Amish Cinnamon Bread
A Warm, Sweet Comfort Straight From the Amish Kitchen
There’s something utterly irresistible about Amish Cinnamon Bread. From the first bite, the sweet aroma of cinnamon swirls fills the kitchen, instantly transporting you to a cozy farmhouse breakfast table. This bread is a perfect balance of moist, tender batter, layered with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture that melts into a golden, caramelized crust. It’s the kind of bread that disappears fast — and for good reason.
Whether you’re making it for a lazy Sunday brunch, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, Amish Cinnamon Bread is a classic recipe that delivers both comfort and indulgence. With simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry, this bread is surprisingly easy to make yet impressively decadent.
Why This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe Works
What sets this Amish Cinnamon Bread apart from ordinary quick breads or standard cinnamon loaves is the attention to texture, flavor, and layering. Here’s why this recipe consistently turns out perfect loaves:
Layered Cinnamon Sugar:
Unlike a simple swirl, this recipe layers the cinnamon-sugar mixture throughout the batter, giving each bite pockets of gooey, sweet cinnamon delight. It’s the key to that signature marbled effect and rich flavor.
Moist and Tender Batter:
The combination of butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk creates a moist, tender crumb. Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, helping the bread rise beautifully while keeping it soft.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor:
You don’t need exotic ingredients to make this bread shine. Just pantry staples — butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and cinnamon — come together to create a flavor that tastes far more complex than it really is.
Swirl Technique for Visual Appeal:
The gentle knife swirl before baking creates that beautiful marbled effect that looks professional but is easy to achieve.
Customizable Variations:
Adding nuts, vanilla, or even a drizzle of glaze can elevate Amish Cinnamon Bread without changing its comforting base flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Breakfast, snack, dessert — this bread works in almost any setting. Its aroma alone makes it irresistible, while its tender crumb and sweet cinnamon pockets make it memorable.
What You’ll Need for Amish Cinnamon Bread
To make this classic Amish Cinnamon Bread, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s a complete breakdown:
For the Batter:
1 cup butter, softened – Provides richness and a tender crumb.
2 cups sugar – Sweetness that balances the cinnamon layers.
2 large eggs – Structure and moisture for the bread.
2 cups buttermilk – Reacts with baking soda for lift; you can substitute milk + vinegar/lemon juice.
4 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the bread.
2 tsp baking soda – Leavening agent to help the bread rise.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Layer:
2/3 cup sugar – Creates sweet pockets of caramelized sugar.
2 tsp ground cinnamon – Provides warm, classic cinnamon flavor.
Optional Add-Ins:
Chopped pecans or walnuts – For added crunch.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a subtle depth to the batter.
Tools Needed:
Two 8×4-inch loaf pans
Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl for cinnamon sugar
Whisk or spatula
Knife for swirling
Cooling rack
With these ingredients and tools ready, you’re set to make a loaf of Amish Cinnamon Bread that tastes like it came from a bakery — but better, because it’s homemade.
How To Make Amish Cinnamon Bread
The process of making Amish Cinnamon Bread is straightforward but requires attention to layering for that signature swirl. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures easy release and perfect golden crusts.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Then stir in the buttermilk until combined. Gradually add the flour and baking soda, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 3: Make Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the layers. If you’re adding nuts, fold them into the mixture for added crunch.
Step 4: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar
Spread 1/4 of the batter into each prepared loaf pan.
Sprinkle each with 1/4 of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Repeat the layers until the batter and cinnamon sugar are used up, finishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top.
Swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect — this step ensures the cinnamon flavor is distributed throughout the bread while giving it a visually appealing pattern.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. The loaves will be golden brown and aromatic.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice thick or thin depending on preference. Be warned: Amish Cinnamon Bread has a habit of disappearing quickly once it’s sliced!
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
To make your Amish Cinnamon Bread extra special and ensure consistent results, keep these tips in mind:
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients:
Softened butter and eggs at room temperature help the batter mix evenly and rise beautifully.
