Amish Cinnamon Bread: The Irresistible No-Yeast Recipe You’ll Love

Introduction

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. Amish cinnamon bread, a no-yeast quick bread with a sweet swirl of cinnamon sugar, offers that same cozy charm in every slice. This article dives into what makes this beloved recipe special—from its rich cultural roots to step-by-step baking instructions—while also exploring common pitfalls, variations, and where you can buy an authentic version like the famous one at Dollywood.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Cinnamon Rolls With Heavy Whipping Cream recipe for a rich twist on sweet baked goods.

Table of Contents

What Is Amish Cinnamon Bread?

The History and Tradition Behind Amish Cinnamon Bread

Amish cinnamon bread isn’t just another sweet loaf. It’s a reflection of community, simplicity, and time-honored baking traditions passed down through generations in Amish culture. Unlike commercial bread, this cinnamon-swirled delight is rooted in the values of homemade care—made without yeast, using ingredients found in any pantry.

It often falls under the umbrella of Amish Friendship Bread, a unique baking tradition that involves sharing fermented starter dough among friends and neighbors. Though similar in texture and sweetness, Amish cinnamon bread is simpler, requiring no starter and no wait time.

Its popularity exploded because of its moist texture, crackly cinnamon crust, and ease of preparation, even for beginner bakers.

What Makes It Different from Regular Cinnamon Bread?

While traditional cinnamon bread often involves a yeasted dough and multiple rise times, Amish cinnamon bread is a quick bread—meaning no yeast, no waiting. That makes it perfect for weekday baking or spontaneous cravings.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Feature	Amish Cinnamon Bread	Regular Cinnamon Bread
Leavening Agent	Baking soda/baking powder	Yeast
Rise Time	None	1–2 hours
Texture	Moist, cake-like	Soft, chewy
Cinnamon Distribution	Swirled into batter	Rolled into layers
Prep Time	~15 minutes	2–3 hours total

In short, Amish cinnamon bread gives you maximum flavor with minimum fuss. And because it doesn’t rely on yeast, it’s much more forgiving and beginner-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Amish Cinnamon Bread

Staple Ingredients and Pantry Tips

Making Amish cinnamon bread doesn’t require anything fancy. In fact, its simplicity is what makes it so universally loved. You’ll likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda and baking powder
• Buttermilk (or a homemade substitute)
• Sugar (both white and brown work well)
• Eggs
• Oil (vegetable or canola)
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

The magic lies in the cinnamon-sugar swirl, which gives the bread its signature crackly top and rich flavor. The buttermilk keeps the texture moist, while the oil makes the loaf soft and tender for days.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.

Want to know how to use pantry ingredients more efficiently?
Check out this guide on how leavening agents work in baking.

Why Buttermilk and Sugar Create the Perfect Texture

Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help the bread rise without yeast. It also adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar. When mixed with oil instead of butter, the bread stays softer and fresher longer.

Sugar isn’t just for sweetness—it caramelizes in the oven to form that crave-worthy cinnamon crust. Together, these ingredients give Amish cinnamon bread its classic taste and texture: soft, tender, sweet, and beautifully spiced.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Amish Cinnamon Bread

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to whip up your very own loaf of Amish cinnamon bread. This section includes realistic image prompts so you can visualize each step clearly.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two standard loaf pans or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, combine sugar, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Gradually mix the wet into the dry until smooth but don’t overmix.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the batter into each loaf pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top. Add another sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and use a knife to gently swirl through the batter for that marbled look.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Amish Cinnamon Bread

Why Does It Sink in the Middle?

One of the most frequent complaints bakers have with Amish cinnamon bread is that it sinks in the middle. This happens for a few key reasons:

1. Underbaking – If the center isn’t fully set, it will collapse as it cools. Always use the toothpick test: if it comes out with wet batter, give it another 5–10 minutes.
2. Overmixing the Batter – This can add too much air or activate too much gluten, making the loaf unstable as it bakes.
3. Incorrect Oven Temperature – Many ovens run hot or cold. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your bread bakes at a consistent 350°F.

To avoid sinking, make sure to:

• Grease your pan properly
• Don’t open the oven door too early
• Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before removing

Want to improve your overall baking accuracy?
Learn more about oven temperature calibration here on Wikipedia.

How to Keep the Swirl From Disappearing

A beautiful cinnamon swirl is the signature of Amish cinnamon bread. If your swirl seems to vanish after baking, the likely culprit is overmixing after adding the swirl or not using enough cinnamon sugar.

Be sure to:

• Gently drag a knife through the batter only 2–3 times
• Use a heavy hand with the cinnamon sugar layer—don’t skimp!

Let the swirl sit close to the top for a stunning crackly effect.

Amish Cinnamon Bread vs. Amish Friendship Bread

How Are They Related?

Both recipes hail from Amish culture and share similar sweet, spiced flavors. But there’s a key difference: Friendship Bread uses a fermented starter shared among friends, while Amish cinnamon bread is a quick bread—no starter required.

