Amish Cinnamon Bread

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and flavor of homemade Amish Cinnamon Bread, a delightful treat reminiscent of bakery-quality goodness. This classic recipe yields two moist and tender loaves of bread, infused with a sweet cinnamon swirl that adds a burst of warmth and spice to every bite. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a thoughtful gift, this bread is sure to become a family favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups buttermilk (or homemade buttermilk)
• 4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture:

• 2/3 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, 2 cups of sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually add the buttermilk (or homemade buttermilk) and mix until well combined. Stir in the flour and baking soda until a smooth batter forms.
2. Layer Batter in Loaf Pans: Grease two loaf pans and evenly distribute half of the batter (or slightly less) into each pan, spreading it out to cover the bottom.
3. Prepare Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the 2/3 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to create the cinnamon/sugar mixture.
4. Add Cinnamon Swirl: Sprinkle about 3/4 of the cinnamon/sugar mixture evenly over the batter in each loaf pan.
5. Layer Remaining Batter: Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon/sugar mixture in each pan, ensuring it covers the cinnamon layer.
6. Top with Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon/sugar mixture over the top of the batter in each pan.
7. Swirl Batter: Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon/sugar mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the loaves for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 20 minutes before carefully removing them. Slice and serve the delicious Amish Cinnamon Bread warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Homemade Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly before using it in the recipe.
• Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Simply thaw slices as needed and enjoy!
• Variations: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding nuts, raisins, or other spices like nutmeg or cloves to the batter for additional flavor and texture.