Cinnamon Bread from the Amish Community

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread will bake evenly and come out with a golden-brown crust.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan:

Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking as it bakes. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal once the bread is finished.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients create the base of the bread, giving it structure and a light, airy texture.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, add the buttermilk (or sour milk), vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is fully combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the bread dense. The batter should be thick but still pourable.

6. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. This will create the delicious, sweet swirl that gives the bread its signature flavor.

7. Assemble the Bread:

Pour about half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar and spread it out evenly to cover the entire pan.

8. Swirl the Cinnamon-Sugar:

Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter. Do this by running the knife or skewer through the batter in a figure-eight motion. Be careful not to overdo it, as you want to have distinct cinnamon swirls without completely mixing it in.

9. Bake the Bread:

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center of the bread. The top should be golden brown, and the bread should feel firm to the touch.

10. Cool and Serve:

Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. The bread is best served warm, but you can also enjoy it at room temperature.

• Tip: If you want to add a little extra sweetness, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top of the bread once it has cooled slightly.

Why Amish Cinnamon Bread is So Special:

• Rich, Tender Texture: Amish cinnamon bread is incredibly moist thanks to the addition of buttermilk or sour milk, which helps tenderize the bread. This makes each bite soft and flavorful without being overly dense.
• Perfect Balance of Sweetness: The cinnamon-sugar swirl adds just the right amount of sweetness, complementing the bread’s flavor without overwhelming it. The result is a balanced, comforting treat that’s never too sweet.
• Versatile: This bread can be served in a variety of ways. It’s great for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a snack, or as a dessert. You can even toast it lightly and spread a little butter for a delightful treat.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The ingredients for Amish cinnamon bread are pantry staples, making it an easy recipe to pull together without needing any special items. Despite its simplicity, the flavor is rich and indulgent.

Tips for Perfect Amish Cinnamon Bread:

1. Use Buttermilk for a Richer Flavor: If you can, use buttermilk instead of regular milk. The tanginess of buttermilk helps to tenderize the bread and adds depth to the flavor.
2. Add a Glaze for Extra Sweetness: For an extra layer of sweetness, consider drizzling a simple glaze over the bread. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk or vanilla extract to create a thin glaze and drizzle it over the cooled bread.
3. Customize with Nuts or Raisins: If you like a little texture in your bread, try adding chopped walnuts or raisins to the batter for an extra dimension of flavor.
4. Don’t Overmix the Batter: For the lightest, fluffiest bread, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
5. Store the Bread Properly: Amish cinnamon bread is best when fresh, but you can store it at room temperature for a few days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze slices of the bread and thaw as needed.

Conclusion:

Amish cinnamon bread is more than just a simple baked good—it’s a comforting tradition that has been passed down through generations. The combination of sweet cinnamon, tender bread, and a rich, buttery flavor makes this recipe one that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea, sharing with friends, or gifting to loved ones. The best part is that it’s easy to make, and the results are always worth the effort. So why not bring a little taste of Amish tradition into your home with this classic, flavorful cinnamon bread?