Introduction to Amish Cinnamon Bread
If you're looking for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress, Amish Cinnamon Bread is at the top of the list for many food enthusiasts. This moist, sweet bread features swirls of cinnamon-sugar filling, offering a comforting and delicious aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes. Originating from Amish communities in the United States, this recipe has been passed down through generations, beloved for its simplicity and heartwarming flavor.
Amish Cinnamon Bread stands out not just for its taste but also for its unique texture—it's tender on the inside with a slightly crispy crust. Foodies appreciate how versatile it is; you can enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Its charm is enhanced by the option to customize with various add-ins like nuts or dried fruits to elevate the experience.
Moreover, baking this bread can be a delightful bonding activity, perfect for dive-in baking with friends or family. Community and shared experiences strengthen its appeal, making each slice reminisce of homey gatherings.
For more insights into the origins and cultural significance of Amish recipes, check out The Amish Cooks or delve into cookbooks that celebrate traditional Amish cuisine.
Ingredients for Amish Cinnamon Bread
Creating Amish Cinnamon Bread is a delightful experience, filled with cozy aromas and comforting flavors. Here, we break down the ingredients you’ll need for this scrumptious loaf!
Essential Ingredients
- ½ cup softened salted butter: This is your base for a rich and creamy texture.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: For that classic sweetness we all love.
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor to the bread.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla elevates all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Contributes to the loaf's tenderness and moisture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This will help your bread rise perfectly for a fluffy texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- ⅓ cup sugar: Essential for that sweet, crunchy topping.
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon: The star of the show, offering warm, spicy notes.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Drizzled on top for a golden finish.
For further exploration of baking techniques, check out Baker’s Journal for tips and tricks from the pros! With this list in hand, you’re all set to create a loaf that not only smells divine but also tastes incredibly good. Trust me, it’s worth every step!
Preparing Amish Cinnamon Bread
Making Amish Cinnamon Bread is not just about following a recipe; it's about creating a warm, comforting experience that fills your kitchen with the delightful scent of cinnamon and sugar. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the layers of this quick bread!
Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Before we get into the fun part of mixing and baking, it's essential to gather all your ingredients. This not only streamlines the process but also helps avoid frantic searches mid-recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup softened salted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the cinnamon sugar filling and topping:
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Once you have everything in place, it will be smooth sailing!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Start by adding the softened butter to a large mixing bowl. If you have a stand mixer, that’s great, but a hand mixer will do just fine too. Blend the butter with the granulated and brown sugars on medium-high speed. Aim for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it introduces air into the dough, giving your Amish Cinnamon Bread a lovely rise.
Mixing in the Wet Ingredients
Next, add in that magical touch of flavor—an egg, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a cup of buttermilk. Mix well until everything is smoothly incorporated. The buttermilk adds a delicious depth, making the bread moist and tangy. Trust me; you want those flavors!
Incorporating the Dry Ingredients
Now, it's time to sift your dry ingredients! Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and a teaspoon of baking soda into the bowl, mixing gently. Avoid over-mixing; you want the flour to be just combined with no large lumps. Using a silicone spatula can help you fold the ingredients together effortlessly.
Adding the Cinnamon Sugar Filling (and Swirling!)
Here comes the fun part! In a separate bowl, mix together ⅓ cup of sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon. Now, pour half of your batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle half of that delightful cinnamon-sugar mix over the top. Grab a butter knife to swirl it into the batter. Repeat this with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture, creating a lovely swirl throughout.
Baking to Perfection
Finally, drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter on the top before sliding it into the preheated oven at 350ºF. Bake for 50-70 minutes, checking with a cake tester or toothpick until it comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This will help those cozy spices develop even more—perfect for enjoying later!
With just a bit of patience and care, you’ll have a delicious loaf of Amish Cinnamon Bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert! Happy baking!
Variations on Amish Cinnamon Bread
Adding Nuts or Dried Fruits
To elevate your Amish Cinnamon Bread, consider folding in a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruits. Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, while dried cranberries or raisins infuse sweetness and texture. Aim for about ½ cup of your chosen add-ins to maintain a balanced flavor profile. It’s a great way to personalize your loaf, and the added nutrients can make it feel even more satisfying. Plus, does anything say cozy like a slice of warm cinnamon bread with delightful little surprises in each bite?
Exploring Different Spice Blends
Don’t stop at just cinnamon; experiment with other spices to give your Amish Cinnamon Bread a unique twist. For a warm, aromatic flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice. If you're feeling adventurous, a dash of cardamom can transform your loaf into something truly special. Mixing in some cocoa powder can even give a chocolatey kick that pairs beautifully with cinnamon. The sky’s the limit, so have fun playing with flavors! For more inspiration, check out Spice Advice for ideas and combinations that can truly spice up your baking game.
Cooking tips and notes for Amish Cinnamon Bread
Importance of softened butter
Using softened butter is crucial for achieving that wonderfully fluffy texture in your Amish Cinnamon Bread. When butter is at room temperature, it creams beautifully with the sugars, creating an aerated batter that contributes to the loaf’s lightness. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the butter for just a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it entirely!
