Can I Make Amish Cinnamon Sugar Friendship Bread Without a Starter?

Yes. This Amish Cinnamon Sugar Friendship Bread is specifically designed to work without a traditional Amish friendship bread starter. Buttermilk supplies acidity and moisture, helping activate the baking soda while creating a tender, cake-like crumb. If you do not have buttermilk, combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes before using it in the batter.

Why Did My Amish Cinnamon Sugar Friendship Bread Turn Out Dry?

Too much flour and overbaking are two common reasons cinnamon quick bread becomes dry. Measure the flour carefully rather than packing it into the measuring cup, and begin checking the loaf near the lower end of the recommended baking time. The Amish Cinnamon Sugar Friendship Bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter attached, bake for a few additional minutes before checking again.

Can You Freeze Amish Cinnamon Sugar Friendship Bread?

Yes. Allow the loaf to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Amish Cinnamon Sugar Friendship Bread can be frozen for approximately 1 to 2 months for the best quality. You can also slice the loaf before freezing and wrap the pieces individually. This makes it easy to thaw a single serving whenever you want a quick cinnamon-sugar breakfast or snack.

Easy Amish Cinnamon Sugar Friendship Bread

Name: Amish Cinnamon Sugar Friendship Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup granulated sugar, for cinnamon-sugar mixture; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Description

Amish Cinnamon Sugar Friendship Bread is a tender, moist, cake-like quick bread made without a traditional starter. Buttermilk creates a soft crumb, while layers of cinnamon sugar add a sweet swirl through the center and a lightly crisp topping. This easy homemade loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, gifting, or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar, for cinnamon-sugar mixture
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
Combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar and the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until completely combined.
Add the buttermilk, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently just until combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
Sprinkle about three-quarters of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer.
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the loaf.
Bake for 48 to 52 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
Allow the bread to cool in the loaf pan for 15 to 20 minutes.
Run a thin knife around the edges, carefully remove the loaf from the pan, and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can make the bread dense instead of soft and tender.
If you do not have buttermilk, combine 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup milk and let it stand for about 5 minutes before using.
For a lighter variation, replace half of the butter with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.
Begin checking the loaf near the lower end of the baking time because oven temperatures can vary.
If the cinnamon-sugar topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil while it finishes baking.
Store completely cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly and freeze for up to 1 to 2 months.
The bread can be frozen whole or sliced into individual portions for easy thawing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Amish-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 loaf)
Calories: 365
Sugar: 35 g
Sodium: 265 mg
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg