If you love cozy, homemade comfort food recipes, this Amish Cinnamon Bread is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a soft, buttery loaf infused with warm cinnamon sugar swirls that melt into every bite. It’s not only a nostalgic treat but also one of the easiest quick breads you’ll ever bake. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or a sweet after-dinner snack, this bread tastes just like a cinnamon roll in loaf form.
This recipe requires no yeast, which means no kneading or waiting for dough to rise. It’s as simple as mixing, layering, swirling, and baking. If you’re searching for easy dessert recipes, sweet breakfast breads, or party food ideas, this cinnamon sugar loaf delivers in both flavor and presentation. Moist, sweet, and irresistibly spiced, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for every season of the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: No yeast or rise time—just mix and bake.
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Family-Friendly: A recipe kids love helping with (and eating!).
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Versatile: Works as breakfast, dessert, or a holiday gift loaf.
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Irresistible Flavor: Swirls of cinnamon sugar create a warm, cozy taste.
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Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for busy mornings.
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Impressive but Simple: Bakery-style flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredient Breakdown
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, moist texture and helps carry the cinnamon flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter while balancing the spice.
Eggs: Add structure and moisture, keeping the loaf tender.
Buttermilk: Provides tanginess and a soft crumb. Homemade buttermilk works perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, giving structure without being heavy.
Baking Soda: Leavens the bread, ensuring it rises beautifully in the oven.
Cinnamon: The star spice, warm and aromatic.
Sugar (for swirl): Creates the sweet cinnamon ribbons inside the loaf.
Pro Tips
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter and eggs to room temp for even mixing.
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Don’t Overmix: Stir flour in gently to avoid dense bread.
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Use Fresh Cinnamon: Freshly ground or high-quality cinnamon gives stronger flavor.
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Test Early: Check doneness at 45 minutes—every oven bakes differently.
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Perfect Swirl: Use a butter knife to gently drag through the batter for pretty ribbons.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Dairy-Free: Swap butter for vegan butter and buttermilk for almond milk + vinegar.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar layer.
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Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the cinnamon sugar mix.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
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Holiday Version: Add a touch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm slices with a smear of butter for a comforting breakfast. Pair with a hot latte or chai tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For dessert, top with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing. Turn leftovers into French toast for an indulgent brunch. It’s also perfect as a holiday food gift—wrap in parchment, tie with twine, and give to neighbors and friends.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
Make Ahead: The batter can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge. Swirl and bake the next morning.
Storage: Keep cooled loaves wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or toast lightly to bring back the fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Amish recipes are rooted in tradition, simplicity, and homemade goodness. This cinnamon bread has long been associated with Amish kitchens, where baking from scratch is a daily ritual. The swirled loaf embodies the essence of American comfort food—modest, resourceful, and deeply satisfying. Its popularity spread because it requires no yeast, making it both beginner-friendly and perfect for busy home bakers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this bread without buttermilk? Yes, substitute with milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Why did my bread sink in the middle? This usually happens from underbaking. Make sure a toothpick comes out clean before removing from the oven.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Bake in four loaf pans or freeze extras for later.
Is this the same as Amish Friendship Bread? No, that bread is made with a sourdough-like starter. This recipe is quicker and requires no starter.
Can I use whole wheat flour? You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a denser, nuttier loaf.
Amish Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8x4-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cream together softened butter, sugar, and eggs until fluffy and pale.
- Stir in buttermilk until fully combined.
- Add flour and baking soda, mixing until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, mix together ⅔ cup sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pans.
- Sprinkle ¾ of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top, then finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then transfer loaves to a wire rack to finish cooling.