Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread infused with the sweet spice of cinnamon? Then look no further! This Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and yields a loaf so delicious, it'll disappear in a flash. It's the perfect addition to your breakfast table, an afternoon snack, or even a delightful dessert. This recipe offers a delicious blend of homemade cooking and simple ingredients, making it a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, if served with a savory soup or stew.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses pantry staples, making it a perfect choice for a quick and healthy meal prep.
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions: Step-by-Step to Deliciousness
Let's get baking! This easy-to-follow guide will have you enjoying your homemade cinnamon bread in no time.
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Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
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Shape the Bread: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
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Roll and Bake: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal. Place the log in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Tips for the Best Amish Cinnamon Bread
- Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can result in a tough bread. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough.
- Use fresh yeast: Fresh yeast is crucial for a good rise. Check the expiration date on your yeast packet.
- Adjust sweetness: For a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- Add nuts or raisins: For added texture and flavor, add ½ cup of chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Variations: Spice Things Up!
- Apple Cinnamon Bread: Add ½ cup of chopped apples to the dough before rolling.
- Pumpkin Spice Bread: Substitute pumpkin puree for some of the water and add pumpkin pie spice to the filling.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
This Amish Cinnamon Bread recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, delicious food recipes. Its ease of preparation, coupled with its amazing flavor, makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or weekend baking adventures. Enjoy!