Amish Cinnamon Bread

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a delicious, moist, and sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. With its soft, fluffy texture and a sweet cinnamon swirl throughout, this bread will quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple to make and is often made as a gift or brought to gatherings. The best part is the irresistible cinnamon-sugar topping that creates a delightful crust. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment Needed

• 2 loaf pans (8 x 4-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or spoon for mixing
• Spatula or spoon for layering the batter

Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line them with parchment paper for easier removal of the bread once baked.

Step 2: Make the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Wet Ingredients

• Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition.
• Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the 1 cup buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is smooth and combined.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

• Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can cause the bread to be dense. The batter should be thick and smooth.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

• In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This will create the cinnamon-sugar swirl that gives the bread its delicious flavor.

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Mixture

1. First Layer: Spoon a portion of the batter into the bottom of the prepared loaf pans, spreading it evenly.
2. Add the Cinnamon Swirl: Sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Use about half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture in each pan.
3. Add More Batter: Add another layer of the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar mixture, smoothing it out to cover the swirl.
4. Final Cinnamon Swirl Layer: Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter in both pans.

Step 8: Swirl the Cinnamon

• Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture through the batter. Insert the knife into the batter and gently move it in a figure-eight pattern to create the cinnamon swirl. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls will be enough to create the marbled effect.

Step 9: Bake the Bread

• Place both loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bread towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary.
• If the top is getting too brown before the bread is fully cooked, you can cover the loaves loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

• Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the bread has cooled, slice and serve! You’ll notice the cinnamon swirl running through each slice, making it extra delicious.

Notes and Tips

• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill the cup with regular milk until it reaches the 1-cup mark. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Make it Extra Moist: For an even moister bread, you can add 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt to the batter. This will add richness and help keep the bread from drying out.
• Storage: Store the Amish Cinnamon Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
• Add-ins: If you want to change things up, try adding chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), raisins, or even chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Make a Glaze: For a sweet finish, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top of the bread. Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of milk until smooth, and drizzle over each slice.

Conclusion

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a perfect homemade treat that fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma as it bakes. With its cinnamon-sugar swirl and soft, buttery texture, it’s a classic favorite that’s easy to make and sure to be loved by everyone. Whether served fresh out of the oven or as leftovers, this bread will quickly become a go-to recipe for family gatherings, brunches, or just when you want to indulge in a sweet, comforting treat. Enjoy!