Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe – A Classic Sweet Loaf You’ll Want to Bake Again and Again

Few recipes capture the essence of simple, homemade comfort like Amish Cinnamon Bread. This soft, buttery loaf, swirled with cinnamon sugar, has been a beloved treat for generations. It’s perfect for breakfast, as an afternoon snack with coffee, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Unlike some traditional Amish Friendship Bread recipes that require maintaining a sourdough-like starter, this version is quick and simple — no starter needed. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to slow down for a moment, fill your kitchen with warm cinnamon aroma, and enjoy the timeless pleasure of baking something from scratch.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the history of Amish baking, step-by-step instructions for perfect cinnamon bread, helpful baking tips, variations you can try, and storage suggestions so you can enjoy this treat for days to come.

A Brief History of Amish Baking

The Amish are known for their dedication to simple living, traditional values, and incredible home cooking. Their recipes often focus on using basic pantry staples to create hearty, satisfying meals and baked goods. Amish Friendship Bread, a sweet, cinnamon-swirled quick bread, became famous for being shared among neighbors along with a bag of starter.

Our recipe is a “shortcut” version that skips the starter but preserves the soft crumb, cinnamon-sugar swirl, and rich, buttery flavor. It’s ideal for busy home bakers who want to enjoy a taste of Amish tradition without the extra time commitment.

Ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Bread

For the Bread:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Butter is the foundation of this bread’s richness and flavor. Use good-quality butter for the best results.
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and helps create a tender crumb.
2 large eggs – Provide structure and moisture.
1 cup buttermilk – The acidity of buttermilk reacts with baking soda for a lighter texture.
2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the bread, creating a soft and fluffy loaf.
1 teaspoon baking soda – The leavening agent that makes the bread rise.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the loaf out easily once it’s baked. Preparing your pan properly helps prevent sticking and ensures a clean, beautiful loaf.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Set aside. This mixture will be layered with the batter to create a sweet, spiced ribbon throughout the loaf.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to a dense loaf.

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar

Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon swirl mixture. Top with the remaining batter and gently spread to cover. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly on top.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter. This topping creates a deliciously sweet crust.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown with a slightly crisp crust.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before carefully removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Baking Tips for Success

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the bread tough.
Check early: Every oven bakes differently. Begin checking for doneness at 40 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Use fresh cinnamon: The flavor of cinnamon can fade over time. Freshly ground or recently opened cinnamon gives the best flavor.

Flavor Variations

Nutty Cinnamon Bread: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
Vanilla Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract once cooled.
Chocolate Twist: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to half of the batter for a chocolate-cinnamon swirl.
Mini Loaves: Divide the batter between mini loaf pans for giftable treats — adjust baking time to about 25–30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Amish Cinnamon Bread is versatile and delicious any time of day. Enjoy it:

Warm with a pat of butter for breakfast
Sliced thick and toasted with cream cheese
As a sweet afternoon snack with coffee or tea
Wrapped as a homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings

Storage and Freezing

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm slices in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

Calories: ~280 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~38g
Fat: ~12g
Protein: ~4g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe is approachable, reliable, and wonderfully fragrant. The combination of a tender crumb, rich buttery flavor, and a sweet cinnamon swirl makes it irresistible. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this loaf is guaranteed to bring a moment of comfort to your day.