Amish Cinnamon Swirl Bread – A Rustic Treat with a Timeless Appeal

There’s something uniquely comforting about the warmth of cinnamon and the softness of freshly baked bread. Amish Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a rustic yet delightful treat that evokes memories of simpler times. The combination of a rich, buttery batter with layers of cinnamon and sugar makes for a truly irresistible baked good. Each slice brings together the fluffy interior with a perfectly caramelized crust, creating a blend of textures and flavors that is sure to please anyone who enjoys home-baked goodness. The swirling cinnamon throughout the loaf adds not only beauty but also bursts of flavor that make every bite a little more special.

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This recipe hails from the Amish tradition, known for its focus on simple ingredients and hearty flavors. Amish baked goods are renowned for their ability to make the most of pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter, transforming them into culinary masterpieces. What makes this bread extra delightful is the combination of a lightly sweet batter and the cinnamon-sugar filling, which melts into the bread as it bakes. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven with a smear of butter or toasted with your morning coffee, Amish Cinnamon Swirl Bread is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s a timeless recipe, passed down through generations, that continues to warm kitchens and hearts alike.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings)

• Calories: 325 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 20g
• Fiber: 1g

This bread is a delightful treat on its own but can also be paired with a spread of cream cheese or butter for extra richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store: This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but be sure to warm it slightly before serving to bring back its fresh-baked taste.
To freeze: If you want to enjoy it later, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

Fun Fact: The Amish Baking Tradition

Did you know that Amish baking traditions date back centuries? The Amish community is known for its self-sufficiency and focus on handmade goods, and their baking reflects these values. They often use simple, locally-sourced ingredients to create breads, cakes, and pies that are deeply satisfying. Recipes like this cinnamon swirl bread were designed to feed large families and offer a bit of sweetness to balance out more savory meals. It’s a tradition that continues to this day, with Amish baked goods being some of the most beloved in America.

Cooking Tips

Achieve the perfect swirl: To create the iconic cinnamon swirl, be sure to divide the batter evenly between the two layers in the pan and don’t forget to swirl the cinnamon mixture with a knife or toothpick before baking. This will ensure that the cinnamon-sugar mixture melts perfectly into the batter and creates that beautiful marbling effect.
Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the ingredients, take care not to overmix the batter as this can lead to a dense and tough bread. Instead, stir just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.

Optional Variations

Nutty addition: For a more complex flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon mixture. The nuts will add a delightful crunch to the bread and complement the warmth of the cinnamon.
Glaze it up: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bread. Just mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, then drizzle over the top for a sweet finishing touch.

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Amish Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe

Ingredients

For the Batter:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar (reduced from 2 cups)
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups buttermilk (substitute: add 4 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice to 2 cups of milk and allow to stand for 5 minutes before using)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Streusel:

• ⅓ cup white sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (or use all white or brown sugar, based on preference)
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray and set them aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the buttermilk. Slowly add the flour and baking soda, mixing just until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel.
5. Pour ¼ of the batter into the bottom of each prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle ¾ of the cinnamon streusel mixture evenly over the batter in both pans.
6. Top with the remaining batter and then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon mixture over the top.
7. Swirl the batter in each pan using a knife or toothpick to create the classic cinnamon swirl pattern.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Final Thoughts

Amish Cinnamon Swirl Bread is the ultimate fusion of sweet and comforting. Its moist crumb and aromatic cinnamon filling make it an irresistible addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a snack with coffee, this bread is guaranteed to become a household favorite. It’s a timeless recipe, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in all by yourself!