Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe – Sweet, Moist, and Irresistibly Comforting

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a beloved classic that has been enjoyed for generations. Known for its moist crumb, buttery richness, and warm swirls of cinnamon sugar, this bread is a delightful treat that captures the spirit of traditional homemade baking. Unlike yeast breads that require long rising times, this quick bread relies on baking soda and buttermilk for a tender texture, making it both easy and satisfying to prepare. Whether you serve it as a sweet breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert after dinner, Amish Cinnamon Bread is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. In this guide, you will learn exactly how to make it from scratch, how to substitute ingredients when needed, different variations you can try, and expert tips for ensuring it comes out perfectly every time.

What Makes Amish Cinnamon Bread Special

Amish Cinnamon Bread is not overly sweet like cake, yet it is rich enough to feel indulgent. The buttermilk adds a slight tang that balances the sugar, while the cinnamon creates layers of warm spice that remind many of cozy kitchens and comforting family traditions. Unlike quick breads such as banana bread or pumpkin bread, this loaf has a distinct swirl of cinnamon sugar running through it, creating beautiful ribbons of flavor with each slice. Another advantage of this recipe is its simplicity. With only a few pantry staples and minimal preparation time, you can enjoy homemade bread that tastes as though it came straight from an Amish farmhouse kitchen.

Ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Bread

To prepare this bread, you will need the following ingredients.

• 2 cups buttermilk or 2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice (to make homemade buttermilk)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon swirl)

Notes on Ingredients

Buttermilk: Traditional Amish recipes often include buttermilk, which tenderizes the bread and enhances the flavor. If you do not have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by combining regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice and allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes before use.

Butter: Softened butter gives the bread a rich, moist texture. Use real butter for the best flavor. Salted butter may be used if that is what you have, but reduce any added salt in the recipe.

Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in the batter as well as in the cinnamon swirl. Some bakers like to substitute brown sugar in the swirl for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture. Use room temperature eggs for the best mixing results.

Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for this bread. If you would like a more rustic texture, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour.

Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is the star spice of this bread, adding warmth and fragrance.

Baking Soda: Combined with buttermilk, baking soda provides the leavening needed to make the bread rise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk

If using homemade buttermilk, stir vinegar or lemon juice into your milk and set aside for 5 to 10 minutes until slightly curdled. This will mimic the tang and acidity of store-bought buttermilk.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk until smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda until evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until fully incorporated but not overmixed. Overmixing can make the bread tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This mixture will be layered into the bread to create that signature swirl.

Step 5: Layer the Batter

Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper. Pour half of the batter into the pans, sprinkle with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter. Top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar and use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter. Do not over-swirl, or you will lose the ribbon effect.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place the pans in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once cooled, slice the bread into thick slices and enjoy with butter, cream cheese, or simply on its own with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Variations of Amish Cinnamon Bread

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some creative variations you can try:

• Cinnamon Sugar Muffins: Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20 to 25 minutes for perfectly portioned cinnamon muffins.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese filling between the batter layers for a richer version.
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a kid-friendly twist.
• Apple Cinnamon Bread: Add chopped apples to the batter to create a fruity autumn loaf.
• Gluten-Free Amish Cinnamon Bread: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.
• Vegan Cinnamon Bread: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk with vinegar, and a flax egg substitute to make it vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Amish Cinnamon Bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it plain or with spreads like butter, honey, or jam. It makes an excellent breakfast bread alongside eggs and fruit, or a sweet afternoon snack with coffee. You can also use it as a base for French toast by dipping slices into an egg mixture and frying them until golden brown.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 7 days. To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slices in the toaster oven before serving.

Tips for Success

• Always use softened butter for smooth mixing.
• Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off with a knife. Too much flour can make the bread dry.
• Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. This can toughen the texture.
• Swirl gently to create beautiful ribbons of cinnamon sugar throughout the bread.
• Allow the bread to cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Amish Cinnamon Bread without buttermilk? Yes, simply make homemade buttermilk by adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar? Yes, especially for the cinnamon swirl. It will add a deeper caramelized flavor.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. This recipe makes two loaves, but you can double it to make four loaves if baking for a crowd.

What is the best way to freeze Amish Cinnamon Bread? Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe into muffins? Yes, divide the batter into muffin tins and reduce the baking time to about 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a timeless recipe that brings comfort, warmth, and a sense of tradition to any kitchen. Its moist crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, and versatility make it a must-have in every baker’s collection. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this bread is sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake a loaf that feels as special as it tastes. Try the variations for new flavors, experiment with serving ideas, and share this delightful bread with loved ones—it is a recipe that is always worth making.