Introduction
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a tender, moist quick bread swirled with cinnamon and sugar — no yeast required. It’s beloved for its simplicity, warm spice, and irresistibly soft crumb. Often enjoyed with coffee or tea, it’s a rustic and heartfelt treat perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Unlike cinnamon rolls, this bread doesn’t require kneading or rising, making it an easy way to enjoy homemade, bakery-worthy comfort in your own kitchen.
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Origin and Cultural Significance
The Amish are known for their resourceful, home-centered way of life and traditional cooking methods that rely on simple, whole ingredients. This cinnamon bread reflects their values: unpretentious, made from scratch, and shared with family or neighbors.
Often called “Amish Friendship Bread” when made with a sourdough starter, this non-yeasted version is a quicker adaptation. It carries the same heartwarming essence and is often baked in batches — one to keep, and one to give. It reflects a deep cultural connection to hospitality, community, and passing recipes through generations.
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Ingredients Quantity (Makes 1 large or 2 small loaves)
For the Batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
1 egg
1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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Optional Additions
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Mix in ½ cup raisins or diced apples
Drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting
Swap cinnamon sugar swirl for brown sugar + cardamom for a twist
Top with coarse sugar for a crunchy crust
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Tips for Success
Don’t overmix the batter — stir until just combined to keep it tender.
For a neater swirl, layer half the batter, then half the cinnamon sugar, repeat, and use a butter knife to gently swirl.
Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
Check doneness with a toothpick — it should come out clean from the center.
Let it cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.
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Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or two 8×4-inch pans.
2. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, buttermilk, egg, oil, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined.
3. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for the swirl.
4. Layer & Swirl
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan(s). Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar. Add the rest of the batter and top with remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl.
5. Bake
Bake for 45–55 minutes (for a large loaf) or 35–45 minutes (for smaller loaves), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice when cool.
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Description
This cinnamon bread has a tender, cake-like crumb with ribbons of cinnamon sugar throughout. The outside is golden with a slightly crisp crust, while the inside remains soft and sweet. Each bite offers warm spice and comforting richness — it’s like a hug in baked form.
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Nutritional Information (Per slice, approx. based on 12 slices)
Calories: 220–250
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugars: 18g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 180mg
(Values vary with optional mix-ins or glaze.)
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Conclusion and Recommendation
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a timeless, family-friendly treat that brings together simplicity and indulgence. It’s perfect for breakfast spreads, holiday gifting, or cozy afternoons with tea. The recipe is forgiving and easy to customize — making it great for beginner bakers and seasoned home cooks alike.
Serve it warm with a pat of butter, or toasted the next day for an extra treat.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To enjoy it with a lighter touch:
Use whole wheat flour for added fiber
Reduce sugar slightly or use coconut sugar
Swap oil for unsweetened applesauce
Add chopped dates, carrots, or zucchini for natural sweetness and moisture
Use Greek yogurt in place of oil for protein-rich moisture