Amish Cinnamon Bread

Amish Cinnamon Bread is one of those comforting, dependable recipes that feels right no matter the season. It’s the kind of homemade bread that fills your kitchen with a warm cinnamon aroma and invites you to slow down, pour a cup of coffee, and enjoy a generous slice.

This recipe makes a single, perfect loaf using everyday pantry staples. With no yeast and no rising time required, you can have a fresh loaf on the cooling rack in about an hour.

This old-fashioned recipe is ideal for quiet mornings, casual sharing, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Small Batch: Makes just one loaf (perfect for small households).
• No Waiting: No starter or yeast required—it’s a “quick bread” method.
• Pantry Staples: Uses simple, familiar ingredients you likely already have.
• Perfect Texture: A soft, cake-like crumb with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust.
• Beginner-Friendly: No kneading or complicated steps.

Ingredients:

The Bread Batter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For a classic sweet crumb.
• 1 large egg: Acts as the binder.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For depth of flavor.
• ¾ cup milk: Use whole milk for the richest texture.
• ¼ cup sour cream: The secret ingredient for a moist, tender crumb.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our bread.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Our leavening agent for a perfect rise.

The Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment You’ll Need:

• 1 Standard Loaf Pan (9×5-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Expert Tips for the Best Amish Bread:

• Don’t Overmix: To keep the bread soft and airy, use a spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients by hand.
• The Sour Cream Swap: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with full-fat Greek yogurt for a similar tangy, moist result.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative. For the sour cream, a dairy-free yogurt works well.

How do I get a crunchy top?

The key to that signature “crackly” top is the cinnamon-sugar topping. I like to be generous with the final sprinkle before the loaf goes into the oven.

Does this recipe require a starter?

No starter is needed for this Cinnamon Bread. This version uses baking soda for lift, meaning you can bake it immediately without a fermented starter.

More Yeast Bread & Sweet and Savory Loaves:

• Bread in a Bag: A mess-free, kid-friendly recipe where ingredients are mixed and kneaded inside a Ziploc bag.
• Homemade Country Loaf: A staple recipe designed for making the “best toast”; one batch typically makes three loaves.
• Easy As 1-2-3 Bread: A beginner-friendly yeast bread that uses basic pantry staples like milk, sugar, butter, and flour.
• English Muffin Bread: A no-knead loaf that mimics the “nooks and crannies” texture of an English muffin.
• Stand Mixer French Bread: This soft and fluffy French bread is better than store-bought and so easy to make.
• Sweet Quick Breads:
• Banana Bread: A classic recipe frequently cited as a family favorite.
• Apple Bread: A seasonal sweet loaf perfect for fall.
• Lemon Blueberry Bread: A bright, fruit-forward quick bread option.
• Gingerbread Loaf: A spiced holiday loaf often served during the winter season.
• 12 Best Sweet Quick Bread Recipes: A curated collection of the blog’s top-rated sweet loaves.