Looking for the perfect hostess gift or housewarming present? Whether you’re visiting friends or they come calling for tea time, this Lemon Spice Amish Friendship Bread Visiting Cake is perfect for the occasion. The marmalade glaze elevates the bread, making it perfect as a showy, eye-stopping piece. I adapted this recipe from Dorie Greenspan’s classic recipe at New York Times Cooking, who calls it “aromatherapy for the cake and you.”
Visiting Cakes
First, if you don’t know what a visiting cake is, they have a long history. Visiting cakes are sturdy cakes that can easily survive being wrapped up for transport and long distances. They last well for several days, to be enjoyed whenever comfort is needed. Many visiting cakes have stories behind them, which are almost as good (or dare I say, better?) as the recipes themselves! Which makes them perfect as an Amish Friendship Bread variation, don’t you think?
The lemon spice is a perfect combination. The citrus is bright and clean, while the spices are opposite: warm and inviting. Combining the two gives you just the right balance of flavors, like bringing together old and new friends.
Top it with a Marmalade Glaze
If you’ve never tried it, citruses glazes are super easy to make Simply boil the marmalade with water to get the perfect drizzling consistency. Pour or brush the top of your bread and let it rest: it will set into a shiny topping. It will remain slightly tacky, so it’s best to deliver in a domed container or gently wrapped in parchment.
Here are a few glaze options to experiment with, and feel free to come up with your own (wouldn’t a blueberry marmalade pair beautifully with the lemon?):
I like glazing the loaf while it’s on the rack so I don’t get any sticky pooling at the bottom of the loaf. You can add a sheet of parchment below the rack if you don’t want to wash your baking sheet. By the time your glaze has set, the loaf will be perfectly cooled and ready to wrap and give, or slice and serve immediately.
I hope this Lemon Spice Amish Friendship Bread Visiting Cake will be on your “to bake” list soon. Up the wow factor by checking out this month’s giveaway for a chance to win a Nordic Ware Citrus Blossom loaf pan! Details below.
Lemon Spice Amish Friendship Bread Visiting Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread Starter (or sourdough starter discard)
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cardamom ground
- ½ teaspoon ginger ground
- ½ teaspoon salt fine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 lemon large
- 4 eggs large, room temperature
- ⅓ cup half and half (or heavy cream), room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5½ tablespoons butter unsalted, melted and cooled
- ⅓ cup Marmalade Glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour an 8½-inch loaf pan.
- Whisk dry ingredients together: flour, baking powder, cardamom, ginger and salt.
- In a large bowl add sugar, grate the lemon zest. With your fingers, rub the sugar and the zest together until moist and aromatic. Add the eggs, whisking after each one. Squeeze the lemon juice (about three tablespoons). Add lemon juice and half and half. Add starter and mix together.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, whisking to incorporate into batter.
- Add in vanilla and melted butter. Batter will be thick. Pour into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 70-75 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Transfer to a cooling rack and let it cool for five minutes.
- When cool, loosen cake from the sides of the pan and turn onto cooling rack.
- Prepare the marmalade glaze. Brush glaze over warm cake and allow glaze to set for two hours.
- Enjoy!
Notes
>> Have you tried this? Share your best pic with us or leave a comment below and let us know how it worked for you!
It’s a Giveaway!
5/11/21 THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. The winner is Laura LaChapelle. Congratulations, Laura! Please check your email!
“I’ve never heard of the term, “Visiting Cakes,” but I’ve certainly heard of the concept. Never show up to someone’s house empty-handed and always have something on-hand for surprise guests! I love all the Friendship Bread recipes – I have a few in the freezer that I grab whenever we have company and they are always a hit! I bake every 10 days, and it’s usually scones (for my kids for breakfast), sandwich bread (for their lunches), and a cake. Fantastic!”
This month I’m giving away one Nordic Ware Citrus Blossom loaf pan to one Friendship Bread Kitchen reader.
- cast aluminum
- 6-cup capacity
To enter, simply leave a comment below telling me if you’ve ever heard of visiting cakes. Would you try this recipe as is or tinker with it to make it your own? Qualified entries limited to ages 18 and up, US only. Ends May 10, 2021; the winner will be announced no later than May 15, 2021.
The ingredient list states cardamom but the instruction state cinnamon, am I missing something?
LOL, thanks for catching that, Peggy! It’s cardamom that you put in there.
I have tried many of your recipes and loved them all. Thos one confuses me. Exactly when do you add the friendship starter? I have looked at Dorie Greenspan’s recipe and it isn’t much different in the amount of flour or baking powder. Can you help me?
I have the same question!
Fixed! LOL, thanks for pointing this out for us!
I suppose I’ve got a recipe or two that would qualify as a “visiting cake,” but I’ve never heard the term before I read this post. Then again, we’ve never taken cakes “visiting,” only (on rare occasions) cookies.
I would try this recipe and then do my tinkering around. Looks beautiful!
I have enjoyed many recipes from this site and will continue to enjoy them.
I love the recipes you post and have tried many. I have never heard of a visiting cake but what a great idea. I think I would use a lemon glaze with powdered sugar and my wonderful Young Living lemon oil and a bit of cream or milk.
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake before. This sounds like a great breakfast/brunch addition.
