Amish Cinnamon Bread

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, buttery quick bread layered with sweet cinnamon sugar and finished with a beautiful crackly cinnamon topping. Every slice has a tender, moist crumb with ribbons of warm cinnamon running through the center—almost like a cinnamon roll transformed into an easy loaf cake.

Despite the name, this popular Amish-style cinnamon bread requires no yeast, kneading, or rising time. The simple batter comes together with everyday baking ingredients, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, holiday baking, or a homemade gift for friends and neighbors.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Method: Baking

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang along the sides to make removing the bread easier.

Lightly grease the parchment paper.

2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

Stir until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.

Set aside while you prepare the batter.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Place the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for approximately 2–3 minutes, until light and creamy.

Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

4. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated.

Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Add the Buttermilk

Pour in the buttermilk and mix on low speed until combined.

The mixture may look slightly separated or curdled at this point. That’s normal.

6. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Mix on low speed just until no obvious streaks of dry flour remain.

Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make the finished bread dense or tough.

7. Create the First Layer

Spread approximately half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.

Sprinkle about half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter.

8. Add the Remaining Batter

Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer.

Gently spread it toward the edges of the pan without disturbing the cinnamon layer too much.

Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar generously over the top.

9. Create the Cinnamon Swirl

Insert a butter knife into the batter and gently swirl it through the loaf a few times.

Don’t overdo this step. A few simple swirls will create beautiful cinnamon ribbons while keeping distinct layers throughout the bread.

10. Bake

Bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil during the final 10–15 minutes.

Because ovens and loaf pans vary, begin checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.

11. Cool

Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bread to cool for approximately 15–20 minutes.

Carefully lift the loaf from the pan using the parchment overhang.

Transfer it directly to the wire rack and allow it to cool further before slicing.

The bread can be served slightly warm or completely cooled.

Tips for the Best Amish Cinnamon Bread

Use softened butter. Properly softened butter creams more easily with the sugar and helps create a lighter, tender crumb.

Use room-temperature ingredients. Egg and buttermilk blend more evenly into the batter when they’re not refrigerator-cold.

Measure flour correctly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it with a knife. Scooping directly from the flour container can pack too much flour into the cup.

Don’t overmix. Once the flour is added, mix only until the ingredients are combined.

Be generous with the cinnamon sugar. The cinnamon swirl and crackly topping are what give this loaf its signature flavor.

Don’t swirl too much. Over-swirling can cause the cinnamon sugar to disappear into the batter rather than creating distinct ribbons.

Check for doneness in the center. Quick breads can look finished on the outside while still being underbaked in the middle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about Amish Cinnamon Bread is how much flavor you get from such simple ingredients.

There’s no yeast to activate and no dough to knead. You don’t have to wait for anything to rise, either.

Instead, you get a moist homemade loaf with:

• A soft and buttery crumb
• Sweet cinnamon sugar ribbons
• A crackly cinnamon topping
• Simple pantry ingredients
• No yeast or kneading
• Easy preparation
• Warm cinnamon flavor in every slice

It’s an especially convenient recipe when you’re craving cinnamon rolls but don’t have time for traditional yeast dough.

Easy Variations

Cinnamon Pecan Bread

Sprinkle 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans between the layers along with the cinnamon sugar.

Add a few extra pecans over the top before baking.

Cinnamon Walnut Bread

Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts to the cinnamon layer for extra crunch.

Apple Cinnamon Bread

Fold approximately 1 cup of finely diced peeled apple into the batter.

Firm baking apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work especially well.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Fold 1/2 cup raisins into the finished batter before layering it in the loaf pan.

Vanilla Glazed Amish Cinnamon Bread

Whisk together:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled loaf.

Amish Cinnamon Muffins

Divide the batter among greased or lined muffin cups, layering cinnamon sugar through the center and over the tops.

Bake at 350°F for approximately 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

What to Serve With Amish Cinnamon Bread

This sweet cinnamon loaf is delicious by itself, especially when served slightly warm.

You can also pair it with:

• Hot coffee
• Cold milk
• Hot tea
• Hot chocolate
• Scrambled eggs
• Fresh berries
• Sliced bananas
• Fresh fruit salad
• Greek yogurt

For a cozy breakfast, warm a thick slice and serve it alongside coffee and fresh fruit.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a great make-ahead recipe because the loaf stays moist after baking.

Prepare and bake the bread as directed, then let it cool completely.

Wrap the loaf tightly or place it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

You can easily make it the night before a breakfast or brunch.

Storage

Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.

Keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to 5 days. Bring refrigerated slices to room temperature or warm them briefly before serving for the best texture.

Can You Freeze Amish Cinnamon Bread?

Yes. This cinnamon bread freezes well.

Allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it inside a freezer-safe bag.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator or for several hours at room temperature.

You can also freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice separately so you can thaw only what you need.

How to Reheat

For a warm, bakery-style slice, microwave an individual serving for approximately 10–15 seconds.

You can also wrap several slices loosely in foil and warm them in a low oven.

A small pat of butter on a warm slice makes this cinnamon bread especially delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Amish Cinnamon Bread actually Amish?

The name is commonly used for this style of sweet cinnamon quick bread, but recipes circulating under the name vary considerably. This version is an Amish-inspired quick bread designed to deliver the familiar buttery cinnamon-sugar flavor without requiring a starter or yeast.

Is this the same as Amish Friendship Bread?

No. Traditional Amish Friendship Bread recipes commonly use a fermented starter that’s shared and maintained over several days.

This recipe doesn’t require a starter. It’s a simple quick bread that can be mixed and baked the same day.

Does Amish Cinnamon Bread need yeast?

No. Baking soda provides the leavening in this recipe, so you don’t need yeast or rising time.

Can I make this without buttermilk?

Yes. If you don’t have buttermilk, place 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a measuring cup and add enough regular milk to reach 1 cup.

Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes before using.

Why did my cinnamon bread turn out dry?

Using too much flour or baking the loaf too long are common causes. Measure your flour carefully and start checking the bread around 50 minutes.

Why did my cinnamon swirl sink?

Cinnamon sugar can naturally settle slightly as the bread bakes. Avoid using excessive cinnamon sugar in one concentrated area and don’t over-swirl the batter.

Can I make two loaves at once?

Yes. Simply double the ingredients and divide the batter between two 9×5-inch loaf pans.

The baking time should remain approximately the same, although you should always check each loaf individually for doneness.

Can I add a glaze?

Absolutely. A simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla is delicious over the cooled cinnamon bread.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per slice, based on 10 slices:

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 280mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, optional additions, and serving sizes used.

Final Thoughts

Amish Cinnamon Bread is the kind of simple homemade recipe that makes the entire kitchen smell incredible while it bakes. With its moist buttery crumb, cinnamon sugar ribbon, and sweet crackly topping, it delivers plenty of cinnamon-roll-inspired flavor without the extra work of making yeast dough.

Enjoy a warm slice with your morning coffee, serve it as part of a weekend brunch, or wrap up a loaf as an easy homemade gift. With simple ingredients and no yeast required, this is one cinnamon bread recipe you’ll want to make again and again.