There’s something truly special about a loaf of freshly baked bread, especially when it fills your home with warmth and nostalgia. Authentic Amish Cinnamon Bread embodies this feeling perfectly. As I recall my grandmother making this delightful treat, the sweet aroma wafting through the house always made everyone feel right at home. This bread is not just a recipe; it’s a comforting hug, the kind that brings family and friends together.
The ingredients in this recipe create a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. With 1 cup of warm milk, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, the bread comes together beautifully. It’s enriched with 2 eggs, a touch of 1 teaspoon of salt, and 4 cups of all-purpose flour for a satisfying base. The magic truly occurs when you add 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast that gives it that lovely rise, and the 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon combined with an additional 1/2 cup of sugar for the cinnamon mixture really brings out that sweet-spicy flavor profile. Optional 1/2 cup of chopped nuts can be included for those who enjoy a little crunch.
Making Amish Cinnamon Bread is a simple process that will not overwhelm even the novice baker. It begins with combining warm milk, sugar, oil, eggs, and salt in a bowl, followed by the incorporation of flour and yeast. Gradually, as you form a soft dough and knead it until smooth, the anticipation builds. After letting the dough rise until doubled, you’ll punch it down, roll it out, and sprinkle that delectable cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Finally, you’ll roll it into loaves and let them rise again before baking to golden perfection.
This bread is perfect for chilly nights when you want something comforting or for sharing at potlucks where everyone will rave about your baking skills.
Why You’ll Love This Authentic Amish Cinnamon Bread
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious bread in no time.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it an accessible recipe for everyone.
- Comfort Food: Enjoying a slice of warm cinnamon bread feels like a cozy embrace.
- Perfect for Sharing: This loaf is great for gatherings, ensuring you have a crowd-pleaser on hand.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer adding nuts or experimenting with different spices, the options are endless.
Warm Milk Tips
The warm milk in this recipe plays a vital role in activating the yeast. Choose whole milk for a richer flavor, but low-fat milk can also work if that’s what you have on hand. Ensure the milk is warm but not hot—around 110°F is ideal. Too much heat can kill the yeast, while too little will not activate it properly. To test the temperature, dip your finger in; it should feel comfortably warm, almost like a baby’s bath.
Options for Substitutions
- Milk: Almond, soy, or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
- Sugar: Brown sugar works well for a deeper flavor. Honey or agave syrup can also be used, but adjust the liquid accordingly.
- Oil: Coconut oil or melted butter can be a flavorful swap for vegetable oil.
- Flour: Whole wheat flour can be substituted for a part of the all-purpose flour to increase fiber content.
- Eggs: Flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) can replace eggs for a vegan option.
- Nuts: Consider using walnuts or pecans instead of the typical chopped nuts.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
When preparing your Amish Cinnamon Bread, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid. First, ensure that your milk is the correct temperature when activating the yeast. If it’s too hot, the yeast may die, and your dough won’t rise. Another mistake is under-kneading the dough. It should be smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes of kneading.
Additionally, do not skip the first rise. Allowing the dough to double in size is critical for texture. Some may rush this process, thinking the second rise is sufficient, but patience here pays off with a lighter bread. Finally, keep an eye on your baking time—the bread should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Overbaking can lead to a dry loaf, while underbaking may result in doughy slices.
What to Serve With Authentic Amish Cinnamon Bread?
This cinnamon bread pairs beautifully with butter, fresh fruit preserves, or a dollop of cream cheese spread. You could also serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a more substantial breakfast, add scrambled eggs and bacon to round out the meal.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep your baked bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
Freeze: If you would like to save some for later, wrap your loaf well and store it in the freezer. It can last for about three months.
Reheat: To enjoy after freezing, thaw the loaf in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat by wrapping it in foil and placing it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also slice a piece and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes rising time)
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 12 slices
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1,600 – 1,800
- Protein: 30 – 40 grams
- Fat: 60 – 80 grams
- Carbohydrates: 260 – 300 grams
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar (for cinnamon mixture)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
Step 2: Add Flour and Yeast
Next, stir in 2 cups of the flour along with the 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. You may not need all the flour, so add it little by little until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 hour.
Step 6: Prepare the Loaves
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part out into a rectangle and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon).
Step 7: Roll and Shape
Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other and place the rolled dough into greased loaf pans.
Step 8: Second Rise
Let the loaves rise again, covered, until they double in size again, which usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
Step 9: Preheat Oven
During the last minutes of the rising time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 10: Bake the Bread
Bake the loaves for 30-35 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
Step 11: Cool Before Serving
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
In summary, Authentic Amish Cinnamon Bread is a delightful recipe that brings warmth and sweetness to your home. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and so comforting that it will surely become a cherished recipe in your collection. I invite you to give it a try, and I would love to hear how it turns out! Share your feedback and explore similar posts to keep enriching your baking journey.
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Authentic Amish Cinnamon Bread
- Prep Time: 75 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful homemade cinnamon bread that brings warmth and sweetness to your home, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar (for cinnamon mixture)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and salt. Stir until smooth.
- Add Flour and Yeast: Stir in 2 cups of flour and yeast until well combined.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Loaves: Punch down dough, divide, roll into rectangles, and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Roll and Shape: Roll tightly and place in greased loaf pans.
- Second Rise: Let rise again, covered, until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) during the last minutes of rising.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow to cool in pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Ensure the milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast. Optional ingredients can be added based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
