Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread Recipe: Easy Variation

Serve up a delicious loaf of Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread that is a great recipe for Fall or anytime you want a sweet quick bread using your bag of starter for Amish Friendship Bread.

Close-up of a caramel apple Amish Friendship Bread sliced.

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: Lemon Cranberry Amish Friendship BreadCinnamon Roll RecipeBanana CakeWhoopie Pies, and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.

Warm, aromatic, and bursting with the flavors of fall, Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread is a delicious twist on a classic recipe that brings friends and family together through baking. Originating from the heart of Amish kitchens, this recipe has been passed down through generations, embodying the spirit of sharing and connection. With its rich caramel undertones, tender crumb, and delightful bursts of dried apple, this bread is a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use your basic recipe for friendship bread and gives it a new flavor.

Freshly baked loaf of Amish Friendship Bread infused with caramel apple flavor, sliced and ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Indulge in the nostalgia of homemade baking with this Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe offers simplicity and satisfaction in every slice of the loaves of Amish friendship bread. The warm notes of cinnamon and caramel meld perfectly with the sweetness of dried apples, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and irresistible. Plus, with its moist texture and heavenly aroma, this bread is sure to become a family favorite for generations to come.

After you have received your own starter (or made your own) and completed the 10-day process, divided the separate batches of the starter batter and have your remaining starter in a large bowl you are ready to make your batch of the bread. Why not try this Caramel Apple Friendship Bread Recipe for extra flavor?

A warm slice of caramel apple friendship bread with a golden crust, showcasing its enticing aroma

Ingredients:

​Make sure you have the following ingredients on hand to make this recipe. If you want to have great success with this recipe, you will need all of these recipe.

  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1-5.1 oz instant pudding mix (not sugar-free), caramel or butterscotch flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped dried apples
Close-up of caramel apple friendship bread, highlighting caramel and chunks of apple within

How to Make the Recipe:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Grease two to three smaller bread pans with cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar to make the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  3. Sprinkle the prepared greased loaf pans with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  4. In a separate large mixing bowl, mix together oil, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
  5. Stir in dry ingredients, cinnamon, baking powder, box of butterscotch pudding mix (or caramel whichever flavor you are using), baking soda, flour, and salt until the batter is smooth.
  6. Fold in chopped dried apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared bread pans.
  8. If any remaining cinnamon and sugar mixture remaining, feel free to sprinkle some over the tops of the batter in the pans.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
A loaf of homemade caramel apple friendship bread, on a tea towel with gold knife

Tips for Using Baking Quick Breads:

Quick breads like this Amish bread recipe are easy and a great way to start bread baking as a beginner.

  • Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning to ensure proper mixing and rising.
  • Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense texture in the finished bread.
  • Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with different add-ins, such as nuts or spices, to customize the bread to your liking.
  • Mix the batter with a wooden spoon in a non-metal bowl/plastic or glass bowl. Metal causes issues with the starter.
Sliced caramel apple friendship bread on a wooden cutting board, revealing its moist texture and rich flavor.

Places to Use or Take This Recipe:

  • Share a loaf with friends or neighbors as a heartfelt gift.
  • Bring it to potlucks, bake sales, or holiday gatherings to impress guests with your homemade treat.
  • Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
  • Pack slices in lunchboxes or picnic baskets for a sweet and portable treat on the go.
Homemade caramel apple friendship bread cooling on a cutting board, tempting with its sweet aroma.

Variations for the Recipe:

  • Substitute the dried apples with chopped fresh apples for a different texture and flavor.
  • Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for extra crunch and richness.
  • Drizzle the cooled bread with caramel glaze, caramel sauce, or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent finishing touch.

Storing and Making Ahead:

  • Store leftover bread in an airtight plastic container, wrapped in aluminum foil, or in a ziploc bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • To make ahead, prepare the batter as directed, then pour it into a greased and lined loaf pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as usual.
three slices of caramel apple amish friendship bread on a red and white striped towel with an apple and gold butter knife

Common Questions About the Recipe:

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix? 

Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors to customize the bread to your preferences.

Can I omit the pudding mix? 

While the pudding mix adds moisture and flavor to the bread, you can omit it if necessary. However, the texture and taste may be slightly different.

Can I use fresh apples instead of dried? 

Yes, you can use chopped fresh apples, but be aware that they may release more moisture during baking, potentially affecting the texture of the bread.

Do I need to use active dry yeast in this recipe?

No, because this recipe is for a quick bread it doesn’t need to rise. The baking soda and baking powder allow this recipe to raise.

Can I use large loaf pans?

You can, but I’ve had a lot better success with the smaller pans. It takes a long time to cook in the larger loaf pans. You will need to add additional baking time.

Can I use another flavor of pudding mix?

If you want the caramel flavor using a caramel or butterscotch pudding is the best, but you can use cheesecake pudding or instant vanilla pudding to make an amish apple bread rather than a caramel apple bread.

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. 

Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread

A festive way to use your Amish Friendship Bread starter to make Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread Recipe.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Cool Time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: AFB, Amish Bread, amish friendship bread, Amish recipes, Apples, Caramel Apple

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 5.1 oz pudding mix not sugar free, Caramel or Butterscotch flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped dried apples

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients in a large or medium bowl non-metal bowl with the remaining batter after dividing your starter into four bags.
  • Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar.
  • Spray two smaller bread pans with cooking spray.
  • Sprinkle the pans with cinnamon and sugar mixture.
  • Pour batter into pans. If any remaining cinnamon sugar mixture, sprinkle some on top of the batter.
  • Bake at 325 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes.
  • Let stand for 10 minutes before removing from pans.

Notes

Only use non-metal utensils and bowls.

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

Please remember my printables are free for  personal use only. You may not sell or distribute the printable or digital file. If you wish to share the digital files, please refer friends to the link of this blog post where they can sign up to receive the free printable directly in their inbox. Do not share an image of the printable recipe without a link to this blog post.

Indulge in the warmth and sweetness of fall with this irresistible Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread recipe. Whether shared with loved ones or savored alone, each slice is a reminder of the joy found in simple pleasures and homemade treats.

More Recipes to Try:

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Hi there!

I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…

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