I never heard them called visiting cake,but know they are the type Mom would make to take some place-guess tha is why. I need to get a starter made them I will be tryinig this,as is first,then I may do some adding! Thanks.
Never heard of this type of cake, think it sounds great, will definitely try it for as it is before I could say I’d make any changes.
I have never heard of visiting cakes before, but think it is a great idea. I will definitely have to try this recipe.
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake but I would try this recipe. I love anything with lemon in it!
I have made this cake, but I did tweak the original recipe. I added some coconut and made a lemon syrup to drizzle over the top. I really enjoyed it. I have been making friendship bread cakes for a couple of years now easy and so many variations to choose from. I had never heard of visiting cake until this recipe. Thank you for posting it.
I’ve only recently heard of visiting cakes, probably through your blog! This cake looks delish, and I’ve saved the recipe for another day. I’ve just started within the last 6 months trying my had with both Friendship bread starter and Sourdough starter. It’s been an adventure I’ve enjoyed. I’d probably enjoy using that fancy pan too 😀
Have heard of these, but never tried. Guess now would be a great time to give it a go😉
I’ve never heard of the visiting cake ..but I have made a lemon loaf which was yummy. But the best was an applesauce and english toffee loaf with the amish starter.. that was so good.
No I havent this recipe
Never heard of visiting cakes but am intrigued. I would follow the recipe exactly the first time and then maybe experiment with a different glaze next time
I have never heard of a visiting cake; but I love the name. I would make the recipe as given for taste and texture and then make adjustments if necessary for my husband and I.
Thank you for offering such a beautiful pan. Not hearing of a visiting cake the recipe has sparked my interest. While making the recipe importance of following exactly how it is written seems to be logical. Then starts the deciphering if the recipe needs to be amended. From the looks of this recipe
…it looks fine as it is written. Good luck to all contenders of the pan.
I’ve never heard of visiting cakes, I would try the recipe as is before making any changes.
Never heard of visiting cakes, but this post/giveaway has my mouth watering over trying this recipe!
I’ve never heard of visiting cake before. This recipe sounds yummy though.
I’ve never heard of visiting cake; I only got introduced to the Amish Friendship bread starter 3 weeks ago and I’ve baked my first batch of bread and am waiting for the 2nd batch to finish 10 days. I would like to try the visiting cake to see what the difference is. Thanks for all the different recipes you offer on your website. I’m excited to try new recipes!
I don’t think I have ever heard the term visiting cakes, but the concept sounds very tasty and convenient! This recipe looks amazing, and I look forward to trying it.
I haven’t heard of visiting cakes before now, but I am looking forward to trying it! I think after making the original, my first variation will be to substitute orange zest for the lemon, and add some bourbon to the marmalade!
I haven’t heard of visiting cakes but I am definitely going to try this recipe. I have loved the others I have tried.
I have never heard of a visiting cake. I like other recipes i have eaten made with the starter.
I must confess, I believe I have not ever heard of “visiting cakes” and look forward to trying out the Lemon Spice Cake recipe! I am particularly interested in trying it both as Amish Friendship Bread and as a sourdough bread!
It would be delightful to share my friendship bread that has been baked in this beautiful loaf pan.
Never heard of visiting cakes. I will be making this recipe.Thank-you for all the recipes.
I have never heard of visiting bread but I am going to try it. It sounds delicious as do all the other Friendship recipes. I was so excited to find all the different recipes! During the pandemic my neighbor brought the mix and a loaf of bread over to me and another neighbor. I can now return the favor with a recipe and give them the list and link to the recipes. I never knew there were other recipes and I am eager to share them and try them. Thank you for the recipes. I would love to win this pan but if I don’t can I buy it somewhere?
I have never heard of visiting cakes. I am wondering if you could tell me what it is. That is also a very beautiful pan you used.
I have never heard of visiting cakes. Intriguing!
I have never heard of visiting cakes– but love how this pan will dress up bread and make it the best gift! I can see using for so many reasons!
sure i would anything thats made with the friendship dough is the champs ucan make a variety of recipeis with that special dough just gotta love them
I have never heard of visiting cakes, but this recipe looks awesome
I’ve never heard of “visiting” cake or bread or anything baked, so I’ll have to try this recipe.
I have not heard of a visiting cake but I’m so excited to try it. I’ll be using the recipe as written the first time I make it and then decide if I need to tweak it.
I would love to win the beautiful pan. How fantastic would it be to try the visiting loaf using my new pan 🙂
I have never heard of a visiting cake but I would love to try this recipe out. The pan is gorgeous.
The concept of visiting cakes is new to me but sounds great! I love Amish Bread so this will be a great combination of good food and good stories to go with it.
I did not know what a Visiting Cake was but now that I do I absolutely LOVE the concept!!! I am going to research others to check out the interesting stories 1st however I will try this one for my daughter who is in the Navy because she loves anything lemon!!! Thank you for an awesome recipe!!!
A visiting cake sounds like a fabulous, generous idea. Great to spread some love and friendship to our neighbors! A good way to welcome someone into the community!!!
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake, but will definitely be trying this recipe out. Sounds delicious!
Love your recipes. I have found so many ways to use the starter which have helped me keep the starter fresh.
Love the idea of a visiting cake. I just started day one of my friendship starter so i have an idea of what i will be making in ten days … I will be making friendship bread and visiting cake (in my new citrus bottom loaf pan lol).
