If you’ve ever smelled warm cinnamon floating through the air on a chilly morning, you know how magical it feels. That’s exactly how I stumbled across Amish Cinnamon Bread—a recipe that’s been shared for generations and still feels like a warm hug in bread form. The best part? You don’t need a sourdough-style starter that takes days. You can whip this up in a single afternoon, and your whole house will smell like a bakery.
I tried this recipe when I wanted something sweet, comforting, and not too complicated. After one slice, I was hooked. It’s soft, buttery, with the perfect swirl of cinnamon sugar. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.
What is Amish Cinnamon Bread?
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, sweet quick bread with a cinnamon-sugar swirl baked inside. Unlike sourdough or yeast breads, this version is super simple because it doesn’t need rising time or fancy starters. Traditionally, the Amish passed down this recipe as a “friendship bread” where you’d share starter dough with neighbors.
But today, we’re skipping that part and making it easy and beginner-friendly. This bread tastes almost like a mix between coffee cake and pound cake, but in loaf form. Perfect with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.\
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making this magical bread. You probably already have most of these in your pantry.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar (white granulated)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for the swirl topping)
This list makes two loaves, which is perfect because trust me, one loaf disappears way too fast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This keeps the bread fluffy and light.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer if you can—it makes the texture perfect.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. This is where the bread starts smelling amazing already.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk
Slowly mix in the buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t stress. Just mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture slowly. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix, or the bread won’t be as soft.
Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Magic
Mix the 1/3 cup sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl. Grease your loaf pans, then pour in half the batter. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar on top. Add the rest of the batter and finish with the remaining cinnamon sugar.
Step 7: Swirl It
Take a butter knife and gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter. This creates that beautiful cinnamon ribbon inside.
Step 8: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing… if you can wait.
Tips for the Best Amish Cinnamon Bread
- Don’t skip the buttermilk – it gives the bread its soft, rich texture.
- Use room temperature butter – it creams better and makes the bread fluffier.
- Try different pans – muffin tins work too if you want grab-and-go versions.
- Add-ins are fun – raisins, walnuts, or chocolate chips give extra texture.
Why You’ll Love This Bread
This isn’t just another sweet bread. Amish Cinnamon Bread has a homey, comforting vibe. I love making it on Sunday mornings, and the smell lingers in the kitchen for hours. It’s also the kind of recipe you can share with neighbors or bring to a gathering—it always gets compliments.
One slice feels like dessert, breakfast, and a snack rolled into one. And because it’s so simple, it’s perfect for beginner bakers too.
Variations to Try
- Apple Cinnamon Bread – Add chopped apples to the batter for extra sweetness.
- Pumpkin Spice Twist – Mix pumpkin puree and spice into the batter for a fall version.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Bread – Add cocoa powder to the cinnamon sugar swirl.
- Glazed Amish Cinnamon Bread – Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze on top once it cools.
How to Store Amish Cinnamon Bread
This bread stays soft for days if stored right.
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to a week, but warm slices in the microwave for 10 seconds before eating.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
I’ve tried cinnamon bread recipes before, but this one is foolproof. The secret is the balance between the buttery base and the sweet-spicy cinnamon swirl. It doesn’t dry out, and it slices beautifully. Every bite feels like comfort food without being too heavy.
Perfect Times to Serve Amish Cinnamon Bread
- With coffee on a lazy Sunday morning
- As an after-school snack for kids
- At brunch with friends
- Wrapped as a gift during the holidays
Basically, it’s never a bad time.
FAQs About Amish Cinnamon Bread
Q1: Do I need a starter for this bread?
No! This is the easy version. Traditional Amish friendship bread uses a starter, but this recipe skips it.
Q2: Can I make this bread without buttermilk?
Yes, just mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then use it.
Q3: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. It already makes two loaves, but you can double the batch for parties or gifts.
Q4: What if I don’t have loaf pans?
You can use a muffin tin or even a cake pan. Just adjust the baking time (muffins usually take 20–25 minutes).
Q5: Is this bread very sweet?
It’s sweet but not overly sugary. The cinnamon sugar swirl balances the buttery bread perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a simple recipe that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds happy, this Amish Cinnamon Bread is the answer. It’s easy, it’s cozy, and it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Bake it once, and I promise it’ll become a family favorite.