Warm cinnamon swirls, tender crumb, and a little whisper of vanilla—that’s what I remember from my first slice of Amish cinnamon bread. I wasn’t even planning to bake that day. I’d just come home from a chilly Saturday hike here in the Blue Ridge foothills when a neighbor stopped by with a slice wrapped in wax paper. It was sweet, soft, and had that nostalgic scent that reminded me of my grandmother’s kitchen—flour in the air, cinnamon on her apron.
I’ve since made this Amish cinnamon bread recipe more times than I can count. Unlike the traditional Amish Friendship Bread, this one doesn’t require a starter or days of waiting. It’s quick to mix, easy to bake, and delivers that same old-fashioned flavor that makes you feel cared for.
This recipe shines because it keeps things straightforward.. You don’t need yeast or any fancy tools—just pantry staples, a bowl, and a loaf pan. Whether you’re baking for your family or sharing with a friend (as I now do), this bread brings comfort in the most delicious way.
You’ll also find this bread pairs beautifully with other cozy classics like my banana bread recipe from Hawaii or even something unexpected like cinnamon donut bread. If you’re after a bread machine version, try my King Arthur bread machine recipe as a weekday shortcut.
Let’s get started and bake a loaf that’s cozy, spiced, and memorable.
Ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Bread
This cinnamon bread recipe uses basic ingredients you likely already have. The key is in layering the cinnamon sugar so it creates a ribbon of sweetness through the middle.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Cinnamon (for swirl) | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar (for swirl) | 1/3 cup |
Tip: You can add a hint of nutmeg or a touch of brown sugar to the swirl mixture for a deeper spice flavor.
This version of Amish cinnamon bread doesn’t use a starter like traditional Amish Friendship Bread does, but it still gives you that same beloved texture. You could even serve it next to a cozy banana cottage cheese muffin or offer a slice with blueberry cottage cheese bread for a complete bake sale table.
How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Mix, Layer, and Bake with Love
Baking this Amish cinnamon bread is easier than most quick breads, and the results are always impressive. No yeast, no kneading—just good, old-fashioned flavor with a cinnamon swirl that makes each slice special.
Step-by-step:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring only until they come together; over-mixing will toughen the crumb
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 1/3 cup of sugar for the swirl.
- Fill the pan halfway with batter and sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it.
- Add the remaining batter, smoothing the top gently.
- Scatter the remaining cinnamon-sugar over the top and gently swirl it into the upper batter layer with a butter knife.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
This loaf stores well for 3–4 days at room temperature and freezes beautifully too. It’s the kind of cozy bake that pairs well with my Libby’s pumpkin bread recipe for a warm fall spread or as a sweet follow-up to something savory like garlic bread pizza.
If you’re craving a slightly more decadent option, try topping a slice with a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze or spreading with whipped cinnamon butter.
Want to simplify even further? This recipe can easily be adapted into muffins. Just reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes and use paper liners for easy cleanup.
The Meaning Behind Amish Cinnamon Bread
A Sweet Slice of Tradition
The Amish cinnamon bread recipe is more than a treat—it’s a story passed down in kitchens across generations. Unlike sourdough or yeasted loaves, this type of bread stems from the Amish Friendship Bread tradition, where one person shares a starter with another, creating a circle of giving. It’s baking as community, not just convenience.
While our version doesn’t use a starter, it carries that same spirit of sharing. It’s meant to be made in pairs—one for your family and one for a friend or neighbor. And that’s exactly what the original Amish bakers intended: simple, shareable comfort.
Why can’t you use metal with Amish Friendship Bread?
Traditional Amish recipes often avoid metal bowls and utensils because some believe it can react with the natural acids in the sourdough starter, potentially harming its fermentation process. That said, for quick breads like this cinnamon version, there’s no need to worry—any bowl will do.
Sharing bread starter embodies Amish ideals of kindness ,simplicity and patience . You’ll find this mirrored in other humble bakes like my Ezekiel bread recipe and hearty date nut bread—both excellent to serve alongside this loaf for a rustic brunch table.
