Amish Cinnamon Bread: A Sweet Slice of Tradition
Amish cinnamon bread is a beloved staple in Amish kitchens and bakeries across the country, known for its simple ingredients, rich cinnamon swirls, and comforting aroma. This no-knead sweet bread is a favorite for breakfast, dessert, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, embodying the Amish tradition of sharing food and hospitality.
What Makes Amish Cinnamon Bread Special?
Amish cinnamon bread stands out for its moist, tender crumb and the sweet, fragrant cinnamon-sugar filling that winds through each slice. Unlike many artisan breads, it requires no yeast or lengthy kneading, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The recipe typically calls for common pantry staples: butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, flour, baking soda, and a generous dusting of cinnamon and sugar for the topping1.
How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients:
- For the bread:
- 1/8 cup Butter
- 1/8 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 Large egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 Tbsp Baking soda
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- For the cinnamon-sugar topping:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla using a handheld mixer.
- Using a rubber spatula, add buttermilk, flour, and baking soda just until combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar for the topping.
- Divide half of the batter between the two prepared pans. Sprinkle three-fourths of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in both pans.
- Spread the remaining batter evenly over the top, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar on top.
- Use a butter knife to create swirls in the batter.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool for 20 minutes in the pan before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Amish Cinnamon Bread in Amish Communities
In Amish communities, cinnamon bread is more than just a treat—it’s a symbol of home and hospitality. Many Amish bakeries, such as those in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia, feature cinnamon bread alongside other baked goods like pies, cookies, and shoofly cakes. Visitors to these communities often seek out local bakeries for a taste of authentic Amish cinnamon bread, which is typically made fresh daily.
For example, in Virginia’s growing Amish communities, like Charlotte County, Halifax County, and the Northern Neck, Amish bakeries and markets offer a variety of homemade breads, including cinnamon bread, to both locals and tourists2. These bakeries are often family-run and use traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Where to Find Amish Cinnamon Bread
If you’re visiting an Amish community, look for local bakeries, markets, and roadside stands. Here are a few examples from Virginia, where Amish bakeries are becoming increasingly popular:
- Charlotte County: Home to Virginia’s largest Amish community, with several bakeries and markets offering homemade bread and baked goods.
- Halifax County: Known for its Amish food stores and bakeries, where you can find cinnamon bread and other treats.
- Northern Neck (Richmond County): A newer Amish settlement with bakeries and markets that feature fresh, homemade bread.
For those who can’t visit in person, the recipe above allows you to bring the taste of Amish cinnamon bread into your own kitchen.
Enjoying Amish Cinnamon Bread
Amish cinnamon bread is best enjoyed warm from the oven, with a pat of butter or a glass of cold milk. It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a dessert. The bread also freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep or gifting.
A Taste of Tradition
Amish cinnamon bread is a testament to the Amish tradition of simple, wholesome cooking and generous hospitality. Whether you bake it at home or seek it out in an Amish community, this sweet, cinnamon-laced bread is sure to delight.