Cinnamon Bread from the Amish Community: A Timeless Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure the loaves release easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed. This will be used to create the beautiful cinnamon swirl inside the bread.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. The butter and sugar mixture should be well-blended with no lumps, and it will help give the bread a tender, moist texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Buttermilk

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, slowly add the buttermilk while continuing to mix. The buttermilk will add moisture and give the bread a subtle tang.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

Step 6: Layer the Batter and Cinnamon Sugar

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pans, dividing it evenly between the two pans. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in each pan. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it out evenly, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. For a beautiful swirl, use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown, and the bread will have risen nicely.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once the bread is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm with a pat of butter, or serve it as-is for a comforting treat!

Tips for Perfect Amish Cinnamon Bread

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the flour to the wet ingredients, be sure to stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread.
2. Use Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ll have homemade buttermilk!
3. Generously Swirl the Cinnamon: The cinnamon sugar mixture is key to the flavor of this bread, so don’t be shy when swirling it through the batter. The more swirls, the more flavor in each slice.
4. Double the Recipe: This bread freezes well, so consider making a double batch. Simply wrap the cooled loaves in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, let the bread sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Variations of Amish Cinnamon Bread

• Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon sugar mixture. This adds texture and an extra layer of flavor.
• Cinnamon Raisin Bread: Stir a handful of raisins into the batter for a cinnamon raisin twist. The raisins add a pop of sweetness and pair wonderfully with the cinnamon flavor.
• Glaze the Top: For an extra sweet touch, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top of the bread after it has cooled.

Serving Ideas for Amish Cinnamon Bread

• For Breakfast: Serve slices of this cinnamon bread warm with butter or cream cheese for a delicious breakfast treat.
• Toast It: For a crispy, caramelized surface, toast a slice of this bread and top it with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
• With Coffee or Tea: Amish Cinnamon Bread makes a delightful afternoon snack alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Gift It: Homemade bread is always a welcome gift. Wrap a loaf in a pretty tea towel and give it to a friend or neighbor.

Storing Amish Cinnamon Bread

• Room Temperature: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, let the bread sit at room temperature or warm it in the oven.