Amish Cinnamon Bread: The Sweet, Comforting Classic You’ll Love Baking
There’s something undeniably special about Amish Cinnamon Bread — a tender, buttery loaf swirled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture that fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. This simple quick bread doesn’t require yeast, kneading, or rising, making it one of the easiest homemade breads you can bake.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, a cozy afternoon treat with coffee, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into everything you need to know — from the history to step-by-step instructions, storage tips, and creative variations.
What Is Amish Cinnamon Bread?
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, moist quick bread made with butter, sugar, flour, milk, and cinnamon. It’s often compared to cinnamon rolls but without the yeast or long prep time. Instead, it’s a “quick bread,” which means it uses baking soda or baking powder as the leavening agent.
This bread originated from traditional Amish baking, where simplicity and wholesome ingredients shine. The Amish are known for their comforting, from-scratch recipes that bring family and community together — and this bread is a perfect example of that tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe
- No yeast required: No rising, no kneading — just mix, swirl, and bake.
- Incredibly soft and moist: Thanks to the butter and milk, every bite melts in your mouth.
- Perfectly sweet: The cinnamon-sugar layer creates a sweet crust and swirl that’s irresistible.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake now and enjoy later!
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or gifting.
If you love cinnamon, this recipe is going to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make Amish Cinnamon Bread from scratch:
For the Bread Batter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
These pantry-friendly ingredients create a bread that’s perfectly balanced — not overly sweet but rich with cinnamon flavor.
How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread (Step-by-Step)
Let’s go through the process so your loaf turns out perfect every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Slowly pour in the buttermilk, stirring until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — that can make the bread dense.
Step 3: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Layer
In a small bowl, combine the ⅔ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. This mixture is what creates those sweet cinnamon ribbons throughout your bread.
Step 4: Layer the Batter
Pour ¼ of the batter into each loaf pan. Sprinkle each with ¼ of the cinnamon sugar mixture, then add the remaining batter on top. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar evenly on top.
Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter. This step gives you that beautiful marbled cinnamon effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the loaves to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy that classic Amish comfort in every bite.
Tips for the Best Amish Cinnamon Bread
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything mix smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the bread tough. Mix until just combined.
- Test for doneness: If the center is still wet after 50 minutes, cover the top with foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes.
- Add texture: Try mixing in chopped nuts, raisins, or mini chocolate chips for variety.
- Make it mini: Pour the batter into mini loaf pans for cute gift-sized versions.
Variations to Try
The classic recipe is perfect on its own, but if you like to experiment, here are a few creative spins:
1. Amish Apple Cinnamon Bread
Add 1 cup of finely chopped apples to the batter for extra moisture and natural sweetness. The apple-cinnamon combo is simply divine.
2. Cream Cheese Swirl Amish Bread
Layer in a cream cheese mixture made with softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. It turns your loaf into a cheesecake-inspired delight.
3. Whole Wheat Amish Bread
Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier, slightly nutty flavor.
4. Glazed Amish Cinnamon Bread
Drizzle your cooled loaf with a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) for an extra sweet finish.
5. Amish Cinnamon Muffins
Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes for an on-the-go breakfast version.
How to Store Amish Cinnamon Bread
- Room Temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze individual pieces for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop a slice in the toaster or microwave for 15–20 seconds.
This bread freezes beautifully — perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or last-minute guests.
What to Serve with Amish Cinnamon Bread
This bread pairs wonderfully with almost anything! Try it with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A dollop of butter or cream cheese
- A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced apples
It’s also fantastic as a base for French toast — just dip slices in an egg mixture and cook on a skillet for a sweet, comforting breakfast.
Amish Baking Traditions
The Amish are known for their simple, homemade recipes that rely on pantry staples and natural flavors. Amish Cinnamon Bread embodies that tradition — a recipe that feels like it’s been passed down for generations.
In Amish communities, baking is more than just cooking; it’s a form of gathering and sharing. Loaves like this one are often gifted to neighbors, friends, and family, symbolizing kindness and hospitality. That’s what makes this bread not just delicious — but meaningful.
Common Questions About Amish Cinnamon Bread
1. Is Amish Cinnamon Bread the same as Amish Friendship Bread?
Not exactly. Amish Friendship Bread uses a starter made from yeast and is more like a sweet sourdough, while Amish Cinnamon Bread is a quick bread made without yeast.
2. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes — you’ll have a perfect buttermilk substitute.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
4. Can I bake it in one large loaf pan?
Yes, but it may take longer to bake — around 60–70 minutes. Keep an eye on the center for doneness.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Amish Cinnamon Bread has stood the test of time. It’s simple, homey, and bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor — everything you want in a comforting baked good. Whether you’re baking it for your family, giving it as a gift, or just treating yourself, this bread brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite.
Once you make this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite that you’ll bake again and again.