This Visiting cake reminds me of the lemon Christmas Spice cake my Amish Aunt Betty made. She passed away before I could get her recipe. I’m glad I found your recipe and now I can continue tradition of taking this cake with me when I visit. Thank you. You have filled my heart will memories and joy.
Deborah Lavery
Oh my this is one different pan that’s for sure
I LIKE ALL THE RECEIPTS AND LOVE THE DISHES.
I have NOT heard of Visiting Cake
Yes, I have heard of “Visiting Cakes”. I have several friends that I send Amish cakes to quite often. I love any kind of cark that has coconut in it, so I make them for my friends.
I had never heard of visiing cakes. Would love recipes for them to try them.
Never heard of visiting cake. Would like to try the recipes.
I also have never heard of visiting cakes. I forgot to put that in my last comment!
I never heard of visiting cakes. I am going to try this recipe soon. I have a friend in Arizona I’d like to send this to. Thanks for the recipe.
I would first make it as the recipe says and then maybe change it up after trying it.
I’ve never heard of visiting cakes. I’d try the recipe as is. I don’t usually tinker with recipes.
I had never heard of visiting cakes; learn something new every day! I would try the recipe as written; I’m not much for tinkering.
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake before. I learn so much from your posts!
I love lemon, so I would definitely make this recipe as is at first, and then attempt some variations the third or fourth time.
I never heard of visiting cakes before. I would try this recipe as is to begin with then if I felt it needed adjustments I would do it the next time.
I have never heard of visiting cakes. I would try it as is before making any adjustments. I love lemon anything can’t wait to try this, sounds so good!
I have not heard of a visiting cake, but would love to try this recipe out. I think I would leave it as it is.
I have made this cake for Mother’s Day and family gobbled it all down before I remembered to take a picture of it! Oh, well…but sure loved this recipe and wouldn’t tweak a thing. I even made the marmalade glaze, which I loved so much, I’ll be making that for other cakes, too!
Never heard of visiting cakes before! This looks DELICIOUS! I’m going to try the recipe as is except add a box of pudding–love the moisture it provides.
This sounds fantastic and I love the idea of a Visiting Cake! Can’t wait to try this recipe! Especially with the Marmalade glaze! YUM!
I have not heard of visiting cakes. This recipe amazing, can’t wait to try it, love lemon cakes and marmalade.
Just made the starter 2 days ago & can’t wait to make this & the Blueberry walnut version! This is so awesome!
Hope this turns out good. I’ll try it this evening as I’m having a couple friends in tomorrow and we plan to paint together. Should be nice to serve.
I started making my Amish friendship bread last year and can’t wait to start it again. The visiting bread sounds delicious and would be so nice to take to my friends. They love the cake I made last year.
Mom and I love citrus anything and dad loves marmalade. What could be better than both together.
No , I have never heard of Visiting Cakes!
But I have now! Love! Love Live being part of your email ❤️
I found this recipe way too sweet. I love the marmalade glaze but on this loaf it was just too much sugar for me.
I have never heard of visiting cakes, but can’t wait to make one!!! (Just as soon as my starter – I call it “Fred” is ready. I love the pan you are giving away this month and think the visiting cake would look so pretty made in one. Your articles and recipes are great!! . . . And your instructions are so easy to follow. Thanks for sharing!
I have never heard of visiting cakes. I am 99% sure I already posted a comment but I can’t find it.I went all the way to the end. Love the pan. Thanks for the chance to win.
I have heard of visiting cakes and look forward to making the lemon bread next.
Sounds like an interesting idea. Will have to try it when I start a new starter.
Great recipe. Will be trying it next baking day!! The pan would add a lot of character to this already wonderful recipe.
Hi! I have not heard of Visiting Cakes! I would keep the recipe as it is, for the first time it is baked and sampled! If needed to adjust, I would! Thanks!
Sounds delicious. I will have to try this but I need to get that pan first.
Had not heard of visiting cakes but I love lemon and will certainly be trying this one. Love the variety of recipes and tips on the friendship bread kitchen website. The loaf Pan recipes are perfect for sharing.
Sounds delicious! I need to add a lemon to my shopping list! I never heard of a visiting cake before. Will try this soon!
I read a lot of books about the Amish but I have never heard of visiting cakes. I love all the Amish Friendship Bread recipes!
I’ve never heard of a visiting bread but I’ll definitely give it a try. Whether for good or not, I do not have it in me to stray from a tried and true recipe. I’m not a tinkerer.
I have heard of “visting cakes” as my mom would bring with her when she did her monthly visiting teaching for church. Of course there was always an extra for us at home..yum!🙂
I would & always make a new recipe”as is”. Otherwise, you’ll never know if the original is perfect!! I am also not a “tinkerer”. Love all the recipes sent!
😃smile
Can’t wait to try this recipe. Would love a chance to win the beautiful loaf pan.
“Visiting Cakes” – not specifically these words, but I am familiar with hostess gifts where one brings either wine or baked good, such as cake or baked bread to hostess.
Yes! I have heard of visiting cakes! You don’t much anymore though. I can’t wait to try this recipe too!
