Amish Cinnamon Bread: A Timeless Family Recipe

Welcome to a classic that’s both comforting and easy-to-make: Amish Cinnamon Bread! With its soft, fluffy texture and a swirl of sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, this bread is perfect for gatherings, family breakfasts, or a cozy treat any time of day. This recipe yields two loaves, making it ideal for sharing or freezing for later. Enjoy the delicious simplicity of homemade bread with a warm, cinnamon aroma that’s sure to bring everyone to the kitchen!

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Ingredients

For the Bread:

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk (regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice works too)
1 cup softened butter
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Equipment

2 loaf pans (9×5 inches)
Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Spatula
Small bowl (for cinnamon sugar mixture)
Toothpick or skewer (for swirling)

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Prepare Your Loaf Pans and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour the loaf pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the filling. This mixture will create the beautiful, sweet swirl within the bread.

3. Prepare the Bread Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the buttermilk until the mixture is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want a light and tender crumb.

4. Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour half of the batter into the two prepared loaf pans, distributing evenly.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in each pan.
Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar on top.
Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

5. Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Variations and Creative Additions

Add Nuts or Raisins: For extra texture, mix 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter. Raisins also add a delightful, chewy sweetness.
Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaves for a sweeter, dessert-style bread.
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Replace half of the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a cozy autumn flavor.

These small adjustments let you customize the recipe based on what you have on hand or the season’s flavors.

Serving Tips

Serve this Amish Cinnamon Bread warm from the oven or toasted with a spread of butter for breakfast or as a snack. It’s also delicious alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. This bread is wonderful to enjoy fresh, but it’s equally satisfying as a cold snack for a sweet treat on the go.

FAQs for Best Preparation and Storage Practices

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, this bread stays fresh for a few days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It’s perfect for making a day ahead, and the flavors only improve over time.

How should I store leftovers?
Wrap any leftover slices in plastic wrap or place them in a resealable bag. Store at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual slices or whole loaves in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! To make a quick buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk, let it sit for five minutes, and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to reheat the bread?
To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back its fresh-baked texture.

Conclusion

With its classic flavors and inviting aroma, this Amish Cinnamon Bread is a recipe everyone will love. Its light, tender crumb and rich cinnamon swirl make it party-friendly and perfect for cozy gatherings or family treats. Easy to prepare and share, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy each delightful slice, whether fresh out of the oven or toasted for a delicious breakfast the next day!