Of course! It seems you’ve shared the exciting beginning of a beloved recipe. That warning is no joke – this bread is famously irresistible.
Here is a complete, detailed guide to the legendary Amish Cinnamon Bread, expanded into a full culinary profile, just as you requested.
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A Taste of Tradition: The Irresistible Amish Cinnamon Bread
There’s a reason this recipe comes with a warning. Amish Cinnamon Bread, also known as “Friendship Bread,” is more than just a baked good; it’s a piece of culinary heritage. Known for its incredibly moist, cake-like crumb and swirling ribbons of cinnamon sugar, this bread requires no kneading and minimal effort. It’s a “stir-and-bake” recipe that fills your kitchen with an aroma so comforting, it feels like a warm hug. The result is a loaf so deliciously addictive, it truly lives up to its reputation of vanishing in minutes.
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The History & The “Friendship” Tradition
This bread is deeply rooted in Amish and Mennonite communities, where it is often known as Amish Friendship Bread. The traditional method begins with a “starter” – a fermented mixture of flour, sugar, and milk that is kept for ten days. Each day, you “feed” the starter, and on the tenth day, you divide it, bake several loaves, and share the starters with friends, passing on the gift. This act of sharing is where it earns the “Friendship” name, strengthening community bonds.
The recipe you’ve provided is a wonderful, simplified version that captures all the flavor without the 10-day commitment. It’s the “quick and easy” answer to a craving for this timeless treat.
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Ingredients
Here is the complete ingredient list for a standard loaf. For an even more spectacular result, see the “Formations & Variations” section below.
For the Bread Batter:
· 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature
· 2 cups granulated sugar
· 2 large eggs, room temperature
· 2 cups buttermilk* (or 2 cups milk + 2 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes)
· 4 cups all-purpose flour
· 2 teaspoons baking soda
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl & Topping:
· 2/3 cup granulated sugar
· 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
*Buttermilk is key here, as its acidity reacts with the baking soda to create an incredibly tender and light crumb.
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Instructions & Methods
Method 1: The Classic Loaf
This is the standard, foolproof method for a beautiful, swirled loaf.
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5 inch loaf pans. In a small bowl, mix the 2/3 cup sugar with the 2 teaspoons of cinnamon for the swirl. Set this aside.
2. Cream the Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter.
3. Incorporate Eggs and Buttermilk: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the buttermilk. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this point – that is perfectly normal.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing will develop the gluten and make the bread tough.
6. Layer the Swirl: Pour half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the bottom of the two prepared loaf pans. Divide half of the batter evenly between the two pans. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar over the batter in the pans. Top with the remaining batter.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a long wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before carefully turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing into the bread while it’s still warm is tempting, but allowing it to cool fully will give you cleaner slices and a more developed flavor.
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Formations & Variations for the Creative Baker
· Bundt Cake Glory: Pour a third of the batter into a greased and floured Bundt pan. Sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar. Repeat layers, ending with batter. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a stunning dessert.
· Muffin Magic: Divide the batter between muffin tins lined with paper cups, layering with the cinnamon sugar. Bake for 18-22 minutes. Perfect for on-the-go snacking.
· The “Everything” Loaf: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) or 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
· Apple Cinnamon Twist: Fold 1 cup of finely chopped apples (like Granny Smith) into the batter for a moist, fruity twist.
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Nutrition & Benefits
While this is undoubtedly a treat, it’s made with simple, whole-food ingredients.
· Comfort Food: The act of baking and sharing this bread has tangible mental health benefits, reducing stress and fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection.
· Energy Source: The carbohydrates from the flour and sugar provide a quick source of energy.
· Moderation is Key: Enjoying a slice as part of a balanced diet is a wonderful way to indulge. For a slightly healthier version, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup and substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
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For the True Lovers of This Bread
The lovers of Amish Cinnamon Bread aren’t just fans; they’re devotees. They are the ones who:
· Always have the recipe memorized.
· Know that the gift of a warm loaf can mend fences and celebrate joys.
· Secretly hope there’s one slice left for breakfast the next day.
· Understand that the sticky, cinnamon-sugared knife used to slice it is the baker’s reward.
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Conclusion
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a testament to the idea that the most beloved foods are often the simplest. It requires no special skills, no fancy equipment, and no patience for lengthy processes. Yet, it yields a result that feels like a masterpiece. It’s a recipe built on generosity, comfort, and the simple joy of a homemade treat. So, preheat your oven, mix up a batch, and experience the magic for yourself. Just be sure to have someone to share it with—because, as the warning says, it will be gone in 15 minutes.
Thank you for sharing your recipe starter! It was a pleasure to build this comprehensive guide around it.