Friendship Bread has a strong community aspect. You make a starter, feed it over 10 days, then share portions with friends, who repeat the process. This “bread chain” reflects values of connection and giving.

Amish cinnamon bread, on the other hand, gives you that sweet reward right away, with no waiting period.

Why Some Bakers Avoid Metal When Making Friendship Bread

This might surprise you, but many traditional recipes recommend not using metal tools or bowls when preparing Friendship Bread starter. That’s because the starter is slightly acidic, and aluminum or copper can react with acids, potentially altering the flavor or color.

While stainless steel is usually safe, many home bakers still stick with glass, plastic, or ceramic for peace of mind.

This isn’t a concern with Amish cinnamon bread, as there’s no fermented starter—just a quick mix and bake.

Why Is Amish Baking So Popular?

Flavor Secrets from Traditional Amish Kitchens

Amish baking holds a cherished spot in American culinary culture—and with good reason. Recipes like Amish cinnamon bread are handed down through generations and celebrated for their depth of flavor and comforting simplicity.

What makes Amish baked goods so good?

1. Fresh, Whole Ingredients – Amish bakers rely on what’s locally available: farm-fresh eggs, real butter, and raw milk. Even when made in modern kitchens, the recipes emphasize natural ingredients over shortcuts.
2. Time-Honored Techniques – Whether it’s kneading by hand or carefully layering cinnamon sugar into a soft batter, Amish methods focus on quality over convenience.
3. No Gimmicks – There’s no artificial flavoring or trendy ingredients—just straightforward, rich taste.
4. Consistency – Whether baking for family or for sale at a roadside stand, Amish bakers uphold strict attention to detail, ensuring perfect texture and flavor in every loaf.

These values carry over into every bite of Amish cinnamon bread—tender, sweet, and spiced just right.

Simple Ingredients, Deeply Rooted Results

There’s a humility in Amish recipes. They don’t try to impress with flair—they deliver comfort, reliably and beautifully. That’s what makes a slice of Amish cinnamon bread feel like home.

Serving and Storing Amish Cinnamon Bread

Best Ways to Serve It Fresh or Reheated

Amish cinnamon bread is incredibly versatile and delicious both warm and at room temperature. Here are a few serving tips:

• Slice it fresh and serve with a pat of butter or cream cheese
• Toast a slice and drizzle with honey or maple syrup for breakfast
• Pair it with black coffee or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon snack
• Serve it as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Reheating is easy—just pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore that freshly baked softness.

Freezing and Storing Tips to Preserve Moisture

Want to keep that cinnamon-swirled goodness around longer? Follow these tips:

• Room temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic or foil and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: It’ll last up to a week in the fridge, but bring to room temp before serving for best flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap loaves or individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Just avoid storing it uncovered—this bread is moist and can dry out quickly when exposed to air.

Where to Buy Amish Cinnamon Bread (Like Dollywood’s Famous Version)

What Makes Dollywood Cinnamon Bread So Famous?

When it comes to store-bought or bakery-fresh versions, Dollywood cinnamon bread is a legend. Found at the Grist Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, it’s been praised by foodies, travelers, and even celebrity chefs for its gooey, buttery richness and signature pull-apart texture.

So, what makes it special?

• It’s made fresh throughout the day and served warm
• Each loaf is drenched in butter and cinnamon sugar
• The texture is somewhere between a cinnamon roll and Amish cinnamon bread
• Served with icing or apple butter on the side

Dollywood has transformed a regional recipe into a bucket-list item for food lovers. People line up for hours to grab a loaf—and often leave with more than one.

Pricing and Experience of Trying It in Person

As of 2025, a full loaf at Dollywood costs around $9 to $10, depending on added toppings like buttercream or apple butter. It’s worth every penny—and calories.

If you can’t make it to Tennessee, several Amish markets and local bakeries offer similar versions. But honestly? Homemade Amish cinnamon bread is just as satisfying—and easier on your wallet.

Creative Variations and Toppings

Make It Your Own With Nuts, Frosting, or Raisins

One of the best things about Amish cinnamon bread is how customizable it is. Want to give it a personal twist? Try these additions:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts folded into the batter
• A cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing drizzled on top
• Add golden raisins or dried cranberries for a fruitier loaf
• Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice during fall

Experimenting with toppings is a fun way to reinvent the classic without losing its comforting charm.

Healthier Swaps Without Losing Flavor

If you’re looking to lighten up the loaf a little, try these healthy substitutes:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of oil for more protein
• Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour
• Cut the sugar by 25% and add a touch more vanilla
• Add flaxseed meal for extra fiber

Just don’t skip the cinnamon—that’s the soul of this bread.

For more baking inspiration and recipe variations, don’t miss our full range of raw cinnamon rolls withcream that go beyond the basics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion: Bake a Piece of Comfort

There’s a reason Amish cinnamon bread has stood the test of time. It’s warm, soft, sweet, and effortlessly charming—just like the culture it came from. Whether you’re craving an easy comfort bake, curious about Amish traditions, or looking to recreate Dollywood’s signature loaf, this recipe delivers every time.

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