Easy Amish Cinnamon Bread – Soft, Buttery Old-Fashioned Favorite

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a rich, buttery quick bread swirled generously with cinnamon sugar, creating a soft, moist loaf that tastes like pure comfort. This Amish Cinnamon Bread is a no-yeast recipe, making it incredibly simple while delivering bakery-style results at home. With tender crumb, sweet marbled layers, and a golden crust, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacks, or an easy homemade dessert. The combination of granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and creamy buttermilk gives this old-fashioned cinnamon bread a melt-in-your-mouth texture and warm, cozy flavor. Whether you’re searching for classic breakfast ideas, easy baking recipes, or a nostalgic treat to share, Amish Cinnamon Bread is the kind of recipe you’ll save and bake again and again.

Introduction

Some recipes feel like they belong in a handwritten cookbook passed down through generations. Amish Cinnamon Bread is one of those treasures. It’s simple, unfussy, and made with pantry staples—yet the result tastes indulgent and comforting in the best way.

This is not a yeast bread. There’s no waiting for dough to rise, no kneading, no complicated steps. Instead, it’s a quick bread that relies on baking soda for lift and buttermilk for tenderness. The batter comes together easily, and the magic happens in the swirl: layers of brown sugar and cinnamon folded gently through the soft batter create that signature marbled interior.

Amish Cinnamon Bread stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between breakfast and dessert. It’s sweet but not overwhelming, soft but structured, and rich without being heavy. Whether served warm in the morning or sliced in the afternoon with a cup of coffee, it fills the kitchen with a comforting cinnamon aroma that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No yeast required—simple quick bread method
• Rich, buttery flavor with a tender crumb
• Beautiful cinnamon sugar swirl in every slice
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snack time
• Makes two loaves—great for sharing or freezing
• Beginner-friendly with straightforward steps

Ingredients Breakdown (Yields 2 Loaves, Serves 8–10)

For the Bread Batter

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

For the Cinnamon Swirl

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

Ingredient Notes

Butter (1 cup, softened) – Provides richness, structure, and that signature moist crumb.

Granulated Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the batter and contributes to the soft texture.

Eggs (2) – Add structure and help bind the ingredients together.

Buttermilk (2 cups) – Creates tenderness and slight tang, reacting with baking soda for lift.

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups) – Forms the structure of the bread.

Baking Soda (2 teaspoons) – Leavens the bread without yeast.

Brown Sugar & Cinnamon – Create the iconic swirl and warm spiced flavor.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Two 9×5-inch loaf pans
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Small bowl (for cinnamon mixture)
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Butter knife (for swirling)
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans thoroughly.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should appear pale and airy.

3. Add Eggs

Add 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The batter should be smooth and cohesive.

4. Add Buttermilk

Stir in 2 cups buttermilk until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly loose but should be evenly incorporated.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons baking soda.

6. Mix Wet & Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick but smooth.

7. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix 2/3 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon until evenly blended.

8. Layer Batter & Cinnamon

Pour 1/4 of the batter into each prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 of the cinnamon mixture.

9. Add Remaining Batter

Divide the remaining batter between the two pans. Top with the rest of the cinnamon mixture.

10. Swirl

Using a knife, gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect. Avoid over-swirling to maintain defined layers.

11. Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

12. Cool

Cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

Vegetarian Option: This recipe is vegetarian as written.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free buttermilk alternative.

Spice Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon mixture for added warmth.

Seasonal Twist: Sprinkle a small amount of coarse sugar on top before baking for texture.

Flavor Profile

Amish Cinnamon Bread is sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced. The granulated sugar creates a soft, tender crumb, while the brown sugar cinnamon swirl adds caramelized sweetness throughout. The buttermilk lends subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.

The texture is moist and soft, with delicate marbling that ensures cinnamon flavor in every bite.

Nutritional Overview (Per Slice – 1/10 loaf)

Calories: 410
Protein: 5 g
Carbs: 55 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g

Dietary Notes:

• Vegetarian
• Contains gluten
• Contains dairy

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Bake up to 2 days ahead and store covered at room temperature.
• Wrap tightly for refrigerator storage up to 1 week.
• Freeze whole loaf or slices for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

The flavor deepens slightly after resting overnight.

FAQs

Can I add vanilla extract?
Yes, a teaspoon can be added to the batter for extra flavor as noted.

Why did my bread sink?
Ensure proper baking time and avoid overmixing.

Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, bake in one loaf pan using half the ingredients.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Buttermilk is specified for texture and flavor balance.

How do I get clean slices?
Allow bread to cool completely before slicing.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	50 minutes	1 hour 5 minutes	2 loaves (8–10 servings)

Serving Suggestions

Slice Amish Cinnamon Bread thick for a bakery-style presentation. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired for an elegant touch. Arrange slices on a wooden board for a rustic feel during gatherings.

Recipe Variations

1. Cinnamon Sugar Crust – Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
2. Extra Swirl – Create additional layers for a stronger cinnamon presence.
3. Mini Loaves – Divide batter into smaller pans and adjust baking time.
4. Toasted Slices – Lightly toast and serve warm.

Ingredient Spotlight: Buttermilk

Choose fresh buttermilk with a clean, tangy aroma. Store refrigerated and shake before using. Buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create lift while adding moisture and tenderness to Amish Cinnamon Bread.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cream butter and sugar thoroughly for proper structure.
• Mix dry ingredients separately to ensure even distribution.
• Swirl gently to maintain visible marbling.
• Test center carefully at 45 minutes for doneness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Room Temperature: Up to 4 days in airtight container.
Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
Freezer: Up to 3 months wrapped tightly.
Reheat: Warm slices gently in oven or toaster.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	410
Protein	5 g
Carbs	55 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	1 g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, contains dairy and gluten.

Expanded Conclusion

Amish Cinnamon Bread is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth before you even take the first bite. Soft, buttery, and beautifully swirled with cinnamon sugar, it’s comfort baking at its finest.

Whether you’re making it for breakfast, sharing it with friends, or freezing a loaf for later, this timeless recipe delivers every single time. Save it, bake it, and let that cinnamon aroma turn your home into the coziest place to be.

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