Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Tradition

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a delightful treat that carries the warmth and comfort of a homemade loaf, perfect for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of coffee. This quick bread, which requires no yeast, is layered with a buttery cinnamon swirl that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s a recipe that comes straight from the heart of the Amish community, known for its rich culinary traditions that emphasize simplicity and wholesomeness.

What is Amish Cinnamon Bread?

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a type of quick bread that doesn’t require yeast to rise. Instead, it gets its light and fluffy texture from the baking powder and baking soda. The signature feature of this bread is the cinnamon-sugar swirl running through the middle, which adds a burst of flavor with every bite. The bread is moist and slightly sweet, with a crunchy, sugary top that makes it absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cinnamon swirl:

1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the topping:

2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This bread will rise as it bakes, so be sure to leave enough space at the top of the pan.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to ensure an even texture throughout the bread.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well blended. The melted butter will give the bread a rich flavor, while the buttermilk ensures that the bread is moist and tender.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the bread tough. You want to stir until no lumps of flour remain, but it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.

5. Layer the Batter

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer.

6. Add the Final Layer

Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread it evenly. To create the signature cinnamon swirl, take a butter knife and gently swirl it through the batter in a figure-eight motion. This creates those beautiful cinnamon spirals you see when the bread is sliced.

7. Add the Topping

Before placing the loaf in the oven, mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon with melted butter and drizzle it over the top of the batter. This will give the bread a crispy, sugary crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.

8. Bake

Bake the bread in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

9. Cool and Serve

Once the bread is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm for the best experience. The bread can also be stored in an airtight container for up to three days, though it’s unlikely it will last that long!

Tips for the Best Amish Cinnamon Bread

Buttermilk substitution: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ll have homemade buttermilk ready to use.
Swirl Variation: You can experiment with adding nuts or raisins to the cinnamon-sugar swirl for an extra texture and flavor boost. Chopped pecans or walnuts work wonderfully in this recipe.
Storage: This bread keeps well on the countertop in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze the bread. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amish Cinnamon Bread is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of cinnamon and sugar. It’s a versatile recipe that works well for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The bread’s moist and tender crumb pairs perfectly with the crunchy, cinnamon-sugar crust. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment or ingredients.

The Amish Tradition

The Amish community is known for its simple, yet incredibly flavorful recipes that have been passed down through generations. This bread is a testament to their tradition of making wholesome, delicious food with basic ingredients. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.

Amish Cinnamon Bread is perfect for when you’re craving something sweet, yet comforting. It brings the flavors of cinnamon rolls without all the hassle, and it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, forgiving, and absolutely delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Amish Cinnamon Bread wafting through your kitchen. With its buttery cinnamon swirl, moist crumb, and crunchy top, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to please everyone in your household. Best of all, it’s easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

Whether you enjoy it as a cozy morning treat or a sweet afternoon snack, this bread will quickly become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up something special — your taste buds will thank you!