Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, sweet quick bread with a yummy cinnamon-sugar swirl. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, and you don’t need yeast or a starter. I made this for a family brunch, and everyone loved the warm cinnamon smell filling the kitchen. You can make two loaves in about an hour with simple ingredients. Let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

This bread is quick to mix and bake, with no kneading required. It has a soft texture and a sweet cinnamon flavor that kids and adults enjoy. You can make it with pantry staples, and it’s great for sharing with friends. The crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping makes every bite special. It’s perfect for a cozy morning or a holiday gift. I love how it tastes like a cinnamon roll but is so much easier to make.

Ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
⅔ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
2 tbsp ground cinnamon (for topping)

Substitutions: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 2 cups milk with 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes. Use salted butter but skip any added salt. For a less sweet bread, cut the sugar in the batter to 1.5 cups.

Equipment Needed:

Two 9×5-inch loaf pans
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Butter knife (for swirling)
Cooking spray or butter (for greasing pans)

These are common kitchen tools you probably already have. Two loaf pans are great since this recipe makes two breads.

How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe?

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 2 cups sugar, and 2 eggs until smooth. Add 2 cups buttermilk, 4 cups flour, and 2 teaspoons baking soda, and stir until just combined.

Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix ⅔ cup sugar with 2 tablespoons cinnamon. This will make the yummy swirl and crunchy topping.

Layer the Batter

Pour half the batter into the greased loaf pans, about ¼ of the total batter in each pan. Sprinkle ¾ of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter in both pans.

Add Final Batter and Topping

Pour the remaining batter into the pans, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of each loaf.

Swirl and Bake

Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar into the batter in each pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool in the pans for 20 minutes. Remove from pans and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for a Great Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Use softened butter for a smooth batter; cold butter won’t mix well. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the bread soft and fluffy. Swirl gently to create pretty cinnamon patterns without blending it all together. I once over-swirled, and the bread lost its distinct layers, so go easy.

Pro Tip: Fresh Cinnamon Matters

Use fresh, high-quality cinnamon, like Saigon or Ceylon, for the best flavor. I bought cheap cinnamon once, and the taste was weak compared to fresh spice.

Variations and Substitutions

Add ½ cup raisins or chopped pecans to the batter for extra texture; I tried pecans, and they added a nice crunch. For a chocolate twist, mix in ½ cup chocolate chips with the batter, which my kids loved.

Storage Instructions

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can You Make This Without Buttermilk?

Yes, mix 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. I used this trick when I ran out of buttermilk, and the bread still turned out great.

FAQs About Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this tasty bread.

Is this the same as Amish Friendship Bread?
No, this is a quick bread with no yeast or starter, unlike Amish Friendship Bread, which uses a sourdough starter. I find this version faster and just as delicious.
Can I use a hand mixer?
Yes, but you can also mix by hand with a whisk or spoon if the butter is soft. I mixed by hand once, and it worked fine with a little effort.
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes, pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. I made muffins for a party, and they were a hit.
Why is my bread dense?
You might have overmixed the batter or used old baking soda. I had a dense loaf once, and fresh baking soda fixed it next time.

How to Serve Amish Cinnamon Bread

Slice and serve warm with butter for a cozy breakfast or snack. Pair with coffee, tea, or milk, or use it to make French toast for a special treat.

Nutrition Info for Amish Cinnamon Bread

Per serving (1 slice, 12 slices per loaf):

Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 31g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe is an easy, sweet treat that fills your home with the warm smell of cinnamon. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with family. Share your favorite way to enjoy it in the comments below!