I’ve never heard of the term, “Visiting Cakes,” but I’ve certainly heard of the concept. Never show up to someone’s house empty-handed and always have something on-hand for surprise guests! I love all the Friendship Bread recipes – I have a few in the freezer that I grab whenever we have company and they are always a hit! I bake every 10 days, and it’s usually scones (for my kids for breakfast), sandwich bread (for their lunches), and a cake. Fantastic!
Good morning. I’ve never heard of this recipe but very interested in trying it. I make cakes every 10 days and have several in the freezer. I love giving them to friends and acquaintances. I love your recipes.
I have never heard of visitors cake but definitely never show up empty handed. I love lemon cakes and would try it as the recipe is and then tinker with it as necessary.
I have never heard of one before but I will be baking one tonight for my mom ( she will be so jealous that she didn’t know this was a thing first!) I have a raspberry patch out back so I would follow this recipe with some flour drenched raspberries.
This recipe looks delicious as is. I love the flavor of cardamom, which I use in my stollen, and ginger always pairs well with lemon. I have recently discovered your blog after looking for good recipes to make with my AFB starter. You have an amazing amount of recipes! I already have plans to make the cranberry scones!
I have never heard of a visiting cake, but love the name so much!! I will be trying this recipe just as it is because your recipes are always amazing and turn out wonderful!!
I have never heard of visiting cakes or seen a pan quite like that one! What a fun idea and cute pan!!
I would make the recipe the way it is first off! I’m not a talented enough baker to tell from just looking at it. But I’m planning on making it to give to my new neighbors across the street!
Visiting Cake is definitely a charming representation. I just baked this recipe up yesterday and went visiting to neighbors to share. Delicious! I may go with just slightly more cardamom on the next batch since I love that flavor. Thank you for a great recipe.
I haven’t heard of visiting cakes. However I usually do tinker with the recipes. I really like that I can do this by adding or changing ingredients! Thank you for the recipe suggestions!
I’ve never heard of Visiting Cakes. Always willing to try new things. I’ll follow the recipe exactly, then later try tweaking.
I have never heard of visiting cakes. I will definitally look them up though!
Looking forward to trying this new recipe🙂.
I can hardly wait! Thank you ❤
I have never heard of visiting cakes and can’t wait to make this for our Mother’s day tea at church.
I made this lemon spice visiting bread in a cake mold! Everyone loved it
Never heard of visiting cakes before. This is an awesome idea and the cake sounds lovely for sure.
I had never heard of Visiting Cakes, but definitely will be trying this.
I will be trying this in cupcake tins. At work, we can’t have anything sliceable, but if I wrap the cupcake/muffins individually, I can bring them in. Because of wrapping, I’ll probably do a regular lemon/sugar glaze or a lemon curd glaze. Thank you for the recipe.
I love the idea of the Visiting Cake. Years ago, you never knew who might show up at your door. Or maybe you needed a quick Bake Sale Item or item to bring as a Hostess Gift. This would be so nice to give with a Lemon Print towel and a pretty ribbon. I would add a tsp of Lemon Extract to the recipe to give it a stronger lemon Presence! I m all about ANYTHING Lemon! 🙂 Thank you for the recipe!
Yes, my neighbor when I was growing up told me about visiting cakes! They are such a sweet idea! I think I would try it the way it is written before I changed anything.
YES! I have heard of visiting cakes. My grandmother used to also call them neighbor cakes. Thank you for the fantastic giveaway! That pan is just gorgeous. It would get a lot of use in my kitchen. Have a great day!
Hugs,
Erin
I’ve never heard of visiting cakes, but I love the concept! Can’t wait to share some goodies with friends!
I have never heard of a visiting cake, but I definitely am intrigued. I would definitely try a recipe of yours, as I’ve tried many and loved them, I also have many more ready to try. My daughter is really starting to become interested to bake with me also, which makes my momma heart so happy. This pan looks like a lot of fun. Thank you for sharing your gift.
I’ve never heard of visiting cakes I love this idea though. I think I would try this recipe as is first, then if I feel it needs to be tweaked I would tinker with it a bit!! Thank you for such a great newsletter!!
I have never heard of visiting cakes. Love receiving your newsletter. Always excited and amazed with all the different recipes you can use the Amish friendship bread for. Will be anxious to try the lemon cake.
I have never heard of it. I always try to bake as directed the first time
Visiting and preachers cakes can both be made on the spur of the moment as company approaches. The visiting cake loves to visit or be given and shared with friends and family getting better as it ages in travel or sits on your counter waiting for your company to arrive.
This is a special stable cake that loves to be received as well as it loves to be shared.Nothing better than the homey goodness in each slice.
I have never heard of visiting cake but I will be making this following the recipe.
I had never heard of a visiting cake. I will use the recipe as written – I don’t normally deviate from recipes on baked goods!
I had never heard of visiting cakes, but apparently I have been baking them! I will definitely try this lemon bread. I love lemon anything!
Thank you for these wonderful ideas for “visiting cakes”! Now I need to get my friendship starter prepared for a pleasure enriched friendship bread with a marmalade glaze! And if I am blessed with a Nordic Ware Citrus Blossom Loaf Pan as well, so much more the blessing!
This cake sounds great.i will be fixed it this week for a friend.
