking time. Start checking it at 50 minutes, but it may take up to 75 minutes depending on your oven. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Why does the recipe call for cinnamon in a citrus bread?
The cinnamon adds warmth and balances the brightness of the orange. It’s subtle but delicious. You can omit the cinnamon and cinnamon sugar mixture in the loaf pans if you prefer.

Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Definitely! Just reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes and use muffin liners.

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

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Conclusion

There’s something comforting about baking Orange Chocolate Chip Amish Friendship Bread. The smell fills your home. The flavor is unique and cozy. And sharing the starter and great recipe keeps the tradition going.

Whether you’re gifting a loaf, starting a new baking hobby, or just want something special to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe delivers every time.

Now it’s your turn.

Whip up a batch this weekend. Share it with friends. Spread the joy of homemade baking—one slice at a time.

And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it, print it, or share it with someone who needs a little sweetness today!

More Amish Bread Recipes:

• Original Version Recipe
• Lemon Cranberry Bread
• Caramel Apple Bread
• Almond Cake Loaf Bread

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