Don’t Overmix:
Overmixing the batter can result in dense, tough bread. Stir until ingredients are just combined.
Customize Cinnamon Layers:
Adjust the cinnamon to your taste. Add a little more sugar for sweeter swirls or more cinnamon for a spicier punch.
Add Texture:
Nuts like pecans or walnuts in the cinnamon-sugar layer add crunch and flavor contrast.
Moisture Boost:
A teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of extra buttermilk enhances flavor and keeps the bread moist.
Proper Layering:
Layering the batter and cinnamon-sugar mixture carefully ensures every slice has that perfect swirl of sweetness.
Check Oven Temperature:
Oven temperatures can vary; start checking your loaves at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Storage:
Wrap leftover Amish Cinnamon Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It stays soft and moist at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Freezing Tip:
Slice and freeze for easy breakfasts later. Toast slices straight from the freezer for a warm, fresh taste.
Add a Glaze:
A simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese drizzle elevates this bread into a decadent treat for brunch or dessert.
How to Serve Amish Cinnamon Bread
Serving Amish Cinnamon Bread is simple — it’s delicious on its own or paired with complementary sides:
Warm with Butter: A classic way to enjoy fresh slices — the cinnamon-sugar layer melts slightly with the butter, creating a heavenly bite.
With Coffee or Tea: The sweet, tender bread pairs beautifully with a morning coffee, latte, or a cup of hot tea.
As a Breakfast Treat: Serve slices with scrambled eggs or yogurt for a sweet and satisfying breakfast.
Brunch Highlight: Pair with fresh fruit or a fruit compote for an elevated brunch presentation.
Dessert Option: Toasted slices with a drizzle of glaze or cream cheese frosting make a delightful dessert.
No matter how you serve it, Amish Cinnamon Bread is bound to impress. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion, from casual family breakfasts to special holiday tables.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your Amish Cinnamon Bread experience with these pairing ideas:
Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or a fruit salad complement the sweetness of the bread.
Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt or flavored yogurt balances richness with a tangy bite.
Honey or Maple Syrup: For extra sweetness, drizzle lightly over toasted slices.
Whipped Cream: Perfect for dessert-style servings at brunch or gatherings.
Coffee Pairings: Spiced lattes, vanilla cappuccinos, or even chai tea enhance the warm cinnamon flavor.
Nut Butters: Almond or peanut butter spreads pair wonderfully with a slice of Amish Cinnamon Bread for a hearty snack.
These serving suggestions allow you to enjoy this bread in multiple ways throughout the day, making it a flexible and crowd-pleasing treat.
Time Breakdown
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Bake Time: | 45–50 minutes |
| Cooling Time: | 10 minutes |
| Total Time: | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Servings: | 2 loaves (about 12 slices each) |
In just over an hour, you can create homemade Amish Cinnamon Bread that will fill your kitchen with intoxicating aromas and delight your taste buds.
The Magic Behind Amish Cinnamon Bread
What makes Amish Cinnamon Bread so memorable is the combination of tender, buttery bread and pockets of caramelized cinnamon sugar. The layers create a texture that is moist and light, yet rich and indulgent. Each slice contains a perfect swirl of cinnamon sweetness, making every bite feel like a special treat.
Its simplicity is its secret: no complicated techniques, just careful layering and quality ingredients. The result is a loaf that’s as pleasing to look at as it is to eat — golden brown on the outside, soft and fragrant on the inside.
Final Thoughts on Amish Cinnamon Bread
If you’re seeking a homemade bread recipe that’s both comforting and impressive, Amish Cinnamon Bread is an absolute must-try. Its tender crumb, sweet cinnamon layers, and golden, aromatic crust make it a standout for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Easy to make yet indulgent in flavor, this recipe is versatile, kid-friendly, and perfect for any occasion. From family breakfasts to holiday gatherings, Amish Cinnamon Bread is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
So grab your butter, sugar, and cinnamon, and bake a loaf of Amish Cinnamon Bread today — you’ll soon understand why it disappears in minutes and leaves everyone asking for more.
