Amish Cinnamon Bread brings old-fashioned comfort straight to your kitchen with simple pantry ingredients and no complicated steps. This soft, tender loaf features a rich cinnamon-sugar swirl running through the center and a crackly, sugary crust on top. Even better, you do not need yeast, kneading, or a mixer. Instead, you stir everything together in one bowl and let the oven do the work.
Because this Amish Cinnamon Bread uses baking soda instead of yeast, it comes together quickly. As it bakes, the sweet cinnamon aroma fills your home and makes it almost impossible to wait. Whether you serve it for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this loaf always feels special.
One chilly weekend morning, I wanted something sweet but simple. I did not want to deal with yeast or rising times, yet I still craved warm cinnamon bread. I remembered a handwritten recipe tucked inside an old cookbook and decided to try it. The batter came together in minutes, and soon the scent of cinnamon drifted through the house. When I sliced into that soft loaf and saw the perfect swirl, I knew this recipe would become a favorite. Now I bake it whenever I want comfort without the fuss.
Why Amish Cinnamon Bread Is So Popular
No Yeast, No Fuss, All Flavor
Amish Cinnamon Bread stands out because it delivers bakery-style flavor without complicated steps. Traditional bread recipes often require yeast, proofing, and kneading. However, this recipe skips all of that. Instead, baking soda provides lift, which means you can mix and bake right away.
Because you do not knead the dough, the texture stays tender and soft. The batter comes together quickly, and you avoid overworking it. As a result, the finished loaf stays light rather than dense.
Additionally, the cinnamon-sugar swirl adds sweetness and warmth in every bite. The top forms a slightly crisp, sugary crust during baking. Therefore, you get a contrast of textures that makes each slice irresistible.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Amish Cinnamon Bread fits almost any moment. You can serve it warm for breakfast with coffee. You can also slice it for brunch or afternoon tea. Moreover, it wraps beautifully for gifting.
Since it uses simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and oil, you likely have everything on hand. Consequently, you can make it without planning ahead. If guests stop by unexpectedly, you can still serve something homemade and comforting.
Because this bread stays moist for days, it also works well for meal prep. You can bake it at the start of the week and enjoy slices throughout the week.
Ingredients That Make It Soft and Sweet
The Simple Bread Base
The bread base starts with all-purpose flour, which provides structure. Granulated sugar sweetens the loaf while also contributing to a soft crumb. Baking soda helps the bread rise evenly without yeast.
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor. Meanwhile, buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang. If you do not have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, and it will work perfectly.
The egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness. Vegetable oil or melted butter keeps the bread moist. Finally, vanilla extract adds warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add buttermilk, egg, oil or melted butter, and vanilla. Stir just until combined.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar, add remaining batter, and top with remaining cinnamon sugar.
- Swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake 45–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
Notes
The Signature Cinnamon Swirl
The cinnamon swirl gives Amish Cinnamon Bread its signature look and taste. You only need granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. However, this simple mixture transforms the entire loaf.
As the bread bakes, the cinnamon sugar melts slightly and blends into the batter. When you slice the loaf, you see beautiful swirls running through the center. Because you layer the mixture in the middle and on top, every bite contains sweet cinnamon flavor.
The sugar on top caramelizes slightly in the oven. Therefore, the crust develops a delicate crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results
Mixing and Layering the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution. Next, add the buttermilk, egg, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix. If you mix too much, the bread may turn dense instead of tender. The batter should look smooth but slightly thick.
In a separate small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, spreading it gently. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the surface.
Swirling and Baking to Perfection
Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the batter. Insert the knife into the loaf and move it in a figure-eight motion. However, avoid over-swirling. You want visible ribbons of cinnamon, not fully blended batter.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Although it smells amazing right away, allowing it to cool slightly makes slicing easier.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
Easy Ways to Customize
Although classic Amish Cinnamon Bread tastes incredible on its own, you can easily add variety. For example, you can stir in chopped nuts for extra texture. You can also add a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
If you prefer a richer flavor, choose melted butter instead of oil. On the other hand, oil keeps the loaf extra moist for longer.
You can even turn this recipe into muffins. Simply divide the batter into lined muffin tins and adjust the baking time to about 18 to 22 minutes.
How to Store and Freeze
Amish Cinnamon Bread stays moist at room temperature for up to three days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. Before serving, warm slices briefly in the microwave to restore softness.
You can also freeze the loaf. First, let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy whenever you crave a sweet, cinnamon treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for five minutes. This works as a perfect substitute.
2. Why should I avoid overmixing?
Overmixing develops too much gluten, which can make the bread dense instead of soft.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. You can bake two loaves at once. Just divide the batter evenly between two pans.
4. How do I know when it is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is fully baked.
5. Can I add a glaze?
Yes. A simple powdered sugar glaze adds extra sweetness and makes the loaf look beautiful for gifting.
Conclusion
Amish Cinnamon Bread delivers everything you want in a homemade sweet loaf. It stays soft, moist, and perfectly swirled with cinnamon sugar in every slice. Because it requires no yeast and no kneading, you can bake it anytime without stress.
Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or wrapped as a thoughtful gift, this bread never disappoints. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon and create a loaf that everyone will love.
