If you’ve ever wandered through Dollywood and caught a whiff of their famous cinnamon bread, you know it’s something truly special. The warmth of cinnamon and sugar wrapped in a tender, golden loaf with just the right amount of buttery goodness makes it utterly irresistible. This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe brings that magic right into your kitchen, delivering a soft, swirled, cinnamon-sugar treat topped with smooth vanilla icing that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. Get ready to fill your home with the most inviting aroma and enjoy slices of sweet, cinnamony joy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a flavor and texture that’s pure comfort food perfection. Each item plays a crucial role, from the fluffy batter base to the sweet cinnamon layers and the luscious icing that ties it all together.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of the bread, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the base batter without overpowering the cinnamon flavors.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise nicely for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Moistens the batter and contributes to softness.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the bread.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the bread’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (for filling): Creates a buttery swirl that makes every bite luscious.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the iconic sweet filling with hints of molasses.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes this bread unforgettable.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Base for the smooth icing to drizzle on top.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for icing): Thins the icing to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Adds a final fragrant note to the icing glaze.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan to keep the bread from sticking. This simple prep step is key to getting that perfect pull-away-from-the-pan texture that makes the slices so satisfying.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these first ensures your rising agent and seasonings are evenly distributed, giving the bread an even crumb and just the right hint of sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, stir together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Once fully incorporated, this wet mixture will bring moisture and flavor so your bread bakes up soft and tender.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—just enough to bring it together will keep the bread nice and light instead of dense.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This fragrant sugar swirl is the heart of the Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe and adds buttery sweetness inside every bite.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the batter into the greased loaf pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top. Add the remaining batter, and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mix on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the sugar through the batter, creating those irresistible cinnamon ribbons.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your loaf in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As it bakes, the kitchen will fill with that iconic cinnamon bread aroma that’s impossible to resist.
Step 8: Make the Icing
Once the bread has cooled completely, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this luscious, sweet icing over the top to finish off your homemade Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe.
Step 9: Slice and Enjoy!
Cut into thick slices and savor the melty butter, sweet cinnamon swirls, and creamy icing in every bite. You’ve just whipped up a beloved treat worthy of Dollywood’s own bakery table!
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
Garnishes
While the icing is the classic finishing touch, you can enhance this cinnamon bread even further with a sprinkling of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few fresh berries on the side adds color and a pop of fresh flavor that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent breakfast or snack. For a heartier option, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy fruit yogurt to balance the sweetness with some protein and fresh tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe into a fun dessert by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Or slice it thick and toast it lightly for a crunchy exterior that contrasts the soft inside. You could even make mini cinnamon bread French toasts for an extra-special brunch treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps preserve the moisture so each slice remains soft and tasty.
Freezing
If you want to save this deliciousness for longer, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months without losing that fresh-baked texture and flavor.
Reheating
To warm your leftover cinnamon bread, unwrap and heat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15–20 seconds. Adding a tiny pat of butter while reheating amps up the flavor and replicates that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely! Using whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and denser texture. You might want to try half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best balance of nutrition and softness in your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine and use your favorite plant-based milk instead of regular milk. The bread will still be rich and delicious with those warm cinnamon flavors.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the bread?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make a wonderful addition to the batter or sprinkled on top of the cinnamon-sugar swirl. They give extra texture and flavor without changing the integrity of this iconic recipe.
How long can I keep the bread in the fridge?
You can store your leftover Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe in the refrigerator wrapped tightly for up to a week. Just bring slices to room temperature or warm them gently before enjoying to soften them back up.
Can I make this recipe in a muffin tin or smaller pans?
Yes! Divide the batter evenly among greased muffin cups for individual cinnamon bread muffins. Bake for about 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. This is a fun twist that’s perfect for easy sharing and single servings.
Final Thoughts
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe is one of those heartfelt treats that feels like a warm hug in baked form. It’s incredibly satisfying, beautifully simple, and perfect for sharing with people you love. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a legendary favorite. So don your apron, gather those humble ingredients, and bring a taste of Dollywood into your home today — your family and friends will thank you for it!
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing recipe is a delightful sweet bread featuring a swirled cinnamon-sugar filling and a smooth powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack, it combines moist, fluffy bread with a rich cinnamon flavor and a sweet vanilla icing.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly blended.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing for a tender bread texture.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated to create the filling.
- Layer Batter and Filling: Pour half of the batter into the greased loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter over it and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl the filling into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Prepare Icing: Allow the bread to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Decorate and Serve: Drizzle the prepared icing over the cooled bread. Slice and enjoy your delicious cinnamon bread!
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Ensure the bread is completely cooled before icing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- For a stronger cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon quantity slightly in the filling.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
