Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Introduction
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a beloved, comforting treat known for its tender, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced flavor. This quick bread, with its rich, swirl of cinnamon sugar, has been passed down through generations and is often made in Amish communities as a delicious homemade gift or for a cozy breakfast or snack. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow, requiring basic pantry ingredients, and offers a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.
About the Recipe
The beauty of Amish Cinnamon Bread lies in its simplicity and the layers of flavor it brings. The batter is made from flour, sugar, milk, and eggs, resulting in a moist, tender bread. The real magic happens when a cinnamon-sugar mixture is swirled through the batter before baking, creating a fragrant and sugary ribbon of cinnamon throughout the loaf. As the bread bakes, the sugar caramelizes slightly, giving you a deliciously sweet crust with a soft and fluffy interior. The smell wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!
This recipe also offers the flexibility to bake one large loaf or two smaller ones, depending on how many servings you need. The beauty of this bread is that it’s incredibly versatile: you can add nuts or raisins for extra texture or even drizzle a sweet glaze on top once it’s cooled for a finishing touch. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or at room temperature, Amish Cinnamon Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
– Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
– Servings: 8-10 slices per loaf
Why You Will Love This Recipe (5 Distinguished Points)
1. Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making this a go-to recipe for when you want something quick and easy.
2. No Kneading: Unlike many bread recipes, Amish Cinnamon Bread doesn’t require any kneading. It’s a simple mix, stir, and bake process.
3. Versatile: You can customize the bread by adding nuts, raisins, or even a glaze, turning it into your own signature creation.
4. Incredibly Fragrant: The combination of cinnamon and sugar baking together fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
5. Perfect for Gifting: Its homemade look and delicious flavor make Amish Cinnamon Bread a thoughtful and personal gift for friends and family.
Ingredients Notes
– All-Purpose Flour: This recipe uses basic all-purpose flour, which ensures the bread has a light, tender crumb.
– Cinnamon Sugar: This is the key flavoring element of the recipe. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon depending on your taste preferences.
– Milk: Whole milk works best, but you can substitute with 2% or non-dairy alternatives (such as almond milk) if needed.
– Butter: For the best flavor, use unsalted butter. If you prefer, you can replace it with vegetable oil, but butter will provide a richer taste.
– Eggs: Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
– Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease one 9×5-inch loaf pan (or two smaller pans, if desired) with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Set this aside for later use.
3. Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Add 1/2 cup milk and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
4. Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar, and then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
5. Create the Swirl: Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
6. Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent the bread with aluminum foil.
7. Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Storage Options
– Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: If you want to make this bread in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Variations and Substitutions
– Add-ins: To make the bread even more special, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins to the batter.
– Glaze: After baking, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.
– Spices: Try experimenting with other spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, for a different flavor profile.
– Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a timeless recipe that combines the comfort of homemade bread with the irresistible allure of cinnamon sugar. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that anyone can master, and it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on your own. Whether you’re making it for breakfast, a snack, or as a thoughtful gift, this bread will fill your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite!