Amish Cinnamon Bread
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a delightful and simple quick bread with a soft, buttery base and a cinnamon-sugar swirl running through it. Perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this bread combines rich flavors with a tender texture that rivals bakery-style loaves!
Ingredients
For the Bread Batter:
- 1 cup soft butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk (or homemade buttermilk: 2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two loaf pans (8×4 inches) generously.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the soft butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time until well incorporated.
- Stir in the buttermilk, flour, and baking soda until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
2. Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix together ⅔ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to create the swirl mixture.
3. Layer the Batter:
- Pour half (or slightly less) of the batter evenly into the two prepared loaf pans.
- Sprinkle ¾ of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in each pan.
4. Add Remaining Batter and Swirl:
- Divide the remaining batter between the two pans, spreading it evenly over the cinnamon layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the batter gently, creating a marbled effect throughout the loaf.
5. Bake the Bread:
- Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Amish Cinnamon Bread
- Soft Butter: Make sure your butter is soft, but not melted. This ensures the batter will mix well and result in a tender bread.
- Homemade Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry! Combine 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
- Swirling Technique: To get the perfect swirl, run a knife in a figure-eight motion through the batter after sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Storage: This bread stays fresh for up to 4 days when wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy your Amish Cinnamon Bread warm, with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
- It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon treat with tea.
- You can also wrap a loaf in parchment paper and give it as a gift for housewarmings, holidays, or special occasions.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 2 loaves (~16 slices)
- Calories per slice: ~220 kcal (based on 16 slices)
This Amish Cinnamon Bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its soft, buttery crumb and delightful cinnamon-sugar swirl. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or gift it to a friend, this recipe will surely become a family favorite!