AMISH CINNAMON BREAD

With the holiday season fast approaching, there’s nothing quite like sharing a heartwarming gift that keeps on giving. Enter Amish Cinnamon Bread, a delightful treat that not only boasts a rich, comforting flavor but also brings a sense of tradition and community to your kitchen. This recipe is a nostalgic nod to the past, perfect for creating memories and forming connections with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amish Cinnamon Bread is more than just a bread; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness that is sure to please any palate. The best part? This bread is made using a sourdough starter that you can share with friends, making it a lovely gift and a fun project that bonds people together. Plus, the satisfaction of creating something from scratch is immeasurable!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 2-quart container or a large bowl
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two 4×8” or 9×5” loaf pans
• Oven

Ingredients

Starter

• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (non-fat works fine)

Feedings (2)

• 2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
• 2 cups milk (divided, non-fat okay)

For the Bread

• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup starter
• 2/3 cup oil
• 1 cup + 4 teaspoons sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Optional: 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Day 1:

1. Make your starter by stirring the yeast into warm water and letting it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Whisk together sugar and flour in a 2-quart container. Whisk in milk, ensuring no clumps remain.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Cover loosely and store on the counter.

Days 2-4:

Stir the mixture once per day.

Day 5:

1. Feed the mixture with 1 cup each of sugar, flour, and milk. Cover loosely and store on the counter.

Days 6-9:

Stir the mixture once per day.

Day 10:

1. Feed the mixture with 1 cup each of sugar, flour, and milk. Cover loosely and store on the counter.
2. Remove 1 cup of starter for the Amish Friendship Bread Recipe. Share 2 cups with two friends.
3. With the remaining starter, you can either freeze it or continue the cycle.

Friendship Bread Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease two loaf pans and sprinkle sugar inside, or use cooking spray without additional sugar.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together baking soda, baking powder, salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and flour.
3. Combine starter, oil, and 1 cup sugar in another bowl. Stir in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients and optional add-ins.
4. Divide the batter between the loaf pans. Mix 4 teaspoons sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle on top.
5. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before removing from pans.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your yeast is fresh for an active starter.
• Mix thoroughly to avoid clumps in the starter.
• Be patient with the process; the 10-day cycle is worth the wait!

Additional Tips and Variations

• For a unique twist, try adding dried fruits to the batter.
• Experiment with different nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While specific nutritional values will vary based on portion sizes and any added ingredients, Amish Cinnamon Bread is typically a warm, comforting treat that’s rich in carbohydrates and sugar. Moderation is key!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze the starter? Yes, you can freeze the starter for future use. Just defrost it thoroughly before continuing the cycle.

What if I skip a day of stirring? Missing a day or two won’t ruin the starter, but try to stir it as regularly as possible.

Can I make more than two loaves? Yes, you can adjust the recipe to make more loaves or different sizes, just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Amish Cinnamon Bread is a delightful journey into the world of baking and sharing. It’s a recipe that brings people together, one slice at a time. Try it out, spread the joy, and let your friends and family in on the delicious secret. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your experiences!