There’s something so comforting about the smell of cinnamon baking in the oven—it just makes the whole house feel warm and welcoming. If you’re like me, you’ve probably had days when you wanted to bake something from scratch without spending hours fussing over it. That’s one of the big reasons this Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s simple, uses ingredients you probably already have, and comes together without any complicated steps. You’ll mix, layer, and bake—and before you know it, you’ll have a soft, sweet loaf that’s perfect with a cup of coffee or shared around the table with people you love.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make it turn out just right every time. Let’s get baking!
What Makes This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe a Go-To Favorite
If you’re anything like me, you love recipes that feel homemade, smell like comfort, and don’t leave you with a pile of dishes. This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe checks all those boxes and then some. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—not just because it’s simple, but because it works, and it brings joy with every slice.
Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing a loaf with neighbors, or just treating yourself to something cozy on a Sunday afternoon, this bread has that special something. Here’s why it’s a favorite in our kitchen:
Simple to make from start to finish – No yeast needed and no long waiting time. Just stir it together, swirl in the cinnamon, and pop it in the oven.
Family friendly and picky-eater approved – The flavor is warm and familiar, not too sweet, and perfectly spiced. Kids love it, and so do the grown-ups.
Uses pantry staples – You probably already have everything you need: flour, sugar, cinnamon, eggs, and a bit of sour cream. No fancy ingredients required.
Perfect for any occasion – Breakfast, brunch, snack, dessert—this loaf fits it all. I’ve even wrapped it up as a sweet “thinking of you” gift, and it’s always a hit.
Customizable to your taste – Add a handful of chopped nuts for crunch, swirl in some mini chocolate chips, or keep it classic with just the cinnamon sugar.
Smells amazing while baking – I know, we’re not supposed to pick favorites—but that cinnamon aroma drifting through the house? It’s a moment in itself.
This isn’t just a loaf of bread—it’s a little tradition you can start in your own kitchen. One bowl, one pan, one recipe that makes everything feel a bit more special.
Ready to gather your ingredients? Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make your very own Amish Cinnamon Bread.
What You Need to Make This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe (Plus Tasty Add-Ins)
Let’s take a quick kitchen stroll together. This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe is made with ingredients you probably already have on hand—no fancy shopping list required. Each one plays a part in giving the loaf its soft texture, warm flavor, and irresistible cinnamon swirl.
Basic Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – This gives the bread its structure while keeping it tender and sliceable.
- 2 cups granulated sugar, divided – Most goes into the batter, while the rest combines with cinnamon for that signature swirl.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – The warm spice that runs through the center and tops off the loaf with a cozy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise into a fluffy loaf without using yeast.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Works alongside the sour cream to lift and lighten the batter.
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of every ingredient.
- 2 cups sour cream – The secret to that soft, moist texture that keeps the bread from drying out.
- ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or sunflower) – Adds richness and keeps the crumb beautifully soft.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten – Help bind the ingredients and add a little extra lift.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor without overpowering the cinnamon.
Optional Add-Ins
Want to give it your own twist? Try one of these easy upgrades:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts – Adds a little crunch and nutty flavor to every slice.
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips – Turns this into a dessert-worthy loaf.
Pro Tip: Want to give this a cozy seasonal flair? Swap the vanilla for a touch of maple extract, or try cardamom instead of cinnamon for a more Scandinavian feel.
Now that everything’s ready to go, let’s walk through the steps to bring your Amish Cinnamon Bread to life—one swirl at a time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Amish Cinnamon Bread at Home
This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make with your favorite playlist on, maybe a hot drink nearby, and the windows open to let the cinnamon scent drift through. It’s straightforward, fuss-free, and a total joy to bake from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1- Prep your loaf pan
Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the sides so you can lift the loaf out easily after baking. Set it aside.
2- Make the cinnamon-sugar mix
Combine ⅔ cup of the sugar with all the cinnamon in a small bowl and give it a quick mix—it should look sandy and smell like the start of something delicious. This mixture will add that signature cinnamon layer inside the bread and a sweet finish on top.
3- Combine your dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything’s evenly distributed—this helps prevent clumps and keeps the rise consistent.
4- Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, oil, eggs, and vanilla. The mixture should be creamy and smooth, with a pale, custard-like texture.
5- Bring it all together
Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and get ready to bring the batter to life. Use a spatula to fold them together gently, just until the flour disappears. Don’t worry if the batter’s a bit uneven—those little lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
6- Layer and swirl
Scoop in half the batter and gently smooth it into an even layer in your loaf pan. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mix on top. Add the rest of the batter, smooth it out, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar over the top. Use a butter knife to swirl the sugar into the batter with a few gentle figure-eights.
7- Bake until golden and fragrant
Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 55–65 minutes. The top should be golden brown with a light crust, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
8- Cool with patience
Give the bread about 15 minutes to rest in the pan so it settles and holds together nicely. Then, lift it out using the parchment paper and move it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Troubleshooting Tip: If your bread starts browning too quickly on top but isn’t fully baked inside, tent it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes.
After it’s cooled down, go ahead and slice in—you’ll see that cinnamon swirl waiting to be savored. Up next, I’ll share a few of my favorite tips and fun variations that make this recipe even more special.
Baking Tips and Variations for Your Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Now that you’ve seen how simple it is to make this Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe, let’s make sure it turns out just the way you want it—moist, flavorful, and full of character. These tips are like little nuggets I’ve learned after baking it more times than I can count. Plus, I’ll share some fun ways to change it up based on what you’re craving or what you have on hand.
Helpful Tips to Get It Just Right
- Don’t overmix the batter – Once the flour disappears, stop stirring. Mixing too much can take away that soft texture we’re going for, so keep it gentle and stop once everything’s just combined. A few lumps are totally fine.