Visiting cakes are a tradition with our family and friends. I don’t care for lemon. I would make mine with oranges.
would to try one of these fancy bread pans. I have baked for many years, since 8 or 9 years old. thought this was part of life being a
girl but loved to be in kitchen with my mom of the youngest of 5 girls. so I was always tied to my moms apron strings , as people would
say about me. I bake and give away a lot of bread, pies andcakes to people without a charge. that is also why my email is like it is for
I bake and give to angels, for love of others. blessings for all the great recipes!!!!!!!!
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake before but it sure makes sense. I try to follow all recipes as close as possible the first time. If there are many changes that I would make, I probably wouldn’t be trying the recipe anyway. If it is a good, simple recipe that sounds good, I might tweak the recipe the second time I make it.
I had never heard of visiting cakes, but can easily understand the need!
As for the recipe, I would probably tweak it to my dietary needs. It sounds wonderful!
I have never tried these cakes or pans but would love to try them.
I enjoy receiving recipes to review and make
Great website
Had some from a friend last summer for a few months, may try again another time.
I enjoy receiving recipes to review and make
I have never heard of a visiting cake. I like the idea. It would be ideal to take a cake along like this one when you go visiting. I’m going to try this recipe the first chance I get. I have a starter going so this sounds like the ideal recipe to make.
I have never heard of visiting cakes but I am eager to try this! My family loves a good lemon loaf! Thank you
I’ve never heard of visiting cakes but I love the concept! I tend to be a bit of a tinkerer and so I love recipes that aren’t quite so stringent about steps or ingredients. This recipe looks great though and I’m so excited that it has cardamom in it, which I think is an under utilized spice 🙂
I have never heard of visiting cakes, but this bread recipe looks so good, I can’t wait to try it!
I’ve never heard of “visiting cake,” but in the South, we definitely take a casserole when we go to visit. I would absolutely try this recipe and tinker with it until I think it’s perfect. I love lemon and think this bread would be delicious.
I have never heard of visiting cakes. This is something I look forward to reading more about. I love the way the pan makes the cakes look so beautiful, it gives the cakes that special look. Thank you for the recipe, look forward to receiving more cakes and breads to try in the future.
Never heard the title before – visiting cakes! I make them though. I’m trying this recipe.
I have never heard the term “visiting cakes” but I love it! I have a few go to recipes that I know travel well. I will definitely add this one to the list. The warm spices with the pop of lemon or great!
I haven’t tried this recipe YET (definitely will be on the agenda), but I love all things Amish Friendship. I make the Cinnamon bread routinely, and I absolutely love the Banana bread as well as the Chocolate Brownies (all AF recipes). I have a small home-based baking business, and my routine customers love, love the Amish Friendship breads that I bake.
I’ve never heard of visiting cake, I would definitely try the recipe above even though I don’t really like lemon unless it’s lemonade. After making it once, I would try with almonds or crumbled up marzipan, one of my favorite things to eat. I would also try to paint the fruit on top so it looks real. Thank you so much for sharing all of your recipes. Whenever I give a bag of starter and the directions to anybody, I also print out 3-5 recipes that I think that friend would enjoy. I get a small binder and put the pages into the page protectors.
No I have never tried this recipe or a visiting cake. Can’t wait to sample it. Thank you for the recipe.
This is the first I’ve heard of visiting cakes. I can’t wait to give this recipe and so many of your other recipes a try. I’m so happy to have found your site! Thank you so much for sharing!
Because of the baking mold with fruit on top I’d be tempted to but small fruit pieces into the cake like candies pieces of lemon or pineapple ( fruit cake). But I’m afraid to change recipe and mess it up. I’d love to know how to enhance the beauty of the molds look on the top or is the glaze is enough. I admit I would have to go buy much of the ingredients as they are not things I have on hand typically. This reduces my spur of the moment baking, but with plan ahead in mind I’d love to make this for my next visiting type baking gift or sharing event.
Yes, I have tried all the recipes from email links! Delicious!!
This recipe looks amazing! I’ve never heard of visiting cakes, but I’d definitely try this recipe.
This looks and sounds amazing! Never heard of visiting cake, but like the idea. I would make this the way it is presented the first time and make changes as needed in the future!
I haven’t ever heard of that. I plan to try the recipe just the way it is before changing something
My mom made a cake that she called her “visiting” cake. It was actually a sponge cake. She would bake two 8” layer cakes, one for the bottom layer and one for the top and fill them with homemade jam, usually strawberry, raspberry or blueberry. Once sandwiched, she iced the top with a thin white icing. She said it was quick, no fail and tasty. She called it a Jam Cake!
She also made keeping cakes but those were fruitcakes that kept for years wrapped in rum soaked cheesecloth.
This new recipe for visiting cake sounds wonderful and certainly worth trying as is.
I can’t wait to try this recipe AND to share its yield the next time I go visiting OR have visitors. This sound perfect for a college care package!
I’ve never heard of visiting cakes! Cool history! I’d try the recipe the way it is, but I’d also like to try it with the blueberry marmalade!
Never Heard of Friendship Bread being Called Visiting Cake… Have made Friendship Bread and usually bake it in regular Bread Pans… Wouldn’t it be Fun to share this Bread made in your Special Citrus Blossom Bread Pan and Surprise a Friend or Relative with a Loaf !!! ! I basically make the Recipe but occasionally will add to the Recipe- add Chopped Walnuts or Pecans, maybe add a Different Spice or Flavoring… Thinking my next loaf will have an Orange Flavor and maybe even Chopped Mandarin Oranges mixed in. Maybe will Try a Glaze, Orange Marmalade sounds Good, or maybe make this Recipe with chopped Dried Apricots…. Would love to add this pan to my Baking Cupboard supplies.. Thank you for the Chance to Win….