Best storage practices
To keep your Amish Cinnamon Bread moist and delicious, wrap it in a triple layer of plastic wrap. This will preserve its freshness at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For those who want to enjoy it later, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, or pop it in the freezer for up to two months. Just remember to label it so you know what you’ve got stashed away!
Serving suggestions for Amish Cinnamon Bread
Pairing with coffee or tea
The warm, buttery Amish Cinnamon Bread truly shines when paired with your favorite morning brew. Whether it's a rich cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea, this delightful loaf enhances your beverage experience. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you savor each slice alongside a steaming cup. You can also sprinkle a touch of cinnamon on your drink for an extra flavor boost.
Creative ways to enjoy leftovers
If you have leftover Amish Cinnamon Bread (a rare feat, I know!), consider these fun ideas to elevate your snacking:
- French Toast: Dip slices in a mixture of eggs and milk for a sweet twist on the classic breakfast dish.
- Toast with toppings: Slather it with cream cheese and fresh fruit or even peanut butter for a unique treat.
- Dessert Bake: Cube the bread, mix with custard, and bake for a delicious bread pudding.
For more ways to enjoy, check out these creative bread recipes.
Time Breakdown for Amish Cinnamon Bread
Preparing delicious Amish Cinnamon Bread is a delightful experience, but knowing how to manage your time in the kitchen can make it even better. Here's a quick breakdown:
Preparation Time
Get your ingredients together and mix them up in just about 15-20 minutes. This will get you started on this aromatic loaf.
Baking Time
Once the batter is ready, it’s time to bake your treat. Expect to spend 50-70 minutes in the oven, filling your home with warm, sweet smells.
Total Time
From prep to the moment you pull your Amish Cinnamon Bread out, you’re looking at around 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes overall, plus a brief cooling period.
So why not invite a friend over and make it a fun baking experience? You’ll love the satisfaction of enjoying this classic homemade bread!
For more tips and tricks on baking, check out sources like The Spruce Eats and Bon Appétit.
Nutritional Facts for Amish Cinnamon Bread
Calories
Each serving of Amish Cinnamon Bread contains approximately 261 calories. This makes it a delightful treat to enjoy occasionally, especially when paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Carbohydrates
You’ll find about 39g of carbohydrates in each serving, providing a quick energy boost. It's important to savor it mindfully to balance your intake throughout the day.
Sugar Content
One serving has around 23g of sugar, derived from both the granulated and brown sugars included. While this contributes to the delightful sweetness, consider it as part of your overall daily sugar consumption.
When enjoying this homemade cinnamon bread, indulge in moderation to appreciate its flavors while maintaining a balanced diet. For further insights, check out resources on the USDA's nutritional guidelines or Healthy Eating for practical tips!
FAQs about Amish Cinnamon Bread
How do I ensure a moist loaf?
To achieve the ultimate moistness in your Amish Cinnamon Bread, it’s crucial to use softened butter. This allows for better incorporation into your batter. If you're in a pinch and can’t wait for butter to soften, consider using melted butter instead, but note it may slightly affect the loaf's moisture. Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing until just combined will help keep your bread fluffy and tender.
Can I freeze Amish Cinnamon Bread?
Absolutely! Freezing your Amish Cinnamon Bread is a fantastic way to enjoy it later. Just wrap the cooled loaf tightly in a triple layer of plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you can’t resist the delicious aroma any longer, just thaw it at room temperature.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To revive leftover Amish Cinnamon Bread, preheat your oven to 350°F and wrap the loaf in aluminum foil. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method retains the bread’s moisture while giving it that freshly baked taste! Alternatively, use a microwave for a quick fix, but be mindful not to overheat, as it can dry out.
For more tips on baking, check out the resources on King Arthur Baking or explore Food Network for some creative ideas!
Conclusion on Amish Cinnamon Bread
In summary, Amish Cinnamon Bread is a delightful treat that combines warmth and sweetness, perfect for any occasion. The key to its irresistible flavor lies in the balance of spices and textures. Try making it for your next gathering or an indulgent Sunday morning treat; you won’t regret it!
For more delicious recipes, check out FoodNetwork or AllRecipes for inspiration!
Amish Cinnamon Bread
Equipment
- Loaf pan
- mixer
- spatula
- Sifter
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup softened butter salted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Cinnamon Sugar Filling and Topping
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and grease a 9X5 loaf pan with butter or oil.
- Add the softened butter to a large bowl with a hand mixer, OR a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
- Add in granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter and mix on medium-high speed until the butter and sugars have creamed and are light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla and buttermilk and mix until fully incorporated.
- Sift the flour and baking soda into the bowl and mix just until it starts to come together. Use a silicone spatula to fold everything together until the flour is absorbed and no large lumps remain.
- Stir together ⅓ cup of sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon and set aside.
- Add half of the batter to the prepared loaf pan, and add half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top of the batter. Use a butter knife to swirl it into the batter.
- Add the remaining half of the batter on top, smoothing it out evenly.
- Add the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture and swirl it into the top layer of batter using a butter knife.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter on top of the loaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-70 minutes, or until a cake tester (or toothpick) comes out clean when inserted into the center.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, and then gently coax it out of the loaf pan and transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool to room temperature before wrapping and storing.
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