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Ever wondered why it’s called Amish Friendship Bread? It’s more than just a sweet, tender loaf—traditionally, this warmly spiced bread was baked and shared with friends, with a bit of the unique starter dough gifted along so the kindness (and deliciousness) kept growing. Baking Amish Cinnamon Bread at home is like bringing a little piece of country comfort right to your own table. Whether you’re new to homemade bread or you’ve baked for years, do you love the idea of simple ingredients coming together into something extraordinary? Let’s dive into what makes this easy, buttermilk-enriched, country classic so special—and how you can bake it yourself, step by step.
What is Amish Cinnamon Bread?
Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, sweet loaf swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar. Unlike yeast breads, this comforting treat is a “quick bread,” which means it’s leavened simply with baking powder and soda—no need to wait for dough to rise. The signature moist texture comes from rich buttermilk, and the country flavors shine through every slice.
Country Tip: Using buttermilk adds an old-fashioned tang and keeps the bread tender for days, just like the Amish have been doing for generations!
The Origins of Amish Friendship Bread
This homey loaf traces its roots to the Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch communities. The story goes that the Friendship Bread tradition began with a special starter—think of a sweet sourdough—that you’d nurture and share with others. It was a way to spread generosity, neighborliness, and the warmth of home-baked goods. While today’s quick version skips the starter for simplicity, the spirit of sharing and home-baked love remains. Isn’t it amazing how bread can bring people together?
Why This Bread is So Special
- Unmatched Moistness: The combination of buttermilk and oil creates a velvety, never-dry crumb.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Warm cinnamon, a hint of vanilla, and a sweet swirl make every bite a delight.
- Easy, Country-Style Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your kitchen already.
- No Mixer & No Kneading: Stir it up in one bowl for easy cleanup.
- A Loaf to Share: Make one to enjoy now and one to gift—just like Amish friendship traditions.
Ingredients for Country Amish Cinnamon Bread with Buttermilk
For a truly authentic, easy, and country-inspired bread, here’s what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour – The sturdy base for a tender loaf.
- White Sugar – Sweetens and softens the crumb.
- Cinnamon – Use the best you can find for warm, spicy notes.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – This duo guarantees a perfect rise.
- Buttermilk – Adds classic country tang and moisture.
- Neutral Oil (like vegetable or canola) – Keeps things soft, even days later.
- Eggs – Bind and enrich the bread.
- Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the bakery-style flavor.
- Salt – Just a pinch for balance.
- Butter (for the cinnamon swirl) – Adds richness to the center and top.
Country Swap: If you have farm-fresh eggs, use them! Real buttermilk (not just milk with vinegar) makes the most flavorful loaf, but the quick cheat works too!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Amish Cinnamon Bread with Buttermilk
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (see country swap below)
- 1/3 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (divided: 1/4 cup for batter, 1/4 for cinnamon swirl)
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Country Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk on hand? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes—it’s not quite like the real thing, but it works in a pinch!
Instructions
- Prep Your Pan: Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or two 8×4-inch pans for smaller loaves, reducing bake time slightly). Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, stir together 2/3 cup sugar and cinnamon.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl (or directly into your dry), whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and 1/4 cup melted butter until smooth.
- Combine: Pour wet into dry ingredients. Gently fold together just until combined—don’t over-mix, a few lumps are fine!
- Layer Batter & Cinnamon:
- Spread half the batter in the loaf pan.
- Drizzle and gently swirl half the melted butter for the swirl, then sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mix evenly.
- Top with remaining batter, smoothing lightly.
- Drizzle the rest of melted butter and sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar over the top. Swirl slightly with a knife for a pretty look.
- Bake: Place in preheated oven. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick in center comes out clean. If it’s browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for last 10–15 minutes.
- Cool & Serve: Let bread rest in pan for 10–15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Slice when cool enough to handle—you’ll smell that country cinnamon swirl fill your kitchen!
