Amish Cinnamon Bread

by

Sure! Here’s a big and heartwarming recipe for Amish Cinnamon Bread, complete with history, ingredients, instructions, methods, and even a bit of storytelling for the lovers of baking and tradition.

Amish Cinnamon Bread: A Taste of Tradition and Love

🥖 Introduction

Amish Cinnamon Bread, often called a “quick bread,” is a beloved comfort food that requires no yeast and no waiting for dough to rise. Originating from the deeply rooted traditions of the Amish community in the United States, this bread symbolizes simplicity, warmth, and shared joy. Passed down through generations, it’s made with wholesome ingredients and a generous swirl of cinnamon sugar, making it a delightful companion to morning coffee or an evening cup of tea.

This recipe is perfect for families, cozy weekends, potlucks, or when you’re just in need of a little kitchen therapy. It speaks of love—not just romantic love, but the kind that’s shared around kitchen tables and passed on through handwritten recipe cards.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Bread Batter

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

🥣 Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease two 9×5 inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar

  • In a small bowl, mix together the 2/3 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Set aside—this is the magical swirl!

3. Mix the Batter

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
  • Add the buttermilk and mix until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

4. Assemble the Layers

  • Pour 1/4 of the batter into each loaf pan.
  • Sprinkle 1/4 of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in each pan.
  • Repeat the layering: batter, then cinnamon sugar, ending with a swirl on top.
  • Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter—don’t overmix!

5. Bake

  • Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

đź“ś History & Cultural Formation

Amish communities, known for their plain living and self-sufficiency, often bake with what’s readily available in their pantries. Yeast-based breads are common, but for quicker sweet breads like this one, baking soda and buttermilk take center stage.

This cinnamon bread is sometimes mistaken for a “Friendship Bread” (which involves a fermented starter), but this version is much simpler—no starter required. It became widely popular across America in the 1980s, often appearing in church cookbooks and family reunions.

The swirl of cinnamon running through the moist, tender crumb is reminiscent of the layered simplicity of Amish life—no flash, just flavor and purpose.

❤️ For the Lovers

This bread isn’t just food—it’s a story.

Bake it with someone you love. Share a slice with your partner over morning coffee. Let the smell of cinnamon and warm bread remind you of your grandma’s kitchen. This bread creates connections.

Every swirl is a memory. Every bite is a smile.

Whether it’s your first time baking together, or your hundredth Sunday morning, this recipe is your companion in creating moments of togetherness.

🧑‍🍳 Methods & Tips

  • No Buttermilk? Use 2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit 10 minutes.
  • Add-ins: Chopped nuts, raisins, or even diced apples can be mixed in.
  • Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temp for 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

🧡 Conclusion

Amish Cinnamon Bread isn’t just about ingredients and instructions—it’s about intention. It’s about slowing down. It’s about remembering that the best things in life often come from the simplest ingredients, mixed with love and baked with care.

So tie on your apron, turn on your favorite playlist, and swirl some sweetness into your day.

This recipe was made for lovers—of food, of tradition, and of each other.

Happy baking. 🍞✨

Would you like a printable version, or one formatted for recipe cards or social media sharing?

Leave a Comment