1. 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.

2. The following morning:

   Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans.

3. 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.
4. In a small saucepan warm the milk and butter until the butter melts. Set aside to cool.
5. In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, spices, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
6. To a separate bowl add the milk and butter mixture and stir in the Amish starter, sugar, and molasses until combined.
7. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until combined.
8. 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.
9. Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared pans and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter.
10. Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. 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

1. The frosting is optional, a dusting of powdered sugar is just fine for gingerbread Amish friendship bread.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the whipped cream cheese and butter.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Generously frost each gingerbread loaf, slice & enjoy!
7. Frosted gingerbread Amish friendship bread will need to be stored in the refrigerator and can last up to 5 days in an airtight container.
8. Gingerbread Amish friendship bread without frosting can last up to 3 days on the counter in an airtight container.