Amish cinnamon bread recipe

The Amish cinnamon bread recipe is a classic, old-fashioned quick bread known for its tender crumb, rich cinnamon swirl, and comforting homemade flavor. This recipe is useful because it requires no yeast, no complicated techniques, and uses simple pantry ingredients to create a bakery-style loaf perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting.

Key Ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

To make this traditional Amish cinnamon bread recipe, you will need the following ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving the soft texture and sweet cinnamon flavor that makes this bread so popular.

  • All-purpose flour – 2 cups (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
  • Granulated sugar – 1 cup (divided; ¾ cup for batter, ¼ cup for cinnamon swirl)
  • Baking soda – 1 teaspoon (helps the bread rise without yeast)
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon (balances sweetness and enhances flavor)
  • Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons (for the signature swirl)
  • Egg – 1 large (room temperature for better mixing)
  • Buttermilk – 1 cup (adds moisture and tenderness; can substitute with milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
  • Vegetable oil – ⅓ cup (keeps the bread moist for days)
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (adds warmth and depth of flavor)
  • Unsalted butter – for greasing the pan (or nonstick spray)

Optional add-ins:

  • Chopped nuts – ½ cup (walnuts or pecans for crunch)
  • Raisins – ½ cup (for extra sweetness and texture)

How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

This Amish cinnamon bread recipe is incredibly easy, delicious, and satisfying, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. With no yeast and minimal prep, it comes together quickly using simple ingredients. The rich cinnamon swirl creates a bakery-style look and flavor, while the moist texture keeps every slice tender. Total preparation and baking time is about 60–70 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare the pan
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. Make sure the corners are well coated so the bread releases easily after baking.

  2. Mix the dry ingredients
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ¾ cup of the granulated sugar. Mixing these ingredients evenly ensures the bread rises properly and has consistent flavor throughout.

  3. Prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture
    In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¼ cup sugar with the ground cinnamon. Stir well and set aside. This mixture will be layered into the batter to create the signature cinnamon ribbon.

  4. Combine the wet ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until lightly beaten. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined. This mixture provides moisture and richness to the bread.

  5. Mix wet and dry ingredients together
    Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir using a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense instead of tender.

  6. Layer the batter and cinnamon swirl
    Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

  7. Create the swirl effect
    Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter with a few figure-eight motions. Do not over-swirl; a light touch creates distinct cinnamon ribbons.

  8. Bake the bread
    Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

  9. Cool before slicing
    Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

This Amish cinnamon bread recipe stands out for its soft, moist texture and rich cinnamon flavor that fills your kitchen with warmth as it bakes. Each slice has a beautiful swirl that tastes like a cross between a coffee cake and a classic quick bread. Compared to yeast breads, this version is faster and much easier to make.

Making this bread at home saves money compared to bakery loaves, and it uses affordable pantry staples you likely already have. The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds bold flavor without extra cost, and you can customize it with nuts or raisins. Try this recipe at home and enjoy a comforting, homemade treat that feels special but takes minimal effort.

Storing and Reheating Tips

  • Room temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 7 days; wrap tightly to prevent drying out.
  • Freezing: Slice the bread, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge and soft center.

Final Thoughts

This Amish cinnamon bread recipe is a timeless, comforting bake that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and irresistible cinnamon swirl make it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try at home and enjoy a slice of cozy, homemade goodness today.

For more traditional Amish recipes and inspiration:

Amish cinnamon bread recipe

Amish cinnamon bread recipe

This Amish cinnamon bread recipe is a classic quick bread with a tender crumb and rich cinnamon swirl, made with simple pantry ingredients and no yeast.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American, Amish
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Bread Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar for batter
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for swirl
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • unsalted butter for greasing the pan

Equipment

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and ¾ cup sugar in a large bowl.
    2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt
  3. Mix remaining ¼ cup sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
    1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  4. Whisk egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    1 large egg, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  5. Gently stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients just until combined.
  6. Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar, add remaining batter, then top with remaining cinnamon sugar.
  7. Swirl gently with a knife to create a cinnamon ribbon.
  8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

No yeast required. Avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.

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