• Make the Amish friendship starter:

  The evening before you make the bread mix the Amish starter ingredients (sourdough starter, milk, sugar, & flour) in a glass jar. Cover it loosely and allow it to rest overnight for 8-10 hours.
• The following morning:

  Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans.
• Mix the cinnamon-sugar coating ingredients (1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon) and dust the pans with half of this mixture, saving the other half for later.
• In a small saucepan warm the milk and butter until the butter melts. Set aside to cool.
• In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, spices, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
• To a separate bowl add the milk and butter mixture and stir in the Amish starter, sugar, and molasses until combined.
• Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined. Be careful not to over-mix. If using nuts or raisins gently fold them into the batter.
• Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared pans and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter.
• Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to make the whipped cream cheese frosting

• The frosting is optional, a dusting of powdered sugar is just fine for gingerbread Amish friendship bread.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the whipped cream cheese and butter.
• Using your electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium speed. Mix until they are well combined and have a smooth, creamy texture. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
• Reduce the speed of your hand mixer to low. Slowly add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time and the cinnamon (if using). This prevents a sugary mess and ensures that the powdered sugar is incorporated evenly into the mixture.
• Continue to blend until the frosting becomes smooth and well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing.
• Generously frost each gingerbread loaf, slice & enjoy!
• Frosted gingerbread Amish friendship bread will need to be stored in the refrigerator and can last up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Gingerbread Amish friendship bread without frosting can last up to 3 days on the counter in an airtight container.