Introduction
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a beloved classic that offers the comfort and warmth of homemade baked goods. This sweet, cinnamon-infused bread is both a delightful treat and a heartwarming gift to share with friends and family. With a soft, moist texture and a swirl of cinnamon and sugar, it’s a favorite for breakfast or any time you crave a delicious, homemade snack.
Who Is This Recipe For?
Amish Cinnamon Bread is for anyone who enjoys the timeless appeal of cinnamon and sugar. It’s perfect for:
- Home Bakers: If you love to bake and share your creations, this bread is a must-try.
- Cinnamon Lovers: For those who can’t resist the comforting flavor of cinnamon.
- All-Around Snackers: Ideal for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert.
What Makes Amish Cinnamon Bread So Special?
Cinnamon Swirl
The generous swirl of cinnamon and sugar throughout the bread provides layers of sweet, spicy delight.
Homemade Goodness
Baking this bread at home fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma.
Versatile Treat
Amish Cinnamon Bread is suitable for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
Sharing Joy
This bread is perfect for baking and sharing, whether you’re gifting it to a friend or serving it to guests.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the process of making Amish Cinnamon Bread, let’s gather our ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Now, let’s get into the heart of creating this delicious Amish Cinnamon Bread:
Prepare the Bread Batter
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl.
Assemble the Bread
- Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans and divide half of the bread batter between them, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar swirl mixture over the batter in each loaf pan.
- Add the remaining bread batter to each pan and smooth the top.
- Mix the topping ingredients (granulated sugar and ground cinnamon) and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter in both pans.
Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pans for a few minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and serve your Amish Cinnamon Bread. It’s delightful warm or at room temperature.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make Amish Cinnamon Bread, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Two 9×5-inch Loaf Pans: For baking the bread.
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing the bread batter and the cinnamon-sugar swirl.
- Electric Mixer (optional): To cream the butter and sugar for the bread batter.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the bread after baking.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any Amish Cinnamon Bread leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious), store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. The bread can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for longer storage. Warm it slightly before serving to bring back the fresh-baked goodness.
Recipe Swaps and Variations
While classic Amish Cinnamon Bread is delightful, you can experiment with variations:
- Nutty Crunch: Add a cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the bread batter for a delightful crunch.
- Fruity Twist: Fold in a cup of raisins, chopped apples, or dried cranberries for a fruity dimension.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of grated orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing twist.
- Streusel Topping: Instead of the simple cinnamon-sugar topping, make a streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and butter.
FAQ
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While butter provides a rich, buttery flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute if desired.
Q: Can I make this bread with whole wheat flour?
A: You can use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, but using solely whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture.
Q: Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread batter?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
Q: Can I make this bread with a different type of sugar?
A: While granulated sugar is traditional, you can experiment with brown sugar or a combination of both for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a comforting homemade delight that embodies the warmth of cinnamon and sugar in every slice. Whether you bake it for your family or share it as a thoughtful gift, this bread carries the essence of homemade goodness. So, gather your ingredients, bake this wonderful bread, and savor the sweet and spicy delight of Amish Cinnamon Bread. Don’t forget to share this fantastic recipe with your friends and family and subscribe to my blog for more culinary inspirations. Enjoy!