Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe (No Knead, Just Mix and Bake!)

A Cozy Slice of Comfort, Any Time of Year

Imagine this: It’s a crisp autumn morning, leaves are falling outside, and the scent of warm cinnamon fills your kitchen. Or maybe it’s a rainy Sunday afternoon and you’re looking for a simple but soul-satisfying baking project that doesn’t require fancy techniques or hours of work. That’s where this delightful Amish Cinnamon Bread comes in.

Inspired by the simple, wholesome baking traditions of the Amish, this recipe is the kind you’ll want to pass down through generations. It’s one of those rare baked goods that feels rustic and homemade—but tastes like it came from a beloved neighborhood bakery.

Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for something that’s guaranteed to make your home smell amazing, this no-knead Amish Cinnamon Bread is the answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ No kneading required – Just mix the ingredients and bake. Perfect for beginners.

✅ Simple pantry staples – Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.

✅ Versatile and shareable – Makes two loaves, so you can enjoy one now and gift one later.

✅ Comforting flavors – Sweet, cinnamon-swirled goodness in every bite.

What Is Amish Cinnamon Bread?

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a soft, moist, cake-like quick bread known for its rich, buttery base and a generous swirl of cinnamon and sugar. While some versions use a sourdough starter (similar to Amish Friendship Bread), this variation is much simpler—no starter required, and absolutely no kneading.

The magic happens in the layers: half the batter goes into the loaf pan, a cinnamon-sugar mixture is swirled in, then more batter and cinnamon topping. The result? A tender loaf with a golden crust and a sugary, spiced ripple that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Batter:

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice)
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

How to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread

This recipe makes two generous loaves, perfect for freezing, gifting, or keeping one for breakfast and one for dessert.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two standard loaf pans generously with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. This creates the perfect base for a moist, tender loaf.

Next, stir in the buttermilk, then slowly add the flour and baking soda. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!

💡 If you’re making your own buttermilk, simply stir 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice into 2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

Divide half of the batter (or a little less) between the two prepared loaf pans.

In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar.

Sprinkle about 3/4 of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter in both pans.

Add the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon layer in each pan. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon-sugar on top.

Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon-sugar into the batter. You don’t want to mix it completely—just a few swirls to marble it beautifully.

Step 4: Bake

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the loaves cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

✅ Don’t overmix the batter – This will help your bread stay soft and tender.

✅ Use real butter – It adds depth and richness that margarine just can’t match.

✅ Make it ahead – This bread tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

✅ Freeze a loaf – Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about Amish Cinnamon Bread is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun variations you can try:

Add chopped nuts – A handful of pecans or walnuts adds a satisfying crunch.
Make it fruity – Fold in 1 cup of chopped apples or raisins before baking.
Add a glaze – Drizzle with a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze for extra sweetness.
Make muffins – Divide the batter into muffin tins and reduce the baking time to 20–25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

Warm with butter for breakfast
Toasted with coffee or tea
As a sweet treat in lunchboxes
Packaged as a gift with a handwritten note
As a holiday dessert topped with vanilla ice cream

How to Store Amish Cinnamon Bread

You can store this bread at room temperature for up to 4 days if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage:

Refrigerate for up to 7 days
Freeze for up to 3 months (wrap in foil or freezer-safe wrap)

When ready to serve, thaw overnight at room temperature and warm in the oven or microwave for that fresh-baked flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute plant-based butter and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk combined with vinegar to mimic buttermilk.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

You can replace up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just note that it may make the bread slightly denser.

Is this the same as Amish Friendship Bread?

No starter is required here, unlike traditional Amish Friendship Bread. This version is quicker, easier, and just as delicious.

Why Amish Recipes Are So Loved

There’s something special about Amish recipes. Rooted in simplicity and tradition, they’re often made with basic ingredients but yield the most comforting, soul-warming results. This cinnamon bread is no different.

The Amish value community, family, and hospitality—and this recipe embodies all three. It’s made to be shared, gifted, and enjoyed with others. So the next time you want to bake something meaningful, choose something from their cherished traditions.

Printable Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Here’s a quick version of the recipe to print and stick on your fridge:

Amish Cinnamon Bread (No Knead)

Ingredients:

Batter:

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups buttermilk (or 2 cups milk + 2 tbsp vinegar)
4 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda

Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:

2/3 cup sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 loaf pans.
Cream butter, sugar, and eggs. Add milk, flour, and baking soda.
Pour half of the batter into the pans.
Mix cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle 3/4 over the batter.
Add remaining batter, top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar. Swirl with a knife.
Bake 45–50 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

Final Thoughts: Bake It, Share It, Love It

This Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe is the kind of comforting, go-to recipe that turns a regular day into something special. With its simple ingredients and no-fuss method, it’s practically begging to be baked on a lazy weekend or gifted during the holidays.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of ease and deliciousness. Bake a loaf for yourself—and one for someone you love.