Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe: Easy, No-Yeast, & Irresistibly Delicious

Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe is a beloved classic, known for its sweet, cinnamon-swirled flavor and soft, moist texture. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, you might have a few questions about this delicious treat.

Whether you’re craving a warm breakfast, a comforting afternoon snack, or a homemade gift for a friend, this cinnamon quick bread is the answer.

Introduction to Amish Cinnamon Bread

What is Amish Cinnamon Bread?

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, slightly dense, sweet quick bread with a signature cinnamon-sugar swirl. Unlike traditional Amish Friendship Bread, which requires a fermented starter, this version skips the wait and comes together in under two hours!

The batter is simple—flour, sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and of course, cinnamon. The result? A perfectly balanced, slightly crunchy crust with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior.

History and Tradition of Amish Friendship Bread

The roots of Amish Friendship Bread trace back to a tradition of sharing. In Amish communities, a starter mixture was passed from friend to friend, allowing people to bake and share homemade bread.

This version keeps the essence of generosity but simplifies the process. No more waiting days for fermentation—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Why This Recipe is Special – No Yeast, No Starter Needed

Many homemade bread recipes require yeast, which can be intimidating for beginners. But this no-yeast cinnamon bread skips that step entirely. Instead, baking soda and baking powder help the loaf rise beautifully, making it fluffy and light.

Ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Bread

Essential Ingredients & Their Roles in Baking

• Flour – Provides structure and stability to the bread. Choosing the right type (we’ll get into that next!) affects how light or dense your loaf turns out.
• Granulated Sugar – Not only sweetens the bread but also helps create a soft texture and golden-brown crust. A small amount of sugar is also used for the signature cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Eggs – Act as a binding agent, giving the bread structure while adding moisture and richness.
• Milk – Adds moisture and helps activate the leavening agents. Whole milk is ideal, but alternatives like buttermilk or almond milk can also work.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the bread soft and moist, preventing dryness. Melted butter can be used instead for a slightly richer flavor.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These two work together to help the bread rise, making it light and fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the warm, sweet flavors of the bread.
• Cinnamon – The star ingredient! This aromatic spice gives the bread its signature taste and pairs beautifully with sugar for that irresistible swirl.

Best Flour to Use – Cake Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour

The type of flour you choose affects the texture of your Amish sweet bread.

• Cake Flour – Has a lower protein content, resulting in a finer, more tender crumb. If you love soft, bakery-style bread, this is the way to go.
• All-Purpose Flour – Has a higher protein content, making the bread slightly denser but still delicious. It’s a great choice if you prefer a more traditional texture.

💡 Tip: If you only have all-purpose flour but want a softer texture, you can make your own cake flour! Simply remove 2 tablespoons of flour per cup and replace it with cornstarch, then sift well.

Choosing the Right Cinnamon – Saigon vs. Ceylon Cinnamon

Not all cinnamon is created equal! The type you use can make a big difference in flavor.

• Saigon Cinnamon – Bold, slightly spicy, and packed with strong cinnamon flavor. This is the best choice if you want a rich, warm, and aromatic loaf.
• Ceylon Cinnamon – Milder and slightly sweeter with citrusy notes. If you prefer a more delicate cinnamon taste, this is a great option.

Step-by-Step Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Preparing the Batter – Mixing Dry & Wet Ingredients

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans and line them with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to remove the bread later.

2️⃣ Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 3 ¾ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt

3️⃣ Whisk the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups whole milk
• 1 ⅓ cups vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

4️⃣ Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing! A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine—overmixing can lead to a dense, chewy loaf instead of a soft, tender one.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want a little extra flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins at this stage.

Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

1️⃣ Prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture: In a small bowl, mix together:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

2️⃣ Layer the batter: Pour half of the batter evenly into the two prepared loaf pans.

3️⃣ Add the cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter in each pan.

4️⃣ Swirl it in: Use a butter knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter. This creates beautiful layers and ensures you get cinnamon flavor in every bite!

5️⃣ Repeat: Pour the remaining batter on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the surface. Again, use a knife to swirl it slightly—don’t overdo it, or the layers will blend too much.

Baking and Cooling – Tips for Perfect Texture

1️⃣ Bake the bread: Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 60–65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!

2️⃣ Cool in the pan: Let the loaves sit in the pans for about 15 minutes before removing them. This allows them to set and prevents breaking.

3️⃣ Transfer to a wire rack: Carefully lift the bread out of the pans using the parchment paper sling (or loosen the edges with a knife). Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

💡 Pro Tip: If you can resist, let the bread rest for a few hours or overnight before slicing. This enhances the flavor and texture, making it even more delicious!

Tips & Variations for the Best Amish Cinnamon Bread

How to Make It Healthier – Reducing Sugar & Substitutes

Traditional cinnamon quick bread is on the sweeter side, but if you prefer a lighter option, here’s how to cut back on sugar without sacrificing taste:

✔️ Reduce sugar by ⅓ – You can safely cut the sugar in the batter by about one-third without affecting the texture too much. The cinnamon sugar topping will still bring plenty of sweetness.

