Description

Traditionally, Amish cinnamon bread, or Amish friendship bread, is made with sourdough starter and passed down from friend to friend, similar to a chain letter. However, not everyone has a sourdough starter or has the time to make and maintain one, so this quick version substitutes tart yogurt to mimic the sour sourdough starter flavor instead.

Directions

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 F. Spray an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes if using a handheld mixer, 8 to 10 minutes if mixing by hand.
4. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds.
5. Add the yogurt and milk. Mix until fully incorporated.
6. Sift in the flours, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and baking soda, and mix until just incorporated.
7. Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
8. Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle on top of the batter in the loaf pan.
9. Top with remaining batter and sprinkle with sugar, if desired.
10. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 45 to 55 minutes.
11. Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes, then remove from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Slice and serve with butter.