The Term “Visiting Cake” is a new one for me! But my mother was famous for taking a cake when she visited. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Do you have any suggestions for a marmalade substitution? I’ve never seen it for sale in my store. We do not have Amish stores where I live. I love this site and your recipes. Thanks!
Haven’t heard the term Visiting Cakes. But I’m in the process of making sourdough cinnamon rolls right now. And the thought had already crossed my mind to share some with my neighbors. But that’s if I can get my husband to part with any of them. This is the second time in a week to make them at his request. Might not be too promising for the neighbors…\\\\\\
sounds great will enjoy making it.
Thank you
Yes I would make this cake as per recipe first time. After I try it like this I can then tweak the recipe if I feel the need. That’s the joy of sharing recipes, we can always keep trying something new.
I’ve never heard of visiting cakes. Though it makes sense. I have often baked & brought it to a friend’s house when going visiting. I will probably make it as written at first then tinker with it to tailor it more to my liking.
I have never heard of the visiting cakes, but the recipe sounds delicious and will be trying it as is. Thanks for sharing
I have never heard of the visiting cakes, but will definitely be trying to make them. Every since my friend gave me a starter , I’ve been baking every ten days. We love the Amish bread and so do all my friends and church family.
I have never heard of visiting cakes. I need to figure out how to make amish friendship bread gluten free as I was recently diagnosed and can’t have gluten! Would love be this pan to help me play with new gf recipes!!
I have a staff retreat coming up and plan to make the recipe as is. Sounds delicious.
I’ve not heard of visiting cakes before today.
I have not heard of visiting cakes but <3 Nordicware!
It sounds wonderful; but I would make it my own. I have never made a visiting cake. I love your website. You give me so many good ideas.
I would probably make this bread as it is. I have whaat I need.
I have never heard of a visiting cake! Sounds fabulous though. One should start making visiting cakes especially in times like these!
Hi Darien,
I have never heard visiting cake, but I like the name. I plan on making the recipe just the way it is first and then maybe play around with it. We she’ll see. Have a great weekend !
Roberta
I have not heard of the term “visiting cakes” before, but I have many times brought cakes and breads with me when I have gone to visit someone, either for a short visit, for a visit to someone ailing, or to go to stay with someone for a visit. I will most certainly be trying this recipe. The first time I make a recipe, I always make it as printed. Thereafter, I might “tinker” with the recipe a bit.
Thank you so much for your share this is delicious I make them in the mini loafs so that I could share them with my neighbours. I have one neighbour that has lung cancer and I provide them meals a couple times a week because she’s not able to cook and her husband helps me out because I am disabled too. But I love to cook so I also reach out to those in need in my neighbourhood and at least twice a month provide them a full meal. My way of helping those in need and able to on my good days as I suffer from pancreatitis.
This will be in excellent dessert I can add to those meals thank you once again and I hope you have an awesome weekend. Stay Strong look to the heavens for guidance.
I have heard of visiting cake but not made one. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe – first, as written, and then perhaps again with personal changes.
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake but have used different Amish Friendship recipes to share these tasty cakes with neighbors & friends and for housewarming & hostess gifts. What a treat! Love this beautiful pan!
I had never heard about ‘Visiting’ Cakes.
They say you learn something new every day and I did with this today! Want to make this!
I’m not sure how you keep coming up with these recipes but you do. I have never heard of a visiting cake, but I will be making this recipe Monday, bake day! Thank you.
I have heard of visiting cakes and always considered Amish Friendship Bread to be kind of the same thing.
I think I would make the cake recipe as written, but might tinker with the glaze.
I have never heard of Visiting Cakes and I would probably just try this recipe as it is for now rather than experiment with it. Can’t wait to try it.
First time reading about visiting cake. This looks like a great recipe!!! I would try as is. Except… not sure about the glaze.
I’d never heard of visiting cakes before reading this. Excited to try this recipe out as is and make another with some lavender added in. Thanks so much for sharing this!
I’ve never heard of visiting cakes but the lemon cake sounds amazing. I like to make my friendship bread in a Bundt pan.
Well, I have never heard of “visiting cakes” before but I like the idea since myself and the neighbors on either side of me frequently trade off baked goods! I am definitely going to try this and the marmalade glaze sounds yummy! I might add a teaspoon of lemon extract just to make it even more lemony.
I have never heard of a visiting cake, but it definitely is something I would like to do. Since recently retiring, I have certainly enjoyed baking again and especially love to share my goodies. The recipe sounds really good and I would probably stick to the recipe, especially the first time I make it.
I haven’t heard of a visiting cake. I saved this recipe to try out. I think I will skip the marmalade glaze. I will make a vanilla glaze and maybe sprinkle on some orange or lemon zest on top.
no I never heard of visiting cakes. I f i was making this i would try the recipe first and then tinker with to make it my own.
I have never heard of visiting cake. Sounds interesting. I would like to try making it. My aunt loved lemon. I wish she was here to share it with.
