If you’re searching for the ultimate treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and the sweet, rich scent of cinnamon, then Amish Cinnamon Bread is about to become your new favorite. This delightfully soft quick bread is layered with a decadent swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar, making every bite perfectly moist, tender, and comforting. Whether you need a cozy breakfast, a snack to pair with your afternoon coffee, or a nostalgic dessert to share with friends, this recipe delivers the homemade goodness you crave.

Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the very best things about Amish Cinnamon Bread is how each ingredient shines in its simplicity. These pantry staples work together to create that tender crumb, irresistible flavor, and classic golden crust you’ll remember long after the loaf is gone.

Flour: The backbone of your bread, all-purpose flour gives just the right structure while allowing the cinnamon swirl to take center stage.
Baking soda: Adds a gentle lift to the loaf, keeping the crumb light and airy without any yeast involved.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise evenly, ensuring every slice is fluffy and satisfying.
Salt: A pinch balances all the sweetness, highlighting the warm flavors instead of letting them overpower.
Butter (softened): Creamy butter is essential for moisture and the slightly rich, almost cake-like texture that makes this bread special.
Sugar: Adds that classic, gently sweet flavor and helps the loaf develop a golden crust while baking.
Egg: Binds all the ingredients together and adds lovely tenderness to the finished bread.
Buttermilk: Secret weapon! Buttermilk adds tang and keeps the bread incredibly moist – don’t skip it if you want authentic results.
Brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon, it melts into sweet ribbons inside the loaf for that signature swirl.
Cinnamon: Warm, fragrant cinnamon is the heart of Amish Cinnamon Bread, making every slice sing with cozy flavor.

How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your batter goes into a perfectly hot oven and gets a beautiful, even rise. Grease a standard loaf pan well with butter or non-stick spray so your Amish Cinnamon Bread slides out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Egg

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, and egg until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and creamy. This step is all about incorporating air, which gives your bread its lightness.

Step 3: Mix in the Buttermilk

Pour in the buttermilk and blend until it’s fully combined. Buttermilk gives the loaf its signature tenderness and a subtle, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so go easy for the best texture.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar

Pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle half of this mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top, and finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar. Use a table knife to gently swirl the layers together, creating beautiful ribbons of spice all the way through the loaf.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Amish Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

Amish Cinnamon Bread is beautiful with just its swirled top, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze can take it to the next level. For something extra special, add a pat of cinnamon butter or a drizzle of honey – both highlight its warm spices and make every bite feel like a hug.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea. For brunch, serve slices alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a satisfying, varied morning spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting this bread, slice and wrap individual pieces in parchment paper and twine for a rustic homemade touch. Or, serve slightly warmed slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as an effortless, homey dessert at your next gathering. Amish Cinnamon Bread also makes a cozy addition to a holiday breakfast board, nestled among muffins and fresh berries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your Amish Cinnamon Bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and delicious for up to three days – if it lasts that long!

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked warmth, pop a slice into the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a toaster oven. It will restore the bread’s softness and bring out the flavors of the cinnamon swirl all over again.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can use regular milk in a pinch, buttermilk gives Amish Cinnamon Bread its unique tenderness and tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can quickly make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes before using.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredient amounts and divide the batter between two loaf pans. Bake both at the same time but keep an eye on them in case they need an extra few minutes in the oven.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking?

Make sure your batter isn’t too runny and don’t over-swirl the cinnamon sugar layer. Gently swirling with a knife just a few times helps keep the cinnamon ribbons in place throughout the loaf.

What’s the best way to slice Amish Cinnamon Bread?

Let the bread cool completely before slicing to get clean, beautiful pieces. Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between slices if the swirl sticks.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the flour with your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to choose one intended for baking, as this will give the texture closest to the original recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm slice of Amish Cinnamon Bread fresh from your own oven. Whether you bake it for family, friends, or just as a treat for yourself, this classic recipe will win hearts every single time. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with its sweet, cinnamon-swirled goodness as much as I have!