AMISH CINNAMON BREAD
Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe – Moist, Sweet & Easy Homemade Bread
This Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, moist, buttery quick bread swirled with warm cinnamon sugar and topped with a delicious crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust. It's incredibly easy to make, requires no yeast, and fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon.
Whether you're looking for an easy breakfast bread, a cozy afternoon treat, or a homemade dessert to share with family and friends, this classic Amish-inspired cinnamon bread is a recipe you'll want to make again and again.
Why You'll Love This Amish Cinnamon Bread
- Easy no-yeast bread recipe
- Soft and moist texture
- Rich buttery cinnamon flavor
- Beautiful cinnamon sugar swirl
- Simple pantry ingredients
- No stand mixer required
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch
- Delicious with coffee or tea
- Freezes beautifully
What Is Amish Cinnamon Bread?
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a sweet quick bread made without yeast. Unlike traditional yeast breads, this recipe uses baking soda or baking powder as the leavening agent, making it much quicker and easier to prepare.
The bread has a tender, cake-like crumb with layers of cinnamon sugar throughout. A generous cinnamon-sugar mixture is also sprinkled over the top before baking, creating a lightly crisp and caramelized crust.
It's often enjoyed as a breakfast bread, snack, or simple homemade dessert.
Amish Cinnamon Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Ingredient Notes
Butter
Softened unsalted butter creates a rich flavor and tender texture. Allow the butter to soften naturally at room temperature rather than melting it.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang while reacting with the baking soda to help the bread rise.
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes before using.
Cinnamon
Use good-quality ground cinnamon because it's one of the main flavors in this recipe.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour works perfectly for this quick bread. Avoid packing the flour tightly into the measuring cup because too much flour can make the bread dense.
How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan. For easier removal, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
This usually takes approximately 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 6: Add the Buttermilk and Flour
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk.
Begin and finish with the dry ingredients.
Mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing because it can make the bread tough.
Step 7: Layer the Batter
Pour approximately half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over the batter.
Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and gently spread it into an even layer.
Step 8: Create the Cinnamon Swirl
Sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar over the top.
Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter with a few simple movements.
Don't over-swirl because you want visible cinnamon ribbons throughout the bread.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final part of baking.
Step 10: Cool
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for approximately 10–15 minutes.
Carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the cleanest slices, allow the bread to cool before cutting.
Tips for the Best Amish Cinnamon Bread
Don't Overmix the Batter
Once the flour is added, mix only until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten and can result in a dense loaf.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients
Room-temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk blend more evenly and create a smoother batter.
Measure Flour Correctly
Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it with the back of a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the flour bag because this can pack too much flour into the cup.
Don't Overbake
Start checking the bread around 50 minutes. Remove it when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let It Cool
Allowing the bread to cool makes it easier to slice and gives the crumb time to set.
Why Is My Amish Cinnamon Bread Dense?
Several factors can make quick bread dense.
- Using too much flour
- Overmixing the batter
- Using expired baking soda
- Not measuring ingredients accurately
- Overbaking the loaf
For the best results, measure carefully and mix the batter only until the flour disappears.
How Do I Get a Strong Cinnamon Swirl?
For a more pronounced cinnamon swirl, create a distinct layer of cinnamon sugar between the two portions of batter.
Then gently swirl the top with a knife. Avoid stirring the entire batter because this can eliminate the beautiful cinnamon ribbons.
Amish Cinnamon Bread Variations
Apple Cinnamon Bread
Add 1 cup of finely diced apples to the batter for a delicious apple cinnamon variation.
Cinnamon Walnut Bread
Fold 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch.
Raisin Cinnamon Bread
Add 1/2 cup raisins for a classic cinnamon-raisin flavor.
Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread
Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweeter dessert-style loaf.
Maple Cinnamon Bread
Add 1 teaspoon of maple extract or replace part of the sugar with maple syrup for a cozy maple flavor.
Glazed Cinnamon Bread
Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle it with a simple powdered sugar glaze made with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk.
What to Serve With Amish Cinnamon Bread
This sweet bread is delicious by itself, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Butter
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Apple butter
- Strawberry jam
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Hot coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
Is Amish Cinnamon Bread a Breakfast or Dessert?
It can be either.
Because it's sweet and cinnamon-flavored, it works beautifully as a breakfast bread or brunch treat. It can also be served as a simple dessert after dinner.
How to Store Amish Cinnamon Bread
Once completely cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Store at room temperature for approximately 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to approximately 1 week.
How to Keep Cinnamon Bread Moist
The best way to maintain the soft texture is to store the bread in an airtight container once it has completely cooled.
Don't leave the loaf uncovered for long periods because exposure to air will cause it to dry out.
Can You Freeze Amish Cinnamon Bread?
Yes. This quick bread freezes very well.
Allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
How to Reheat Cinnamon Bread
Individual slices can be warmed in the microwave for approximately 10–15 seconds.
For a whole loaf, wrap it loosely in foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amish Cinnamon Bread contain yeast?
No. This is a quick bread and doesn't require yeast or a rising period.
Can I make Amish Cinnamon Bread without buttermilk?
Yes. You can use the quick buttermilk substitute described above or use plain yogurt thinned with a little milk.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of additional salt slightly.
Can I make this recipe in mini loaf pans?
Yes. Divide the batter among greased mini loaf pans and reduce the baking time. Begin checking for doneness earlier.
Why did my cinnamon bread crack on top?
A crack down the center is completely normal for quick breads. It happens as the batter rises and expands during baking.
Can I add a glaze?
Absolutely. A simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze is delicious over cooled cinnamon bread.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It's best to bake the batter shortly after mixing because the baking soda begins reacting with the buttermilk once combined.
Recipe Card
Amish Cinnamon Bread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10–12 slices
Category: Breakfast, Bread, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment if desired.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Beat softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla and mix well.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients.
- Mix just until combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Add the remaining batter.
- Sprinkle the top with more cinnamon sugar.
- Gently swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool before slicing.
Final Thoughts
This Amish Cinnamon Bread is everything you want in a homemade quick bread: soft, moist, buttery, warmly spiced, and incredibly easy to prepare.
The cinnamon sugar swirl adds beautiful flavor throughout the loaf, while the crisp cinnamon topping makes every slice extra special. Enjoy it warm with butter for breakfast, serve it alongside coffee in the afternoon, or turn it into a simple dessert with vanilla ice cream.
Save this easy Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe and bake a loaf whenever you're craving something warm, sweet, and homemade!