I never heard of visiting cakes but I’ve been doing it for years without knowing it!🥰. I have been making Amish Friendship bread for many years and sharing it with family and friends! In fact this week I made 7 mini loaves of lemon blueberry bread and a batch of blueberry pancakes!! YUM!!!😋😋
No, I haven’t heard of visiting cakes before.
I’ve never heard of visiting cakes but can’t resist trying any sort of lemon loaf!
i’ve never heard of visiting cakes but like the idea. i always try recipes as written the first time – then i change it up to my liking after that.
hi. first time learning about visiting cakes. I bring mine to friends houses anytime I’m invited. I also share with coworkers. I would make it “as is” at least once. then I might make adjustments… fun to play with baking
Shari
Litchfield,NH
Can’t wait to make it. I’ve never heard of visiting cakes before. Thanks for the background. I’m also interested in trying the lemon rosemary version.
I had not heard of visiting cakes, but what an awesome tradition! I often take the loaves to the neighbors, now, I need to step it up a notch.
I’ve never heard of visiting cake before. The recipe sounds good. I will try it as is before deciding whether or not I will tweak it in any way. Thanks for the chance to win this cool looking pan!
Oooohhh so excited to try this as written!!! Thank you!! I’ve always brought cake when visiting so I guess it’s not new to me, but I didn’t know about the tradition, thank you for the info!!
I love the idea of sharing something with friends, family, neighbors and of course ourselves! Not only do I give a cake to someone, they get the starter to use as they wish. The fact that the starter can be frozen takes off the need to do something with it NOW. You provide great recipes that I can’t wait to use for other things than the Amish bread.
Thank you for your newsletter!
Sounds heavenly, can’t wait to try it. I remember first hearing of visiting cakes from our early days in the military. When arriving at a new duty station the Navy Wife’s Club would bring a visiting cake in a welcome basket. Was always a special treat.
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake, but a neighbor recently lost her husband. This will be what I make to take over to her.
I have never heard of a visiting cake. It looks amazing and I am sure it is delicious. Thank you for the recipes.
I love to try new ones!
I have never heard of visiting cakes before, but it sounds like a nice thing to do. Normally I would first make a recipe the way it is written, however I am not a fan of cardamom so I might make 2…one per recipe and one with spice adjustments. And I absolutely LOVE the Nordic Ware pans to bake in!! I made Amish Friendship Bread in a few of the holiday pans and it comes out GREAT!!
I have never heard of Visiting Cake, but love the name. I make cakes, and bread a lot to take to people. I’m going to try this one- sounds delicious
Looking forward to making this visiting cake. Always interesting to learn about different food customs.
I have not heard of visiting cakes, but your explanation makes sense. I would try it as it first and then make changes based on what I learn from the taste of the cake.
I have never heard of a visiting cake but what a great idea. I would definitely try this one just the way it is.
I’ve never heard of it and would definitely try the recipe maybe in a sugar free version.
I have not heard of visiting cakes. I am excited to see this recipe. It sounds perfect for taking on a road trip to meet up with family. My intentions would be to follow the exact recipe but sometimes I do make a few alterations.
I have never heard of a visiting cake…love this and will be baking one shortly…in a plain boring pan, mind you…LOL. Best of luck to all who enter.
Every time I go to visit someone I bring them a cake and Collett a visiting cake. I love this recipe with a orange marmalade glaze it really impresses everyone. I would love to bake one of these and this really cool pan! I certainly hope I win it! But if I don’t I will find one somewhere. Thank you for all the great recipes! I have shared my starter kits to quite a few friends and they all enjoy them.
I have never heard of a visiting cake but it sounds delicious! My first go I will follow the recipe. But maybe do a variation with poppy seeds 🤔
Thanks – I have never heard of a visiting cake – and am looking forward to making this. I don’t always have heavy cream – I wonder if I can substitue evaporate milk, or greek yoghurt?
Looks good! Have been wanting to find a good Amish cake recipe, now I have a recipe to try it out. Thanks for the recipe!
I’ve never heard of visiting cake but will give it a try. There was a time when I hadn’t heard of Friendship Cake but thanks to you, I’ve made a variety of delicious goodies using the Friendship starter. Will make first visiting cake strictly by the recipe and then implement my own ideas on next cake. Thank you!
Have never heard of Friendship Bread. Neighbor told me about it. Going 5o start mine next week and spread the love during these trying times.
I never heaard of them But I would definitely use their recipes and maybe I would tinker with them after I tried them first their way.
I have read dozens of Amish books but I don’t think I’ve ever read about a visiting loaf. I love trying different things with AFB starter.
I haven’t heard of visiting cakes in this sense. My grandmothers always had a “visitor’s cake” (like a coffee cake or snack type) sliced and ready to thaw when visitors showed up unexpected!
I love the look of this recipe. Can almost smell it! I would make it as written the first time and then I may make a little twerk to make it mine. I haven’t heard of visiting cakez, but I guess I’ve been doing it for years. I love to make things and take to neighbors – many no longer bake for themselves and enjoy it.
I have never heard of visiting cake until you sent me a email.I will make it Asia Then I will maybe tinker with it.When i try new recepies a lot of the times I dont like them I have chrones disease and I normally have to make it a little different.Dont know what else to say, except good luck to me!
I have never heard of visiting cakes. I would try this recipe just as you suggest, all of the other recipes I have tried have been great so I wouldn’t change this one either.
