Amish Cinnamon Bread isn’t just another quick loaf—it’s the kind of recipe that stops your scroll and makes you picture a cozy farmhouse kitchen. One whiff of Amish Cinnamon Bread baking, and every corner of your home feels warmer, sweeter, more inviting.

Bite into the first slice and you’ll understand why bakers pass this treasured Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe down through generations. The crumb is unbelievably tender, the cinnamon-sugar crust crackles with each cut, and the flavor lingers like a hug on a chilly morning.

Here’s the best part: Amish Cinnamon Bread skips the yeast completely. No rising, no kneading, no fuss. Stir the simple batter, pour it into a loaf pan, shower it with that signature cinnamon-sugar swirl, and bake. In under an hour, you’ll have Amish Cinnamon Bread that tastes as though it came straight from an Amish bake sale—yet every slice is homemade by you.

Two slices of Amish Cinnamon Bread with butter on a white counter

Why This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe Is a Game-Changer?

There’s a reason Amish Cinnamon Bread has stood the test of time. This old-fashioned recipe has been passed down through generations—and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.

Unlike yeast-based breads that take hours to rise, this Amish Cinnamon Bread is a quick bread that comes together in just minutes. No kneading, no waiting—just mix, pour, and bake.

The secret? A simple yet brilliant blend of buttermilk and baking soda. This combo gives Amish Cinnamon Bread its signature soft, moist crumb—without the hassle of yeast.

Rooted in Amish tradition, this recipe transforms everyday pantry staples into something truly special. It reflects the values of homemade simplicity and comfort.

Amish Cinnamon Bread is the perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee. It shines as a breakfast treat, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a light dessert.

Want to elevate it even more? Serve it with classic Amish favorites like apple butter or a spoonful of homemade jam. Every slice tastes like it came straight from a warm, welcoming farmhouse kitchen.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment For Amish Cinnamon Bread

Recipe Variations
Storage
The Secret Pause: Amish Wisdom Behind the Perfect Cinnamon Bread

FAQ
Final Flourish
Related

Pairing

Ingredients

For the Bread:

Buttermilk
Vegetable oil

Large egg
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour

Baking soda
Salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

Granulated sugar

Ground cinnamon
Melted butter

Measured ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Bread on white counter

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Mix and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, and egg
In separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined

Layer and Top

Pour half the batter into prepared pan
Mix cinnamon and sugar for topping in small bowl

Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar over batter
Add remaining batter, then top with rest of cinnamon sugar
Drizzle melted butter over top and gently swirl with knife

Bake and Cool

Bake 50-60 minutes until toothpick comes out with few moist crumbs
Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing
Let cool completely on wire rack before slicing

Wet and dry ingredients ready to be combined

Mix & Prepare: Combine wet and dry bowls.

First layer of batter covered with cinnamon sugar in loaf pan

Layer & Top: Layer batter and cinnamon sugar.

Fresh loaves of Amish Cinnamon Bread cooling on wire rack

Bake & Cool: Bake, then cool before slicing.

Equipment For Amish Cinnamon Bread

9x5-inch loaf pan (standard size for even baking)
Large mixing bowls (two bowls prevent overmixing)
Wire cooling rack (prevents soggy bottoms)

Sharp knife (for swirling without deflating batter)
Whisk and wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Expert Cooking Tips and Hints

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing
Don't overmix the batter - lumps are okay
Test doneness with toothpick inserted slightly off-center

Let batter rest 5 minutes before adding topping for better texture
Drizzle butter evenly for perfect crust formation

Recipe Variations

Flavor Variations:

Add diced apples for apple cinnamon bread

Mix in vanilla extract for extra depth
Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans
Add orange zest for citrusy twist

Dietary Adaptations:

Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Dairy-free: Substitute plant milk with vinegar and vegan butter
Lower sugar: Reduce sugar amounts by ¼

Whole wheat: Replace half flour with whole wheat flour
Vegan: Use applesauce instead of egg

Storage

Room Temperature Storage:

Wrap in plastic wrap or store in airtight container

Keeps fresh for up to 4 days
Flavor improves after first day

Freezing Instructions:

Wrap cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil

Freezes for up to 3 months
Thaw overnight at room temperature
Slice and toast directly from frozen

Meal Prep Ideas:

Double recipe to make two loaves
Freeze one loaf for later
Pre-slice and freeze individual portions

The Secret Pause: Amish Wisdom Behind the Perfect Cinnamon Bread

I’ll never forget the day an Amish neighbor shared her quiet baking wisdom with me. As we stirred the batter for her treasured Amish Cinnamon Bread, she gently whispered, “Let it rest a bit—just five minutes.” That simple moment held the key to an unbelievably tender loaf.

Letting the batter sit before adding the cinnamon topping allows the flour to fully hydrate. It’s a tiny step with a big payoff—giving your Amish Cinnamon Bread a softer, more delicate crumb that truly melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of secret you pass down, loaf after loaf.

FAQ

What makes Amish bread different?

Amish cinnamon bread differs from regular bread through its simple, no-yeast recipe and traditional preparation methods. Unlike commercial breads, Amish bread uses basic ingredients like buttermilk, baking soda, and natural sweeteners. The bread features a tender, moist crumb with distinctive cinnamon sugar swirls. Amish baking emphasizes wholesome, preservative-free ingredients and time-honored techniques passed down through generations, creating exceptionally flavorful homemade bread.

Why can't you use metal with Amish Friendship Bread?

Metal utensils and bowls shouldn't be used with Amish Friendship Bread starter because they can react with the acidic fermentation process. The starter contains natural acids that may cause metallic flavors and potentially harm the living cultures. For authentic Amish cinnamon bread recipes, use wooden spoons, plastic bowls, or glass containers instead. This traditional rule ensures the starter remains healthy and maintains its characteristic tangy flavor for successful bread making.

What is the story behind Amish Friendship Bread?

Amish Friendship Bread originated in Amish communities as a way to share food and strengthen community bonds. The tradition involves passing sourdough starter between neighbors, creating lasting friendships through baking. Each person receives starter with instructions to nurture it, bake bread, and share portions with others. This creates an endless chain of giving that reflects Amish values of community, generosity, and simple living through traditional Amish cinnamon bread recipes.

Why does my Amish Friendship bread sink in the middle?

Amish cinnamon bread sinks in the middle due to several common issues: overmixing the batter, using expired baking soda, or opening the oven door too early. The bread may also sink if the starter isn't active enough or if too much liquid is added. Ensure your starter bubbles actively, measure ingredients accurately, and avoid disturbing the bread while baking for perfect results with your homemade Amish bread recipe.

Final Flourish

If you’re craving a loaf that marries traditional flavor with modern ease, bookmark this Amish Cinnamon Bread now—and share the joy. Its tender crumb and caramel-kissed cinnamon sugar crust prove that simple ingredients can yield spectacular results. When you’ve polished off the last slice of Amish Cinnamon Bread, keep your oven busy with our Delicious Avocado Bread Recipe for a buttery-rich twist, or whip up a chewy-airy Sourdough Ciabatta Bread Recipe to flex your artisanal skills.

Loved this bake? Pin it, rate it, and drop a comment to let us know how Amish Cinnamon Bread turned out in your kitchen—and which loaf you’ll tackle next!

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these: