How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread

There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen filled with the sweet, spicy scent of cinnamon. It envelopes you in cozy comfort, offering pure delight in every bite. This Amish cinnamon bread recipe has been my go-to for years whenever I need to bring a little joy into my home. The best part? You won’t need to mess with yeast or wait hours for dough to rise!

This simplified take on Amish friendship bread was a delicious discovery from my visit to Pennsylvania Dutch country. My host shared this family treasure with me, explaining how their recipe evolved to save time while keeping all the wonderful flavor. Now I’m passing this gem on to you!

Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, holiday gift-giving, or simply craving something sweet, this no-fuss Amish cinnamon bread delivers incredible results every time. Even if you consider yourself a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find success with this straightforward recipe.

What Is Amish Cinnamon Bread?

The Heritage Behind the Recipe

Traditional Amish friendship bread typically requires a fermented starter that gets passed between friends and neighbors – hence the name “friendship” bread. The starter needs feeding and patience, sometimes taking over a week before you can actually bake your bread.

This quick bread version skips the starter entirely but keeps the signature cinnamon-sugar swirl that makes Amish cinnamon bread so irresistible. While purists might argue it’s not authentic without the starter, this adaptation honors the spirit of Amish cooking – creating delicious, comforting food with simple ingredients that bring people together.

“The beauty of Amish cooking lies in its simplicity, focusing on basic ingredients transformed into comforting, delicious food that brings people together.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just over an hour – from mixing bowl to cooling rack
• No special skills required – perfect for bakers of all experience levels
• Uses common pantry ingredients – no shopping trip necessary
• Makes your kitchen smell amazing – better than any candle!

This quick bread delivers that perfect balance between a tender crumb and a slightly crunchy, cinnamon-sugar crust. The swirl running through the middle ensures flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread Batter

The foundation of great Amish cinnamon bread starts with quality basics. Nothing fancy here – just simple ingredients working together beautifully.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

This magical mixture creates those beautiful ribbons of spiced sweetness throughout your bread. Don’t skimp here – it’s what makes this Amish cinnamon bread special!

For the Optional Glaze

While the bread is perfectly delicious without it, this simple glaze adds a professional bakery finish and extra sweetness.

Kitchen Tools Required

Essential Equipment

Before jumping in, gather these basic tools to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable:

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (2-3 different sizes)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Nothing fancy required! These standard kitchen tools are all you need to create this wonderful Amish cinnamon bread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Kitchen

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating ensures even baking.
2. Measure all ingredients before starting – this helps prevent mistakes and makes the process smoother.

Making the Batter

1. In a larger bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Stop as soon as no dry flour is visible – overmixing leads to tough bread!

Creating the Perfect Swirl

1. Sprinkle about two-thirds of your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
2. Use a butter knife to make a few gentle swirls – don’t over-mix or you’ll lose the distinct layers!
3. Top with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture, then create a few more swirls with your knife.

Baking to Perfection

1. Place your loaf pan on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
2. Bake for 50-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter).
3. Look for these visual cues: the top should be golden brown, slightly cracked, and your kitchen should be filled with an amazing aroma.
4. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes – this sets the structure.

Adding the Glaze (Optional)

1. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk, adding more drops as needed until you reach the desired consistency – it should flow slowly off your spoon.
2. Once bread is completely cool (this is important!), drizzle glaze over the top, letting it run naturally down the sides.

Tips for the Best Amish Cinnamon Bread

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers sometimes struggle with quick breads. Here’s how to prevent common pitfalls:

• Don’t overmix the batter – this develops gluten and makes your bread tough. Stir just until ingredients are combined.
• Avoid opening the oven door during the first 30 minutes of baking – this causes temperature fluctuations that can make your bread sink in the middle.
• Wait until bread is completely cool before slicing – cutting too soon results in a gummy texture.
• Use room temperature eggs and milk – cold ingredients don’t incorporate as well.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Amish cinnamon bread recipe, try these delicious twists:

1. Apple Cinnamon Bread: Fold 1 cup of peeled, diced apples into the batter before baking.
2. Raisin Swirl: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of plumped raisins (soak in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain) over the cinnamon-sugar layer.
3. Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace 1/2 cup of milk with pumpkin puree and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter.