I am not a fan of lemon but I certainly would use another citrus or fruit, such as strawberry, blueberry or raspberry, to make this cake. My Grandmother was from Germany and she spoke of some traveling cakes her relatives would make. Unfortunately the few recipes she had had gotten destroyed in a storm and she was unable to share them with me.
This sounds scrumptious! Although, I’ve never heard of visiting cakes I remember my mom taking a special cake when went to visit new neighbors. This is a must try!
Look easy and yes I would try it and tweak it to my liking.
Thank you
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake but I love The idea!! Definitely trying this!
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake, but I’m always up to trying new recipes especially when they are made in beautiful pans! I like to make a new recipe as is , and then later I may change the recipe a little.
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake but I intend to try this one.
I’ve never heard it called a visiting cake but, being from the south, I know that it’s common courtesy to bring something when you are invited to someone’s home. I’d love to try this recipe! I would definitely stick to it as is the first time around and then maybe branch out with my own ideas.
I have never heard of visiting cakes but would love to try the Lemon cake. It looks delicious!
I haven’t heard of a visiting cake but it makes sense. I’d love to travel with a cake! The lemon cake on here sounds delicious! The citrus with warm spice mixed together sounds divine!
Looks delicious. Can’t wait to try it. Mahalo!
I have never heard the term visiting cakes, but sharing cake and bread loaves is common here. Will definitely give this recipe a try. I typically always go as true to a recipe as possible the first time round. The next few times I like to play around with them to hit differing preferences in family.
I love visiting cakes and all recipes. I am always looking for new ideas. I love to bake amd cook!
This cake sounds very interesting I am pinning to try very soon. I have 2Nordic baking loaf pans and ont Bundt pan. They are the best baking pans. Well worth the money
I have never heard of visiting cakes. I would make the recipe as written (w/o changes) the first time. Then tweak if I feel necessary. Thanks.
I have never heard of visiting cakes before but I am certainly going to try this one!
This recipe sounds wonderful. Since I’m fully vaccinated, I’m flying to visit my parents in a few weeks. I think I’ll bring along this cake. I haven’t seen them in 17onths due to Covid-19.
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake before. Love trying your recipes every 10 days! Never been one we didn’t like!
yes i would make this love lemon bread
Can’t wait to try this. Anything lemon is great!
Sounds like a delicious recipe. Can’t wait to try it.
I have never heard of a”visiting cake” but the history is interesting. I would make this recipe as I love most anything LEMON! I would make the recipe as is, the 1st time and would probably tinker the next time around, maybe add poppy seeds or blueberries.
I have never heard of a visiting cake, but I love the meaning! I will give this lemon spice recipe a try using my potato flake sourdough starter. I’ve had pretty good luck using it with the friendship bread recipes. Can’t wait to smell and taste it!
I think this recipe would be great just as written. I hope to try it soon.
No, I’ve never heard of Visiting Cakes but would like to learn of it. Sure hope I win. I would love to try the lemon spice bread . Sounds so appealing.
Looks like a delicious bread to try. I love that it has cardamom which I don’t get to use in baking very often. I’ve tried the snickerdoodle cookie recipe and everyone loved them!
I haven’t tried this recipe but I’ve tried several of your other recipes. I will try this one when I get all the spices I need for it. I will make it the first time by the original recipe then she it I need to change anything to make it my own. I love trying your recipes and I haven’t found one I don’t like.
I am very familiar with friendship bread and have often baked gifts of starter bread for family and friends. However, I’ve never seen a recipe that uses cardamom (one of my favorite spices) so I was super excited to try this recipe! This is a lovely recipe that I tinkered with just a touch to satisfy my “crazy” for the beautiful spice. I doubled the cardamom and added a 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg for balance. Thank you for keeping this fun tradition of friendship bread alive and for sharing this amazing recipe.
I could really use that new loaf pan so I’m requesting an entry to the giveaway, please. I am decades older than 18. 😆
I loved the visiting cake I was offered when we built out first house in Del Norte, CO. It was an Mennonite neighbor welcoming us to the area and I haven’t had it since moving to Florida. I lost the recipe they shared with me before we moved! So glad I found this one. I’m sure it’s the same and can’t wait to try making it. Thank you so much for sharing.
Never heard of it called by that name but have heard of them. Interesting read. Love baking and cooking – especially with my kiddos! I would try exactly as is and if liked but not loved I’d tweak it to make myself love it 🤣
I have never heard of visiting cake!!! Sounds like something my great grandmother would make if she was going to have visitors! I would make as is and see how it is before making changes. Here’s to hoping I win since yesterday was my birthday!
I have never heard of visiting cakes. I will definitely read up on it.! I would try the recipe as is and afterwards tinker with it if needed.
I have never heard of visiting cakes but I think it’s an awesome idea. I love the lemon friendship bread and will definitely give this one a try.
I have never heard of visiting cakes, but love the idea. This sounds delicious and definitely have to try it.
I’m going to try this as is for the first time, then tweak as I need to. I’ve never been on this site before, looking forward to trying it
Yes I have heard of the visiting cake, and it is delicious and I would not change anything!
The pan is beautiful!
I’ve never heard of a visiting cake, but this one sounds divine! I will definitely give it a try!!