Why Amish Cinnamon Bread Is a Must-Try Treat
Discover the irresistible flavor of Amish Cinnamon Bread, a sweet, soft treat perfect for breakfast or any cozy snack time. This delightful bread is known for its tender crumb, cinnamon-sugar swirls, and subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Amish Cinnamon Bread offers a warm, comforting experience that feels like a cozy hug in every bite, making it a staple in kitchens looking for a simple yet delicious baked good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Heavenly aroma: The warm scent of cinnamon baking fills your kitchen, instantly uplifting your mood.
- Soft and moist texture: Every slice is tender and perfectly moist, making it ideal for spreading butter or cream cheese.
- Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe anyone can master.
- Versatile snack: Whether for breakfast, a midday snack, or a cozy dessert, this bread fits every occasion.
- Homemade comfort: It brings that timeless feeling of homemade goodness with every nibble.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses basic pantry staples that come together to create a deliciously rich and fluffy cinnamon bread. Each ingredient plays an essential role in balancing the flavors and achieving the perfect texture.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the sturdy base and structure for the bread.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough, while brown sugar adds depth to the cinnamon swirl.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the bread rise, creating that soft, airy crumb.
- Butter: Melted butter enriches the dough and adds a subtle creamy flavor.
- Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast and contributes to the soft, tender texture.
- Eggs: Eggs bind ingredients and give the bread structure and richness.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon delivers the signature warm, spicy flavor.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the sweet and spice flavors perfectly.
Variations for Amish Cinnamon Bread
Feel free to customize this Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe to match your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Each twist can bring a new dimension to an already fantastic treat.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute with a quality gluten-free flour blend to keep the bread soft and tasty.
- Swirls with nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a crunchy surprise.
- Sweet glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top for extra sweetness and shine.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a more complex flavor.
- Use honey: Replace some sugar with honey for a natural sweetness and moist texture.
How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Warm the milk until it’s just about 110 degrees Fahrenheit — perfect for activating your yeast. Combine the yeast with a small amount of sugar and warm milk, letting it sit until bubbly and fragrant. Then, whisk in melted butter, eggs, sugar, flour, and salt, mixing until the dough forms.
Step 2: Knead and let rise
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size — about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 3: Roll and layer with cinnamon sugar
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Spread melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly. Roll the dough tightly from one end, sealing the edges.
Step 4: Shape and second rise
Cut the rolled dough lengthwise into two long halves. Twist the two strands together gently, keeping the cinnamon sugar filling intact. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for another 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to preserve its soft texture.
Pro Tips for Making Amish Cinnamon Bread
- Use warm ingredients: Make sure your milk and melted butter are lukewarm to help activate the yeast properly.
- Knead thoroughly: A well-kneaded dough creates the perfect chewy texture and airy crumb.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough to double in size naturally improves flavor and lightness.
- Seal the roll tight: This prevents the cinnamon sugar from leaking out during baking.
- Check oven temperature: Avoid opening the oven door too often, which can lower the temperature and affect the bake.
How to Serve Amish Cinnamon Bread
Garnishes
Top slices with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an appealing presentation and extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Pair your Amish Cinnamon Bread with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk to complement the sweetness and spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices stacked with cream cheese and fresh berries for a brunch treat or cut into cubes and toasted in a skillet with a cinnamon-sugar glaze for a delightful snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Amish Cinnamon Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, preserving freshness and softness.
Freezing
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to three months, ready to thaw and enjoy anytime.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds to warm up the bread without drying it out, restoring its soft texture perfectly.
FAQs
Is Amish Cinnamon Bread difficult to make?
Not at all. The recipe is straightforward, using simple ingredients and clear steps that any home baker can follow successfully.
Can I make Amish Cinnamon Bread without yeast?
Traditional Amish Cinnamon Bread relies on yeast for its soft, risen texture, so omitting yeast will change the bread’s character significantly.
How long does Amish Cinnamon Bread stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, it stays fresh for about three days; beyond that, refrigeration or freezing helps maintain quality.
What can I use instead of brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl?
Light or dark brown sugar adds moisture and depth, but you can substitute with coconut sugar or a mix of granulated sugar and molasses for a similar effect.
Can Amish Cinnamon Bread be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk to make it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a homemade touch of cozy sweetness to your mornings or snack time, Amish Cinnamon Bread is a delightful choice. Its soft texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and simple preparation make it a timeless treat you will want to bake over and over again. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite comfort food.
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Amish Cinnamon Bread
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a sweet, soft bread featuring tender crumb, cinnamon-sugar swirls, and subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, this bread provides a warm, comforting flavor with an easy preparation process using simple pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains gluten; can be adapted to gluten-free with flour substitution
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter (lukewarm)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter (for spreading)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Warm the milk until it reaches about 110°F to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the yeast with a tablespoon of sugar and the warm milk. Let it sit until bubbly and fragrant, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, granulated sugar, salt, and the yeasted milk mixture. Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead and let rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Roll and layer with cinnamon sugar: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture on top. Roll the dough tightly from one end and seal the edges to prevent leakage.
- Shape and second rise: Cut the rolled dough lengthwise into two long halves. Twist the two strands gently together, keeping the cinnamon sugar filling intact. Place the twisted dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread is cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing to maintain the soft texture.
Notes
- Use warm milk and melted butter to properly activate the yeast.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop a chewy and airy crumb.
- Allow the dough to rise fully to enhance flavor and lightness.
- Tightly seal the rolled dough to prevent cinnamon sugar from leaking out.
- Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking to maintain temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Amish cinnamon bread, cinnamon swirl bread, sweet bread, breakfast bread, homemade cinnamon bread, soft cinnamon bread