Special Occasions

• Include as part of a holiday gift basket
• Bring to potlucks or brunches – it travels well and everyone loves it!
• Make mini loaves to distribute to neighbors, teachers, or coworkers during the holidays

The Health Perspective

Nutritional Information

While this bread is a treat, it’s helpful to know what you’re enjoying. Each slice (assuming 12 slices per loaf) contains approximately:

Dietary Adaptations

Need to adapt this recipe for dietary restrictions? Try these substitutions:

• Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.
• Dairy-free: Use your favorite plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy work well) and dairy-free butter for the swirl.
• Reduced sugar: Cut sugar in the batter to 3/4 cup and use coconut sugar in the swirl mixture.

Why This Recipe Works

The Science Behind No-Yeast Quick Bread

Understanding the “why” behind recipes helps you become a better baker.

Baking powder and baking soda create carbon dioxide bubbles when they interact with liquids and acids in your batter. These bubbles expand in the heat of the oven, causing your bread to rise without needing yeast. The oil in the recipe coats the flour proteins, limiting gluten development and resulting in a tender, cake-like texture rather than chewy bread.

Meanwhile, the brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl mixture melts during baking, creating those gorgeous caramelized ribbons throughout your loaf. The slightly higher sugar content also helps preserve moisture, keeping your bread fresh longer than traditional yeast breads.

Happy Bakers Share Their Experience

“This Amish cinnamon bread recipe has become my weekend tradition! So much easier than dealing with yeast but tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. My kids think I’m a baking genius!” – Sarah T.

” The swirl comes out perfect every time, and it makes the best french toast the next day (if it lasts that long!).” – Michael R.

Conclusion

Creating this no-yeast Amish cinnamon bread brings together the best of both worlds – the incredible flavor and aroma of traditional cinnamon bread without the fuss of yeast or lengthy rising times. What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary that delights everyone who tastes it.

The next time you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, remember this recipe. In just over an hour, you can fill your home with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and sugar while creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to bake a loaf of Amish cinnamon bread that will have everyone asking for your secret. Happy baking!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to prepare Amish cinnamon bread in advance?

You absolutely can! Many bakers find that this Amish cinnamon bread tastes even better the day after baking. The flavors meld together overnight, creating an even more delicious experience. For best results, bake the bread 1-2 days before serving, store it properly in an airtight container, and add the glaze (if using) just before serving.

Why is my Amish cinnamon bread dry?

Dry bread typically results from one of three issues: overmeasuring flour, overbaking, or using the wrong fat ratio. When measuring flour for your Amish cinnamon bread, never scoop directly with the measuring cup – this compacts the flour, giving you too much. Instead, fluff the flour with a fork, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level off with a knife. Also, check your bread about 5 minutes before the recipe suggests – ovens vary, and yours might run hot!

Can I substitute butter for oil in this Amish cinnamon bread recipe?

Some bakers prefer the richer flavor butter provides. If using butter, make sure it’s completely melted but cooled slightly before adding to your wet ingredients. Keep in mind that bread made with butter might have a slightly different texture – often a bit more dense but with a more buttery flavor profile.

How can I tell if my Amish cinnamon bread is done baking?

Visual cues include a golden brown top that might have a slight crack down the center, pulled away slightly from the edges of the pan. You’ll also notice that wonderful baked cinnamon fragrance filling your kitchen. If in doubt, it’s better to bake a minute or two longer than to end up with undercooked bread.

Is traditional Amish friendship bread different from this recipe?

No, they’re related but different. Traditional Amish friendship bread requires a fermented sourdough-type starter that develops over 10 days of feeding and care. The starter contains wild yeasts and creates a distinctive tang. This no-yeast Amish cinnamon bread recipe is a quick bread version that captures similar flavors through the cinnamon-sugar swirl but uses baking powder and soda for leavening instead of yeast. This version lets you enjoy those wonderful flavors in just over an hour instead of waiting days for a starter to develop.

Ready to try this amazing Amish cinnamon bread? Pin this recipe for later or share it with friends who love baking! If you make this recipe, we’d love to see your results – tag us in your social media posts or leave a comment below with your experience. Happy baking!