- Spoon and level your flour – Instead of scooping it straight from the bag, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. It makes a big difference in texture.
- Grease and line your pan – Lining the loaf pan with parchment paper (with a little overhang) makes it super easy to lift the bread out without breaking the crust.
- Check early for doneness – Start checking at the 55-minute mark. If a toothpick comes out mostly clean (with just a few moist crumbs), you’re golden.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts – Stir ½ cup into the batter for a subtle crunch that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon swirl.
- Mini chocolate chip version – For a dessert-like twist, fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter and thank yourself later.
- Make it citrusy – Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, fresh flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Create a streusel topping – Mix 2 tablespoons cold butter, ¼ cup flour, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar for a crumbly topping before baking.
These small tweaks can make a big difference and help you make this recipe your own. Next up, let’s talk about all the cozy, creative ways to serve your fresh-baked loaf.
Serving Ideas for Amish Cinnamon Bread – Perfect for Any Occasion
Once you’ve pulled your beautifully golden loaf from the oven, the fun part begins—serving it up! Whether it’s for a cozy family breakfast or an afternoon treat with friends, this Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe fits right in with just about any moment.
Try These Tasty Serving Ideas
Warm with butter and coffee – Slice it thick, toast it lightly, and spread on a pat of butter with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Pure comfort.
Pair it with fruit and cheese – Serve alongside sliced apples and a few cubes of cheddar for a sweet-and-savory brunch board.
Make it a dessert – Top slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce for a fuss-free treat.
Turn it into French toast – Yep, day-old slices make amazing French toast. Just soak and griddle like you would any other bread.
Gift it with love – Wrap a cooled loaf in parchment and tie it with twine—perfect for a thoughtful homemade gift.
However you serve it, you’ll be glad you made two loaves. Let’s move on to how to store those extra slices so none of it goes to waste.
How to Store and Reheat Amish Cinnamon Bread Without Drying It Out
The great thing about this Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe is that it keeps really well. Whether you’re saving a few slices for tomorrow or freezing some for later, it’s easy to keep that same cozy flavor and texture.
Best Ways to Store It
- Room temperature: Wrap the loaf in foil or store slices in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh on the counter for about 2–3 days.
- Refrigerator: If your kitchen runs warm, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just let it come to room temp or warm it before serving.
- Freezer: Let the bread cool completely, then slice it and freeze the slices individually on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips
- Microwave: Warm a slice for about 15–20 seconds for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel.
- Toaster or oven: For a crisp edge, toast slices lightly or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes.
With just a little prep, you can keep enjoying this bread all week long—or save a few slices for a quiet Sunday morning.
More Baked Treats You May Love
If you enjoyed this Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe, here are a few more cozy favorites from the kitchen you might want to try next:
- Pineapple Bread Recipe – A soft, fruity loaf that’s sweet and simple to make.
- Chocolate Sourdough Bread – Rich chocolate meets tangy sourdough for a delightful twist.
- Sourdough Discard Bagels – Chewy, golden bagels that make great use of leftover starter.
- Date Nut Bread Recipe – Sweet dates and crunchy nuts come together in this satisfying loaf.
Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium, 1 small)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Butter knife (for swirling)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar divided
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 cups sour cream
- ½ cup neutral oil canola or sunflower
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment.
- Mix ⅔ cup sugar with cinnamon for the swirl.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sour cream, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold wet mixture into dry just until combined—do not overmix.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar, add remaining batter, then top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar.
- Swirl gently with a knife and bake 55–65 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool in pan 15 minutes, then lift out and cool fully on a wire rack.
Notes
This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.Key Takeaways
- This Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe is simple, no-yeast, and quick to prep.
- Uses everyday pantry ingredients and comes together in one bowl.
- Swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar for cozy flavor in every slice.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, brunch, or gifting.
- Stays soft for days and freezes well for later enjoyment.
Now, let’s answer a few common questions that might pop up before you bake!
Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe FAQs – Answered with Simple Tips
Let’s tackle a few common questions that might pop up while you’re baking this cozy Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe. These tips can help you get the best results from your very first loaf.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Full-fat plain Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of sour cream. It brings a similar texture and just a little tang. Your amish cinnamon bread will still turn out soft and moist.
What if I only have brown sugar?
You can swap in light brown sugar for part of the granulated sugar, especially in the batter. Using half brown sugar will give your cinnamon amish bread recipe a deeper, slightly caramel-like flavor without changing how it bakes.
How do I keep the middle from turning out gummy?
Be sure not to overfill your loaf pan. The batter should come no higher than two-thirds up the sides. If it looks too full, divide it between two pans and reduce the baking time a bit. Always check doneness with a toothpick.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure the blend is labeled for baking quick breads, so your recipe for amish cinnamon bread still rises and holds its shape well.
Why did my loaf sink in the middle?
That’s usually a sign of underbaking or mixing the batter a little too much. Try using an oven thermometer to confirm the temperature is accurate, and mix the batter just until the dry spots disappear.
How can I add a crunchy topping?
For a little texture on top, sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of coarse turbinado sugar over the batter before baking. It gives the top a lovely golden crust and adds a touch of sparkle to your finished recipe amish cinnamon bread.
These little tricks can make a big difference when baking from scratch. Ready for one last wrap-up before you start preheating the oven? Let’s bring it all together in the final thoughts!
Conclusion
There’s just something special about pulling a warm loaf of Amish Cinnamon Bread from the oven—especially when the kitchen fills with that sweet, cozy cinnamon scent. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass down, bake on quiet mornings, or share with someone just because.
If you gave this Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a review below and let others know how you made it your own—whether you added chocolate chips, shared it with friends, or enjoyed it slice by slice with your favorite mug in hand.
Your feedback truly means a lot and helps others feel confident baking it too.
