Amish Cinnamon Bread: A Comforting Classic

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a beloved treat that combines a soft, slightly sweet bread with a swirl of cinnamon sugar. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Its delightful aroma and warm, spiced flavor make it a comforting addition to any meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious bread at home.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Milk: 1 cup
Egg: 1 large
Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon

For the Glaze (optional):

Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
Milk: 2 tablespoons
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon

Equipment Needed

9×5 inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack (optional, for cooling)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensure a uniform texture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. This mixture will be used to create the cinnamon swirl in the bread.
Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and then sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Create Swirls: Use a knife or a skewer to swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter. Insert the knife into the batter and gently swirl it in a figure-eight motion to create a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the bread should sound hollow when tapped.
Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can cool it in the pan or on a plate.
Optional Glaze: If you’d like to add a glaze, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread before slicing.

Tips and Variations

Add Nuts: For extra texture, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.
Use Brown Sugar: Substitute some or all of the granulated sugar in the cinnamon swirl with brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor.
Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the type of loaf pan you use. Check the bread a few minutes before the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Store Properly: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just slice it first and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Make Mini Loaves: This recipe can be divided into mini loaf pans or muffin tins if you prefer smaller portions.

Conclusion

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a comforting and classic recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Its soft, tender texture combined with the warm, spiced cinnamon swirl makes for a deliciously satisfying treat. Whether enjoyed plain, with a glaze, or with a pat of butter, this bread is perfect for any time of day. Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of homemade Amish Cinnamon Bread, and savor the simple pleasure of this timeless treat.