Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, moist quick bread swirled with layers of cinnamon sugar, creating a cozy, sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Despite its name, it doesn’t require a starter like traditional Amish friendship bread—instead, it’s made with pantry staples and comes together quickly with no yeast, kneading, or waiting time.
This bread features a tender vanilla-scented batter that’s layered and topped with a generous cinnamon-sugar mixture. As it bakes, the sugar caramelizes slightly and infuses the entire loaf with that warm, comforting cinnamon flavor. The result is a beautiful, cake-like bread with a crisp top and irresistible aroma.
It’s ideal for make-ahead breakfasts or holiday gifting and pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or cocoa. You can serve it plain, toast slices with a bit of butter, or dress it up with a light glaze. Add it to a cozy brunch table with savory sides like cheesy biscuit appetizers, or include it on a sweet and savory spread featuring recipes from holiday appetizer ideas.
Simple to make, easy to love—Amish Cinnamon Bread is a comforting classic you’ll want to bake again and again.
2. What Is Amish Cinnamon Bread?
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a no-yeast, quick bread version of the classic Amish Friendship Bread, known for its ultra-soft texture and rich cinnamon swirl. Unlike the traditional version, which requires a sourdough-style starter and several days of preparation, this recipe skips the starter and uses simple ingredients to achieve similar results—moist, sweet, and full of cinnamon goodness.
The hallmark of this bread is the cinnamon sugar swirl layered into a vanilla-flavored batter. As it bakes, the sugar caramelizes slightly and forms a golden crust while the interior stays incredibly tender and light. The flavor is warm and comforting, with just the right amount of sweetness to enjoy on its own or alongside coffee, tea, or milk.
This bread is ideal for make-ahead breakfasts, holiday brunches, or gifting during the colder months. It’s also a fantastic addition to any snack board or brunch spread when served with savory bites like cheesy biscuit appetizers or alongside a balanced holiday table inspired by holiday appetizer ideas.
3. Ingredients Needed for Amish Cinnamon Bread
For the Bread Batter:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons vinegar)
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking soda
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
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⅔ cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Optional Add-Ins and Toppings:
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Chopped pecans or walnuts
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A light vanilla glaze or powdered sugar dusting
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Swirl of brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor
Serving Suggestions:
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Warm slices with butter or cream cheese
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Toasted and topped with honey or jam
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With savory items like cheesy biscuit appetizers
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Alongside festive fare from holiday appetizer ideas
4. Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
– In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
– Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
– Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla.
– In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
– Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl the Batter
– Pour one-fourth of the batter into each loaf pan.
– Sprinkle a third of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in each pan.
– Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon sugar.
– Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
– Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
– Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Optional Glaze or Toppings
– Once cooled, drizzle with glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
– Serve with sweet or savory dishes like cheesy biscuit appetizers or include on boards inspired by holiday appetizer ideas.
5. Popular Recipe Variations
1. Apple Cinnamon Amish Bread
Fold in 1 cup diced apples into the batter for a fall twist.
2. Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Bread
Add 1 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet upgrade.
3. Maple Cinnamon Bread
Swap some of the sugar with maple syrup and add a touch of maple extract.
4. Pecan Cinnamon Bread
Stir in chopped pecans for added crunch and depth of flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
All versions make a cozy, comforting addition to breakfast spreads, brunch buffets, or dessert boards, especially when paired with savory options like cheesy biscuit appetizers or holiday recipes from holiday appetizer ideas.
6. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
When to Serve:
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Morning breakfast with coffee
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Holiday brunches and potlucks
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Afternoon snack with tea or cider
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Gifting during the holiday season
Best Pairings:
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Hot coffee, chai, or spiced cider
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Yogurt and fruit for a complete breakfast
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Eggs and sausage for a savory contrast
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Salty treats like cheesy biscuit appetizers
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Part of a festive board with holiday appetizer ideas
Presentation Tips:
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Slice thick and serve on wooden boards for rustic charm
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Wrap individual slices in parchment and twine for gifts
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Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a cozy look
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To Store:
– Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 3–4 days
– Refrigerate for longer shelf life (up to 7 days)
– Reheat slices in toaster or microwave before serving
To Freeze:
– Wrap loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil
– Freeze up to 3 months
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature
Make-Ahead Tips:
– Bake up to 2 days in advance and store tightly wrapped
– Prepare batter ahead and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking
– Pairs well with other make-ahead sides like cheesy biscuit appetizers
8. Nutritional Breakdown & Dietary Notes
Estimated Nutrition (per slice, 1/12 of loaf):
– Calories: 280–320
– Fat: 12–15g
– Sugar: 20–25g
– Carbohydrates: 35–40g
– Protein: 3–4g
Dietary Considerations:
– Contains gluten and dairy
– Not vegan, but can be adapted using plant-based butter and milk
– Can be made gluten-free using 1:1 flour substitutes
– Vegetarian-friendly
A comforting, balanced option when served with fruit, eggs, or savory favorites like cheesy biscuit appetizers.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Amish Cinnamon Bread the same as Amish Friendship Bread?
No, this version is a quick bread and doesn’t require a starter. It’s faster and easier to make but has a similar flavor.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Use milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for each cup to mimic buttermilk.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
Overmixing, underbaking, or old baking soda can cause sinking. Be sure to test doneness with a toothpick.
Can I use a bundt pan instead of loaf pans?
Yes, just adjust baking time accordingly—start checking around 45–50 minutes.
Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly for best results.
Amish Cinnamon Bread The Coziest Cinnamon Sugar Quick Bread
Description
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a moist, sweet quick bread with a tender crumb and cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout. With no yeast or starter required, it comes together easily and bakes into a cozy, buttery loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting.
Ingredients
For the batter:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 cups buttermilk
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking soda
For the cinnamon-sugar mixture:
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2/3 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
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Stir in the buttermilk until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
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In a small bowl, combine the 2/3 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon for the swirl.
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Divide half of the batter between the two prepared pans. Sprinkle 3/4 of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter in both pans.
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Add the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon layer in both pans and smooth the tops.
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Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
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Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar into the batter in each pan.
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Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
For extra moisture, do not overbake; check at 50 minutes
– Let bread cool completely before slicing for clean cuts
– Customize with nuts, fruit, or chocolate chips
– Use real buttermilk for best texture and flavor
– Serve warm with butter, or pair with cheesy biscuit appetizers or other bites from holiday appetizer ideas for a satisfying brunch or snack spread