✔️ Use coconut sugar – A great 1:1 substitute that has a slightly lower glycemic index and adds a hint of caramel-like flavor.

✔️ Try honey or maple syrup – Replace 1 cup of sugar with ¾ cup of honey or maple syrup, but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly (by about 3 tablespoons).

✔️ Go for monk fruit or stevia – These plant-based sugar alternatives work well in baking. Check the conversion ratio on the packaging, as they are much sweeter than regular sugar.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you reduce sugar in the batter, keep the cinnamon-sugar topping—it adds texture and flavor, making the bread feel just as indulgent!

Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Alternatives

🥛 Dairy-Free Substitutes:

• Swap whole milk for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk (full-fat coconut milk will give a richer texture).
• Use melted coconut oil or vegan butter instead of vegetable oil.

🌾 Gluten-Free Substitutes:

• Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill) instead of regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, which helps with structure.
• Add an extra egg to improve binding and prevent crumbling.

💡 Pro Tip: Gluten-free bread tends to be more delicate, so let it cool completely before slicing to avoid breaking.

Adding Extras – Nuts, Raisins, or Chocolate Chips

🥜 Nuts:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch and pair beautifully with cinnamon.
• Lightly toast the nuts before adding them to enhance their flavor.

🍇 Dried Fruit:

• Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates bring natural sweetness and chewiness.
• Soak dried fruit in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to keep them soft and plump.

🍫 Chocolate Chips:

• Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a slightly indulgent twist.
• Dark chocolate chips work best, as they balance the sweetness.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t add more than ½ cup of mix-ins per loaf, or the batter may become too dense and affect the baking time.

Serving & Storing Amish Cinnamon Bread

Best Ways to Serve – Breakfast, Dessert, or Snack?

This cinnamon quick bread is versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of day!

🍽 Breakfast:

• Serve a warm slice with butter or cream cheese and a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Pair it with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced morning meal.

🍪 Dessert:

• Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
• Warm up a slice and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

🍞 Snack:

• Enjoy it plain or with a dollop of honey or almond butter for a midday energy boost.
• Toast a slice lightly for added crispness and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

💡 Pro Tip: This bread is great for gifting! Wrap a loaf in parchment paper, tie it with twine, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade present.

How to Store & Freeze for Freshness

To keep your homemade cinnamon bread fresh, follow these storage tips:

🗂 Room Temperature:

• Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.

❄️ Freezing Instructions:

• Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then in foil.
• Store in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

💡 Pro Tip: If freezing individual slices, separate them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Reheating Without Losing Moisture

🔥 Oven Method (Best for Whole Loaf):

• Wrap the bread in foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.

⚡ Microwave Method (For Quick Slices):

• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel.
• Microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh, just-baked texture.

🍞 Toasting Method (For a Crisp Finish):

• Slice and toast lightly for a crunchy, caramelized edge.

FAQs 

Why is it called Amish Friendship Bread?

Amish Friendship Bread gets its name from the tradition of sharing a starter with friends and family. In Amish communities, bakers would prepare a sourdough-style starter and pass it along with instructions so others could make their own bread. This act of giving reinforced community bonds, making the bread a symbol of friendship and generosity.

However, the version we’ve shared here is a quick bread that doesn’t require a starter. It keeps the spirit of sharing alive without the long fermentation process!

Can you get Dollywood cinnamon bread?

Yes! Dollywood’s famous Cinnamon Bread is a popular attraction at The Grist Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It’s a warm, pull-apart bread coated in cinnamon sugar and served with butter or apple butter.

While Amish Cinnamon Bread and Dollywood’s version share similar flavors, Dollywood’s bread is yeast-based and pull-apart, while Amish Cinnamon Bread is a quick bread with a soft, cake-like texture.

Does Amish Friendship Bread need to be refrigerated after baking?

No, you don’t need to refrigerate Amish Friendship Bread or Amish Cinnamon Bread. In fact, refrigeration can dry it out faster. Instead, store it:

✔️ At room temperature: Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔️ In the freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months (wrap slices individually for easy thawing).

💡 Pro Tip: If you’ve added fresh fruit or cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended to prevent spoilage.

Does cinnamon inhibit yeast in bread?

Yes, cinnamon can slow down yeast activity, which is why you’ll often see it added later in yeast-based bread recipes. Cinnamon contains compounds that can interfere with yeast fermentation, making the dough rise more slowly or even preventing it from rising at all if used in excess.

However, since Amish Cinnamon Bread is a no-yeast quick bread, this isn’t a concern. The baking powder and baking soda provide the rise, so you can add as much cinnamon as you like without affecting the texture!

💡 Baking Tip: If making a yeast-based cinnamon bread, mix cinnamon into the filling instead of the dough to avoid yeast inhibition.

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