Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, tender loaf with a rich, buttery texture and a sweet cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout. Often finished with a simple glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Its signature light, slightly sweet dough makes it different from heavier, yeast-based breads.
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making a classic Amish-style cinnamon bread.
Ingredients
For the Dough
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze (Optional)
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 teaspoons milk
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1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: Make the Dough
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In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Flour
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Sugar
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Baking powder
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Salt
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Baking soda
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In a separate bowl, whisk together:
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Buttermilk
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Melted butter
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
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Stir until just combined.
The batter will be thick but slightly sticky. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
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In a small bowl, mix:
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Sugar
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Cinnamon
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Melted butter
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Set aside.
Step 4: Layer the Dough and Swirl
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Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
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Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
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Top with the remaining batter, then the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon layer through the batter for a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 50–60 minutes, or until:
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A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
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Top is golden brown
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Loaf springs back when lightly pressed
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Step 6: Cool
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Step 7: Optional Glaze
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Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Drizzle over cooled bread for a sweet finish.
Tips for Perfect Amish Cinnamon Bread
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Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother batter.
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Swirl gently to avoid overmixing the cinnamon layer into the batter.
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Let the loaf cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
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For extra richness, replace 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for a softer crumb.
Serving Suggestions
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Warm slices with butter
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Toasted with cream cheese
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Paired with a cup of coffee or tea
Storage
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
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Refrigerate up to 1 week.
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Freeze unglazed slices up to 2 months.