There’s something downright magical about a slice of warm, buttery cinnamon bread on a crisp morning. The aroma alone feels like a hug from your childhood, and this Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe is the epitome of cozy, nostalgic baking. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend breakfast, a mid-week treat, or gifting it during the holidays, this loaf is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
The best part? You don’t need any yeast or special equipment, this is a no-knead, no-fuss quick bread that delivers all the flavor of a yeasted cinnamon swirl bread with a fraction of the effort. The soft, cake-like crumb is laced with rich veins of cinnamon sugar, giving you that indulgent swirl in every slice.
Perfect for beginner bakers or seasoned pros who want a fast, fail-proof recipe, this Amish Cinnamon Bread has become a go-to comfort bake in our home. And once you try it, I promise, it’ll find a permanent place in your rotation too.
Table of contents
What is Amish Cinnamon Bread
Amish cinnamon bread is a delicious, sweet quick bread known for its tender crumb and distinctive cinnamon-sugar swirl. Unlike traditional yeast breads, Amish cinnamon bread doesn’t require any rising time, making it easy to prepare and bake. This bread often features a combination of flour, sugar, and a hint of vanilla in a buttermilk-based batter, which creates a wonderfully moist texture. A generous layer of cinnamon-sugar is swirled throughout, giving each slice a beautiful marbled effect and adding a warm, slightly crunchy sweetness that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Originating from Amish communities, this bread has become popular for its simplicity and irresistible flavor.
Why This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe Works
What makes this version of Amish Cinnamon Bread so irresistible? It’s the balance of simplicity and flavor. Unlike many traditional cinnamon breads, this one skips the yeast and the rise time, so you can have fresh, sweet-smelling bread in the oven in just 15 minutes of prep.
The texture is more like a pound cake, moist, rich, and tender, thanks to the blend of buttermilk, butter, and sugar. A ribbon of cinnamon sugar swirls through the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect and a delightful contrast between the sweet, spiced layer and the soft vanilla crumb.
Here’s why it works:
- No yeast required: This is a quick bread, meaning baking soda does the heavy lifting.
- Two-layer swirl: Half the batter goes in, then the cinnamon-sugar mix, followed by the rest of the batter and another cinnamon swirl. The result? Flavor in every bite.
- Foolproof and forgiving: Even if you’re new to baking, the batter comes together in one bowl and is incredibly forgiving.
Customizations to Suit Every Palate
- Dairy-free? Swap in plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- Low-sugar? Reduce the sugar by 1/3 without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-free? Substitute a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add-ins? Try chopped nuts, raisins, or a sprinkle of oats on top for added texture.
The base recipe is a blank canvas, but trust me, it’s incredible just as it is.
Recipe Card
Amish Cinnamon Bread
Difficulty: Easy12
slices15
minutes50
minutes290
kcalThis Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe is a delightful quick bread layered with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend, creating a cozy, moist treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Ingredients
- Bread Base
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
⅓ cup vegetable oil
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Prepare Bread Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk, vanilla, egg, and oil. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add Cinnamon Layer
- Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Swirl a knife through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, add an extra tablespoon of buttermilk.
- Use high-quality cinnamon to enhance the bread’s flavor.
- This bread can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for longer freshness.
Tips for Perfect Amish Cinnamon Bread
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the batter to avoid a tough texture. Mixing too long will result in dense bread.
- Buttermilk Magic: If buttermilk isn’t available, a mixture of milk and vinegar provides similar results and enhances the tenderness.
- Perfect Swirl Technique: When creating the swirl, make soft, fluid motions to prevent the layers from blending entirely.
- Preheat the Oven: For even cooking, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the bread inside.
Storage
Amish cinnamon bread can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days if kept in an airtight container. To enjoy it later, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast lightly.
How to Serve
This bread is best served warm with a dab of butter for a cozy treat. It also pairs beautifully with coffee or tea as a morning indulgence or a comforting afternoon snack.
Recipe Variants:
- Apple Amish Cinnamon Bread: Add diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Cinnamon Bread: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a nutty crunch.
- Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Bread: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired flavor.
- Maple Glazed Cinnamon Bread: Drizzle maple glaze over the cooled bread for a rich topping.
FAQ
Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk.
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch.
A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well, though the texture may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking this Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe for a cozy weekend breakfast, a sweet edible gift, or simply to fill your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon, it’s a recipe that never fails to comfort and delight. With its tender crumb, rich swirl of spice, and effortless prep, this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to time and again.
If you loved this nostalgic loaf, you’ll definitely want to try our equally comforting Apple Bread Recipe, another quick loaf packed with cozy fall flavors. Or, for a little twist, the Vegan Pistachio Banana Bread offers a nutty and nourishing alternative with a delightful texture.
Looking to expand your bread-baking repertoire? Don’t miss our Oat Molasses Bread Recipe for a rustic, hearty option that pairs beautifully with stews and soups, or the beautifully spiced Cinnamon Roll Glaze Recipe to dress up your loaf with a luscious finish.
Let this Amish-inspired classic be your entry point into old-fashioned baking that warms both the heart and the home.
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