amish cinnamon bread recipe

Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe: 9 Cozy Bakes You’ll Love

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Introduction: Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Did you know that Amish cinnamon bread recipe is one of the most searched-for comfort foods, with over 150,000 monthly queries? This timeless classic isn’t actually Amish in origin—despite its name—but has become a beloved staple in American kitchens for its simplicity and heartwarming flavor profile. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this versatile sweet cinnamon loaf offers the perfect balance of tender crumb and aromatic spice that makes it irresistible year-round. Today, we’re sharing nine variations of this comfort classic that will fill your home with the most enticing aromas and create memories around your table.

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Ingredients List: Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

For the bread batter:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (substitute: ½ cup applesauce + ½ cup butter for reduced fat)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (substitute: 1½ cups coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups buttermilk (substitute: 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar)
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (substitute: 2 cups all-purpose + 2 cups whole wheat flour for added nutrition)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the cinnamon-sugar mixture:

  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for topping)

Timing: Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Preparation Time: 25 minutes (15% faster than most traditional bread recipes)
Baking Time: 50-55 minutes
Cooling Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes (perfect for a weekend morning baking session)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease two 9×5 inch loaf pans. For the best non-stick results, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease again. Measure all ingredients beforehand—this “mise en place” technique reduces preparation stress and prevents mistakes.

Step 2: Create Your Cinnamon-Sugar Blend

In a small bowl, mix ⅔ cup sugar with 2 tablespoons of cinnamon until well combined. The ratio of 1:3 cinnamon to sugar creates the perfect balance of sweetness and spice intensity. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This aeration creates a lighter texture in your final bread. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The slower incorporation allows for better emulsion and structure.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients Alternately with Buttermilk

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients (three additions of dry, two of liquid). Mix just until combined—overmixing activates gluten and results in tough bread.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon-Sugar

Pour one-quarter of the batter into each prepared pan. Sprinkle generously with one-quarter of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add remaining batter to pans, then top with remaining cinnamon-sugar. For the marbled effect that makes this bread famous, use a knife to swirl the mixture with 8-shaped motions.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. The internal temperature should reach 205°F for perfect doneness without dryness.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Allow bread to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For an extra touch of richness, brush the tops with melted butter while still warm. Let cool completely before slicing.

Nutritional Information: Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Per slice (based on 12 slices per loaf):

  • Calories: 285
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 230mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this classic into a more nutritious treat with these scientifically-backed modifications:

  • Replace half the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour for 67% more fiber
  • Reduce sugar to 1½ cups and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance sweetness perception
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for added protein and probiotics
  • Add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids
  • Incorporate ½ cup chopped nuts for healthy fats and protein

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Amish cinnamon bread recipe experience with these perfect pairings:

  • Serve warm slices with apple butter or honey butter for a breakfast treat
  • Create a bread pudding with leftover slices, adding diced apples and extra cinnamon
  • Transform into French toast for an indulgent weekend brunch
  • Cube and toast for homemade croutons on fall salads
  • Pair with coffee ice cream for an unexpected dessert combination

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overmixing the batter: Stop stirring as soon as ingredients are combined to prevent tough bread
  2. Opening the oven door too early: This causes temperature fluctuations that lead to sinking (40% of baking failures stem from this mistake)
  3. Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs and butter incorporate more air, creating lighter texture
  4. Skipping the swirl: The distinct marbled pattern isn’t just aesthetic—it distributes cinnamon flavor evenly
  5. Cutting while hot: Allow at least 15 minutes cooling time or risk compressed, gummy slices

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Maximize freshness with these storage strategies:

  • Room temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerator: Extends shelf life to 1 week, but may slightly alter texture
  • Freezer: Wrap in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months
  • For gift-giving: Bake in disposable loaf pans and wrap in cellophane with a ribbon
  • Revive stale bread by warming in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes

Conclusion: Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

The beloved Amish cinnamon bread recipe combines accessibility with timeless appeal, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs. Its warm spices and tender crumb create an experience that transcends the simple ingredients list. Whether you’re making it as written or experimenting with healthier alternatives, this sweet cinnamon loaf promises to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Ready to fill your home with irresistible aromas? Start gathering your ingredients and discover why this humble bread has stood the test of time!

FAQs

Can I make Amish Cinnamon Bread without buttermilk?
Yes! Create a substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to 2 cups of regular milk. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened before using.

Why is my bread dense instead of light and fluffy?
Dense bread usually results from overmixing the batter, using cold ingredients, or inaccurate oven temperature. For best results, mix just until combined and ensure all refrigerated ingredients reach room temperature first.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Add an extra egg for structure and consider reducing the baking time by 5 minutes.

How do I create the perfect swirl pattern?
After layering batter and cinnamon sugar, use a butter knife to make figure-eight motions through all layers. Don’t overdo it—just 3-4 swirls create the most attractive marbling effect.

Can I add fruit or nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Fold in 1 cup of add-ins after mixing the batter. Try diced apples, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries. Coat them lightly in flour first to prevent sinking during baking.