What Cinnamon Really Does to Bread Dough
More Than Just Flavor
Cinnamon isn’t just there for the warm, cozy scent—it actually affects your bread’s texture too. In yeasted dough, cinnamon can slow fermentation slightly, but in quick breads like this, it functions as a spice enhancer and aromatic powerhouse.
What does cinnamon do to bread dough?
Cinnamon adds complexity and warmth to baked goods, but it also acts as a mild preservative due to its antimicrobial properties. When swirled into bread like this, it creates a flavor-layering effect that gives each bite a satisfying finish.
In this recipe, combining cinnamon with sugar and swirling it into the batter creates an inner ribbon that caramelizes slightly during baking. That little crunch on top? It’s pure cinnamon sugar magic.
Curious how cinnamon works in other bakes? Use it in creative ways, such as flourless cottage cheese bread or as a subtle accent in banana cottage cheese muffins.
Looking for something savory after all this sweetness? Try a tangy slice of marble rye bread next—it’s just as steeped in tradition, but with a whole new flavor profile.
How to Serve and Store Amish Cinnamon Bread
Best Ways to Enjoy and Keep It Fresh
One of my favorite things about this Amish cinnamon bread recipe is how versatile it is. It’s perfect warm from the oven or cooled and sliced the next day. You can even toast it and spread it with cream cheese or butter for a decadent breakfast treat.
How to serve it:
- Slice thick and serve with hot coffee or chai tea
- Toast and top with almond butter and bananas
- Turn into French toast—yes, really! Just dip slices in a standard egg-milk mixture and pan-fry
How to store it:
Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop a slice in the toaster oven—still soft, still flavorful.
This cinnamon loaf is just as satisfying as my cranberry walnut bread, and equally freezer-friendly too. If you’re baking ahead for guests or gifting, pair it with banana muffins for a breakfast box they’ll remember.
FAQ: Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Why can’t you use metal with Amish Friendship Bread?
Some believe metal can interfere with the active cultures in the sourdough-style starter used in Amish Friendship Bread. While modern materials are mostly safe, traditional recipes recommend glass or plastic bowls for fermentation.
What is the Amish bread tradition?
The Amish bread tradition revolves around community and sharing. Most notably, it includes gifting a sourdough starter to friends along with instructions and recipes. This continues a circle of generosity and homemade goodness.
What are the ingredients in cinnamon bread recipe?
Common ingredients are all-purpose flour, oil, baking soda, eggs, vanilla,sugar, buttermilk, and a cinnamon-sugar swirl.. Some recipes may also use brown sugar or nutmeg for added depth.
What does cinnamon do to bread dough?
Cinnamon adds warmth and aroma but can also slightly alter yeast activity in some doughs. In quick breads, it’s purely flavor-enhancing, contributing to that signature swirl and crunchy top layer.
Conclusion
This Amish cinnamon bread blends tradition and comfort with a hint of sweetness; it requires no starter, making it easy for weekday baking yet special enough for gatherings. Whether you serve it warm with coffee or gift it like the original Amish Friendship Bread was meant to be, this loaf tells a story with every bite.
Looking for more bakes with heart and history? Explore more like this on karinokada.com—from banana bread to pumpkin loaves and beyond.
Print
Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe – Sweet, Simple, and Shareable
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and simple Amish cinnamon bread made without starter. This cozy loaf is swirled with cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – 2 cups Granulated sugar – 1 cup Baking soda – 1 tsp Buttermilk – 1 cup Egg – 1 large Vegetable oil – 1/2 cup Vanilla extract – 1 tsp Cinnamon (for swirl) – 1 tbsp Sugar (for swirl) – 1/3 cup
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan. Whisk flour, sugar, and baking soda in a bowl. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, oil, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix cinnamon and sugar for swirl. Pour half of the batter into loaf pan. Sprinkle half of cinnamon sugar mixture. Add remaining batter and top with rest of swirl. Swirl gently with knife. Bake 45–55 min. Cool, slice, and serve.
Notes
Store at room temp for 3–4 days. Freezes well. Great for gifting.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Baking
- Method: Quick Bread
- Cuisine: Amish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg