Questions on Amish Friendship bread

I'm wondering if anyone knows if you have to include pudding in the mix? I like how easy it is to change the flavor of the final bread, but don't like how it makes the batter gummy--and I think I'd like the final bread a little lighter as well.

Also, if anyone knows how to slow down the process a bit, I'd appreciate some tips! I've gotten 2 starters from different people in the last couple of days, and there's only so much Friendship bread we can eat!

Thanks for any help!
Jill