Country Baker’s Note: Don’t over-bake! This bread is meant to be moist. Check at the 45-minute mark. Let it cool completely before wrapping for storage so it stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy.
Tips for a Moist, Flavorful Loaf Every Time
- Use Real Buttermilk if you can—it’s the country secret to the best flavor.
- Let Ingredients Come to Room Temp: Eggs and buttermilk blend better, making a lighter texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Gently spoon flour into your measuring cup and level for accuracy (don’t scoop or pack it in).
- Don’t Over-Mix: Quick bread should be just combined; over-mixing leads to denseness.
- Swirl Gently: Don’t blend the cinnamon sugar deep into the batter—just a gentle figure-eight with your butter knife is perfect.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking five minutes before the shortest bake time. Baking too long dries it out.
- Let Cool Completely: This lets the crumb set and the flavors meld—it’s worth the wait!
Delicious Variations & Country Twists on Amish Cinnamon Bread
Ready to make this easy country classic your own? Here are some tried-and-true spins:
- Pecan or Walnut Crunch: Fold in 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle on top with the cinnamon sugar for added texture.
- Whole Wheat Blend: Replace up to half the flour with white whole wheat for a “heartier” country loaf.
- Applesauce Twist: Substitute half the oil with applesauce for a subtle fruity flavor and lower fat.
- Raisin Swirl: Sprinkle a handful of raisins or dried cranberries with the cinnamon sugar layer for extra sweetness.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the batter for a subtle brightness (wonderful with buttermilk!).
- Mini Loaves or Muffins: Divide the batter into mini loaf tins or a lined muffin tin. Bake time will be shorter—start checking at 22 minutes.
Country Tradition: Hand a loaf to a friend, share slices with neighbors, or tuck a mini loaf into a lunch box. It truly is a bread made for sharing!
Serving, Storing, and Freezing Tips
- Serving: Enjoy warm with a pat of butter, plain alongside coffee, or as a sweet treat after dinner. It’s perfect for brunches, picnics, and simple country breakfasts.
- Storing: Wrap cooled loaf tightly. Keeps 3–4 days at room temp (even longer refrigerated, though it’s best at room temperature).
- Freezing: Slice and wrap individually, or freeze the whole (cooled) loaf in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw at room temp—a lifesaver on busy mornings!
Frequently Asked Questions about Amish Cinnamon Bread
Is this the same as Amish Friendship Bread with starter?
This buttermilk version skips the classic sourdough-like starter for simplicity and speed. You get all the down-home flavor in a fraction of the time. But if you’re interested in the traditional starter method, you can find starter recipes online.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! Make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk. Let stand 5 minutes to thicken slightly. It’s not exactly the same, but it works beautifully.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Bake two loaves side by side and freeze one, or share—the Amish way.
Why use oil instead of butter in the batter?
Oil keeps the loaf incredibly soft and moist for days. Butter in the cinnamon swirl and topping ensures rich flavor right where it’s most irresistible.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check for doneness early, as gluten-free bakes sometimes cook a bit faster.
What makes this recipe “country style”?
It’s all about simple, wholesome ingredients, the rich tang of buttermilk, and the kind of homespun flavor you’d find in an Amish farmhouse kitchen. Plus, the tradition of sharing and enjoying with friends speaks to the heart of country living!
Bringing Country Comfort to Your Kitchen
From my kitchen to yours, I truly hope this easy, country-style Amish Cinnamon Bread becomes a favorite. Whether you bake it for a holiday, to share with a friend, or just to bring sunshine to a quiet Sunday morning, this recipe captures the warmth, simplicity, and togetherness that make country baking so special. Have you tried it yet—what twist will you try first?
If you bake this moist, spiced bread, I’d love to know—did you add pecans, try applesauce, or stay classic? Did you share a loaf the Amish way? Let’s celebrate the tradition of sharing food and building friendships, one slice at a time.
Happy baking, and enjoy the taste of home!
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