Cinnamon Friendship Bread
Makes two loaves (give one to a friend or neighbor or freeze)
Batter:
1 cup butter (softened)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups buttermilk
4 cups AP flour
2 tsp baking soda
Topping and center fill:
2/3 c sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add in eggs. Add in buttermilk. Slowly add in dry ingredients. Do not over mix!
Grease two loaf pans. Fill pans half way. Add 3/4 of cinnamon sugar mixture. Top with remaining batter. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top and use a knife to gently marble the cinnamon and sugar into the top of the batter. Bake at 350 for an hour or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean from the center of the loaf. You can wrap and freeze one loaf or share with a friend!
If you're looking to make the most out of your cinnamon friendship bread, consider a few handy tips to enhance both flavor and texture. First, using softened butter is key to achieving a creamy, fluffy batter, as this ensures even mixing with sugar and eggs. When mixing the dry ingredients with the wet, take care not to over mix; this will help keep your bread tender rather than dense. For the cinnamon sugar filling, evenly distributing it between the two loaf pans before gently swirling the top creates a beautiful marbled effect that adds visual appeal in addition to delivering the rich spice flavor in every bite. Baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour is perfect timing, but always check doneness with a wooden toothpick to avoid underbaking or drying out your bread. To store your bread, wrap one loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it; this allows you to enjoy fresh cinnamon bread anytime. When thawed, warming the loaf slightly in the oven can bring back that freshly baked taste and aroma. Additionally, you can customize your cinnamon bread by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter or topping, which adds a delightful crunch. Some people also like to incorporate raisins or a drizzle of simple glaze icing after baking for an extra touch of sweetness. This recipe is perfect for gifting — hence the term 'friendship bread' — as it encourages sharing and spreading warmth through homemade treats. Whether you’re baking for a casual neighbor, a close friend, or family, this bread’s soft texture combined with its cinnamon sugar swirl makes it an unforgettable comfort food. Explore this versatile recipe by experimenting with variations while keeping the core ingredients from the original list: butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar. This simple yet delightful recipe aligns well with traditional Amish bread styles but is straightforward enough for beginners looking to enjoy homemade baked goods.
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