Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

🌟 Introduction

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, sweet quick bread swirled with layers of cinnamon and sugar. Unlike yeast breads, it requires no kneading or long rising times, making it simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress anyone. The bread has a moist crumb, a buttery flavor, and a warm aroma that fills the kitchen. Traditionally baked for family gatherings, holidays, and as gifts for friends and neighbors, this bread is a true expression of comfort and sharing.

🕰️ History

The Amish community is known for their simple, wholesome, and resourceful cooking traditions. Recipes like this bread have been handed down through generations, often shared in community cookbooks and at gatherings. While some versions of Amish Cinnamon Bread involve a friendship starter dough (a sweet sourdough-like base shared among friends), the quick bread version became popular in the mid-20th century for its convenience. Today, it is loved worldwide for its nostalgic flavor and rustic charm.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

🥣 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla.
Add dry mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing gently until combined (do not overmix).

Step 4: Assemble the Loaf

Pour half the batter into the pan.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar.
Using a knife, gently swirl the top layer for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

🌱 Benefits of Amish Cinnamon Bread

Quick and easy – no yeast, no kneading.
Comfort food – warm cinnamon aroma creates a cozy atmosphere.
Wholesome tradition – rooted in Amish heritage.
Versatile – works for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.
Gift-worthy – a thoughtful homemade loaf for family and friends.

🍞 Formation (Structure of the Loaf)

Crumb: Soft, tender, and moist from buttermilk.
Flavor: Sweet base balanced by warm cinnamon-sugar.
Swirl: Decorative marbling adds visual beauty and bursts of spice.
Crust: Golden-brown with a sugary topping that gives a slight crunch.

💖 Conclusion

Amish Cinnamon Bread is more than a recipe—it’s a tradition. With its fragrant cinnamon swirl and moist crumb, it delivers both comfort and nostalgia. Whether shared with neighbors, baked for holidays, or enjoyed fresh from the oven with coffee, this bread captures the essence of simple, homemade goodness.

😍 For Bread Lovers

This recipe is cherished by:

Home bakers – who appreciate simple, rewarding recipes.
Families – kids and adults alike love the sweet cinnamon flavor.
Holiday hosts – perfect for brunch tables or gifting.
Comfort food lovers – anyone who craves warmth and coziness in every slice.

✨ Sweet, buttery, and swirled with cinnamon magic, Amish Cinnamon Bread is proof that the best recipes are the ones rooted in tradition and made with love.