Classic Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe: Soft, Sweet, and Irresistible

If you’ve ever wandered through the rolling hills of Pennsylvania or taken a quiet stroll through a charming Amish farm, you’ve likely caught the mouthwatering scent of freshly baked goods filling the air. Among the many recipes passed down through generations, Amish cinnamon bread stands out as one of the most beloved. Its soft, sweet, and irresistible texture makes it a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or even a mid-day snack.

Introduction:

Growing up, I remember visiting a small bakery near an Amish community where I was first introduced to this delightful bread. The golden-brown crust, the layers of cinnamon and sugar inside, and the warm, comforting scent made it feel like a hug for my taste buds. I knew I had to recreate it at home, and after a lot of trial and error, I finally nailed the recipe. Now, I’m excited to share my Classic Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe with you, so you too can enjoy this irresistible treat.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

This recipe holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward, which means you can whip up this recipe with little fuss. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity—Amish cinnamon bread is packed with flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

The combination of soft, pillowy bread with swirls of cinnamon and sugar is pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying a warm slice with your morning coffee or sharing it with friends and family during the holidays, it always feels like a special occasion. Plus, this bread can be easily adapted to fit different dietary needs or preferences, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

Equipment Needed:

To make Amish cinnamon bread, you won’t need any fancy kitchen tools or gadgets. A few basic pieces of equipment will do the job just fine:

1. Mixing bowls: A couple of medium-sized bowls for dry and wet ingredients.
2. Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for baking success.
3. Loaf pan: A standard 9x5-inch loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe.
4. Whisk and spatula: For mixing the batter and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
5. Oven: The most important tool of all! Be sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before placing the bread inside.
6. Cooling rack: Once your bread is baked, allow it to cool properly on a wire rack.

Ingredients:

To create this classic Amish cinnamon bread, you’ll need the following ingredients. Most of these can be found in any well-stocked pantry, and there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind for certain ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of the bread. If you want a lighter texture, you can sift the flour before using it.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – This helps the bread rise, giving it that perfect fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon salt – A small amount to balance out the sweetness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and is used for the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – The key ingredient for that signature cinnamon swirl throughout the bread.
• 2 large eggs – Adds richness and structure to the bread.
• 1 cup milk – Whole milk is recommended for the best texture, but you can substitute with almond or oat milk if needed.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil – Helps keep the bread moist and tender.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter – For greasing the loaf pan and giving the bread a golden-brown crust.

Instructions:

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions. Don’t worry, this recipe is simple, and the results are so worth it!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. For an extra non-stick surface, you can also line the pan with parchment paper. This ensures that your bread comes out easily once it’s baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or an electric mixer for this step. Make sure everything is fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread. You want the batter to be thick and slightly lumpy.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the swirl. Pour about half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Add the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.

Step 6: Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar

Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls will create beautiful, marbled layers of cinnamon throughout the bread.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent it from overbaking.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the bread retains its shape and doesn't become soggy.

Tips:

• Storage: Store any leftover Amish cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can freeze individual slices and toast them later for a warm treat.
• Reheating: To reheat the bread, simply place it in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds. It’s also delicious with a pat of butter on top.
• Consistency: If your batter seems too thick, add a little extra milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The batter should be thick but spreadable.
• For extra sweetness: Drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top of the bread after it cools for an extra sweet touch.

Variations:

• Gluten-Free Amish Cinnamon Bread: If you need to make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
• Vegan Amish Cinnamon Bread: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water), and use almond milk or oat milk in place of the dairy.
• Keto-Friendly Amish Cinnamon Bread: Swap out the flour for almond flour and use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. The texture will be slightly different, but it’s a delicious low-carb version!

Serving Ideas:

Amish cinnamon bread is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Breakfast: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting start to your day.
• Brunch: Pair with fresh fruit and scrambled eggs for a sweet and savory brunch.
• Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a special treat after dinner.

FAQs:

• Can I double the recipe?
  Absolutely! Just use two loaf pans and bake for the same amount of time, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
• Can I add nuts or raisins?
  Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Why is my bread dense?
  Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make the bread dense. Be sure to measure your flour properly and mix just until combined.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Sugars: 18 g
• Protein: 3 g

Concluding Thoughts:

There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of Amish cinnamon bread baking in your oven. Whether you’re making it for a cozy breakfast, a special occasion, or just because you deserve a treat, this bread is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Its soft texture, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and simple ingredients make it a timeless classic that will never go out of style.

I hope you enjoy making this bread as much as I do! Don’t forget to share your creations or leave a comment below—I'd love to hear how your Amish cinnamon bread turned out! Happy baking!