Discover the Timeless Delight of Amish Cinnamon Bread

Welcome to a journey into the heart of traditional Amish baking with our irresistible Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe. This beloved treat combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of sugar, and the richness of butter for a delightful indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast or a satisfying dessert, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home. So, let’s embark on a culinary adventure and learn how to make this delicious bread from scratch!

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition.
6. Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
7. Layer Batter and Cinnamon-Sugar:
   • Spoon a layer of batter into the prepared loaf pans, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter.
   • Repeat the layers until all of the batter and cinnamon-sugar mixture is used up, ending with a layer of cinnamon-sugar on top.
8. Bake the Bread:
   • Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Nuts or Raisins: For added texture and flavor, fold chopped nuts or raisins into the batter before layering it in the loaf pans.
• Drizzle with Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
• Experiment with Spices: Customize the flavor of the bread by adding a dash of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a hint of warmth and complexity.
• Make Mini Loaves: Divide the batter among several mini loaf pans to create individual-sized portions that are perfect for sharing or gifting.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of this bread, substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour and use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the granulated sugar. Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste.
• Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb option, reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe or use a sugar-free sweetener. You can also experiment with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the overall carb content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? A: While unsalted butter is typically preferred in baking recipes to control the amount of salt, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the overall saltiness of the bread.

Q: Can I freeze Amish Cinnamon Bread? A: Yes, this bread freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I substitute sour cream for buttermilk? A: Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of sour cream or plain yogurt for the buttermilk if needed. This will yield a slightly different texture and flavor but will still result in delicious bread.

Q: How should I store leftover bread? A: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the bread to extend its shelf life.

Q: Can I add a streusel topping to the bread? A: Absolutely! Prepare a simple streusel topping using flour, sugar, and butter, and sprinkle it over the batter before baking for a crunchy, sweet addition.

In conclusion, Amish Cinnamon Bread is a timeless classic that never fails to delight with its comforting aroma and irresistible flavor. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven with a pat of butter or toasted for breakfast, this bread is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s easy to see why this recipe has stood the test of time. So, gather your ingredients and let the aroma of cinnamon-spiced goodness fill your kitchen as you bake up a batch of this delightful bread. From breakfast to dessert, this Amish Cinnamon Bread is guaranteed to bring joy to every bite!