Old-Fashioned Amish Church Spread Recipe

The Charming Old-Fashioned Amish Church Spread Recipe You’ll Love

An old-fashioned amish church spread brings comfort and nostalgia to any gathering with its simple, hearty ingredients.

Generations of cooks have passed down this creamy delight through family kitchens across rural communities.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with sharp cheddar, creating a rich texture that spreads beautifully on crackers or fresh bread.

Farmers and homemakers traditionally prepared this dish for potlucks and community events, sharing love through each delectable bite.

Unexpected guests always feel welcomed when this classic spread appears on the table.

Simple yet sophisticated, the recipe connects us to a slower, more intentional way of preparing food.

FAQs

  • What is Amish Church Spread?

A traditional sweet spread originating from Amish communities, combining brown sugar, butter, peanut butter, and marshmallow creme for a rich, creamy texture perfect for breakfast breads.

  • Is this spread similar to other dessert toppings?

Unlike typical jams or jellies, this spread has a unique caramelized flavor from cooking brown sugar and butter, creating a more complex and indulgent taste experience.

  • Can I adjust the sweetness level?

Yes, you can slightly reduce the brown sugar amount if you prefer a less sweet spread, but keep the core ingredient proportions consistent for the best results.

  • What makes this spread different from regular peanut butter?

This spread blends multiple ingredients like marshmallow creme and caramelized sugar, offering a richer, more complex flavor profile compared to standard peanut butter.

Why Old-Fashioned Amish Church Spread Brings Tradition to Your Table

  • Craft Simple Comfort: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that combines basic pantry ingredients into a delightful spread perfect for breakfast or snacking.
  • Preserve Amish Tradition: Dive into a classic recipe that captures the homemade essence of traditional Amish cooking, bringing authentic flavors to your table.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Create a delicious spread in just a few minutes with minimal cooking skills required, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Versatile Breakfast Companion: Transform ordinary toast, biscuits, or muffins into a memorable meal with this rich, sweet spread that adds excitement to morning routines.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Amish Church Spread

Base Sweet Components:
  • Brown Sugar: A rich, caramel-like sweetener that provides depth and warmth to the church spread.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the ingredients smoothly.
  • Distilled Water: Helps create the perfect consistency for the spread.
Binding and Texture Ingredients:
  • Light Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy texture and prevents sugar crystallization.
  • Smooth Peanut Butter: Provides a classic nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
  • Marshmallow Creme: Adds sweetness and contributes to the spread's soft, spreadable texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Pure Vanilla Extract, Maple Extract: Adds complex, aromatic notes that elevate the overall flavor profile of the church spread.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Amish Church Spread

Step 1: Create Sugar Syrup Base

Grab a medium saucepan and combine brown sugar, distilled water, and unsalted butter. Set the pan on medium-high heat and start warming the ingredients.

Step 2: Bring Mixture to Boil

Stir the mixture continuously while bringing it to a rolling boil. Keep stirring to prevent any ingredients from burning or sticking to the pan bottom.

Step 3: Add Corn Syrup

Pour light corn syrup into the boiling mixture. Reduce heat to low and let the liquid simmer gently for 1-2 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat source.

Step 4: Blend Creamy Ingredients

Slowly mix in smooth peanut butter and marshmallow creme.

Stir until the ingredients create a uniform, silky texture.

Step 5: Enhance With Extracts

Add pure vanilla extract and maple extract if desired.

Stir thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the spread.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Let the mixture cool completely to room temperature.

Transfer the spread to a sealed container and refrigerate.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spread generously on biscuits, English muffins, or toast.

Keep remaining spread refrigerated for future enjoyment.

Tips for Perfect Amish Church Spread Every Time

  • Stir constantly during boiling to prevent sugar from burning and creating uneven texture in the spread.
  • Choose smooth, creamy peanut butter for the most consistent and silky results in the final mixture.
  • Let the spread cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and maintain proper thickness.
  • Try different extracts like almond or butterscotch for unique flavor variations that complement the sweet base.
  • Bring ingredients to room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother blending and more uniform consistency.

Variations of Amish Church Spread to Explore

  • Low-Sugar Church Spread: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version with reduced calories.
  • Nutty Alternative Spread: Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter to create a different protein-rich base with unique flavor profiles.
  • Vegan Church Spread: Use coconut oil instead of butter, maple syrup instead of corn syrup, and vegan marshmallow creme to accommodate plant-based dietary needs.
  • Keto-Friendly Church Spread: Substitute brown sugar with erythritol, use sugar-free corn syrup replacement, and incorporate MCT oil for a low-carbohydrate adaptation.

Pairings That Go Well with Amish Church Spread

  • Pair this decadent Amish Church Spread with classic breakfast companions that elevate its rich, creamy texture.
  • Serve alongside crispy apple slices or toasted pecans to add delightful textural dimensions that complement the spread's smooth consistency.
  • Enjoy with a steaming mug of dark roast coffee or warm chai tea, which beautifully balance the spread's sweet, buttery notes.
  • Combine with fluffy buttermilk pancakes or homemade waffles for a traditional morning meal that highlights the spread's nostalgic Amish flavors.

Storage Tips for Amish Church Spread

  • Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled spread to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep the container sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Freeze: Pour the spread into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Seal completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm the refrigerated spread in short 10-15 second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, place the container in a warm water bath, stirring occasionally until reaching desired consistency.
  • Room Temperature Softening: Remove the spread from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften naturally. Stir briefly to restore smooth texture and spreadability.
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Old-Fashioned Amish Church Spread Recipe

Old-Fashioned Amish Church Spread Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Hearty old-fashioned Amish church spread brings together simple ingredients from Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens. Family gatherings and potlucks will sparkle with this creamy, savory blend that connects you to rural culinary traditions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup marshmallow creme
  • 2 tbsps light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup distilled water
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp maple extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine brown sugar, distilled water, and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring continuously to prevent ingredient adhesion.
  2. When the mixture reaches a rolling boil, introduce light corn syrup and reduce heat to low, simmering for 1-2 minutes before removing from heat source.
  3. Gradually fold smooth peanut butter and marshmallow creme into the hot liquid, blending until achieving a uniform consistency.
  4. Enhance the mixture’s flavor profile by stirring in pure vanilla extract and optional maple extract until thoroughly integrated.
  5. Allow the spread to cool naturally to room temperature, ensuring no residual heat remains.
  6. Transfer the cooled mixture into an airtight refrigeration-safe container, sealing completely to maintain freshness.
  7. When ready to serve, spread generously over biscuits, English muffins, or toast, and refrigerate any remaining portion for future consumption.

Notes

  • Swap corn syrup with honey for a natural sweetness boost that adds complexity to the spread.
  • Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on personal texture preference, allowing versatility in the recipe.
  • Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut to create unique flavor variations that surprise taste buds.
  • Reduce sugar content by using half the recommended brown sugar for a lighter, less sweet version suitable for health-conscious individuals.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 137 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 37 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 3 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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