When I first stumbled upon the Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe, I felt as if I had stepped into my grandmother’s kitchen. The sweet, spicy scent of cinnamon dancing in the air always brings back warm memories of family gatherings and lazy Sunday mornings. This recipe is not just about making bread; it is about creating something special that brings people together.
What Makes Amish Cinnamon Bread Special
Amish Cinnamon Bread is about more than just the ingredients. Its charm lies in the tradition behind it. This delightful bread has a soft texture, swirls of cinnamon, and a sweet topping that creates the perfect balance. It’s often shared among friends and family, spreading joy and good cheer.
Ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Bread
Before diving into baking, it is essential to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a bit of vinegar added)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Memorable Ingredients
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it is flexible. I often substitute ingredients based on what I have. For instance, using Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk creates a unique texture. You can mix in nuts or raisins for added flavor, making this bread your own.
How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper temperature is key to a perfect bake!
Step 2: Prepare Your Pans
Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the bread from sticking and ensure easy removal.
Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. I like to whisk them together. This mixes the ingredients and helps to aerate the flour, which leads to lighter bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until they are fluffy. Then, mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract. Finally, add the buttermilk until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually mix your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Over mixing can result in heavy bread, so stir gently.
Step 6: Pour into Pans and Add Cinnamon Sugar
Pour half the batter into each loaf pan. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and repeat the sprinkle. Use a knife to swirl the mix gently for that impressive marbled look!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking is truly heavenly!
Step 8: Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. The cooling process is vital, as it allows the bread to firm up.
Tips for the Best Amish Cinnamon Bread
Over my years of baking, I’ve picked up a few tips that have made a huge difference:
- Always measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour or sugar can throw off the balance.
- Allow your ingredients to be at room temperature, especially eggs and buttermilk.
- Invest in quality ingredients. Fresh spices and good-quality flour can significantly enhance the flavor.
Storing Your Bread
After baking, storing is crucial to keep your bread fresh. I often wrap my loaves in plastic wrap and keep them at room temperature. The bread tastes amazing for up to a week. You can also freeze them if you want to save for later. Just ensure that it is tightly sealed!
Serving Ideas
This bread is delightful on its own, but it can be even more delicious with a bit of butter on warm slices. Or you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream if you want to feel extra fancy. It also pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat.
Variations of Amish Cinnamon Bread
There are so many variations of this bread that I have enjoyed experimenting with:
- Chocolate Chip Amish Cinnamon Bread: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
- Nutty Version: Mix in walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Apple and Raisin: Adding diced apples and raisins creates a wonderful texture and flavor.
Why You Should Try Amish Cinnamon Bread
Baking Amish Cinnamon Bread is not just about filling your home with a delightful aroma. It is an experience that allows you to delight in making something from scratch. The joy of sharing a warm loaf with friends and family is unmatched.
Families Gather Around Food
I fondly remember the evenings spent around the dinner table, where stories were shared, and laughter echoed through the walls. Bringing it full circle, this Amish Cinnamon Bread can serve as a centerpiece for such gatherings. The act of breaking bread creates connections, cheers, and warmth.