Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Simplicity

Amish Cinnamon Bread is one of those old-fashioned, comforting treats that never goes out of style. Known for its soft, moist crumb and sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl, this quick bread has all the flavor of a cinnamon roll but without the need to knead, rise, or roll out any dough.

This recipe is simple, requires no yeast, and uses pantry staples — making it perfect for beginner bakers or anyone craving a cozy, cinnamon-scented loaf to pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

In this article, you’ll discover what makes Amish Cinnamon Bread special, how to make it step by step, and tips to customize or store it.

What Makes Amish Cinnamon Bread Unique?

Unlike traditional yeast breads, Amish Cinnamon Bread is a quick bread, meaning it uses baking powder and baking soda instead of yeast. Its signature feature is a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl layered throughout a buttery vanilla base. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth loaf with a crusty sugar top and moist interior — without the fuss.

It’s often passed down through generations in handwritten recipe books, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved.

Ingredients

For the Batter:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons vinegar/lemon juice)
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

📝 This recipe makes 2 loaves. You can halve the recipe for a single loaf.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Two 9×5-inch loaf pans
Rubber spatula
Toothpick (for testing doneness)
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans generously with butter or nonstick spray, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.