There’s something magical about recreating the beloved flavors of Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread right in your own kitchen. This iconic treat has captured the hearts of millions of visitors to Dolly Parton’s theme park, and now you can experience that same warm, comforting taste without leaving home. The Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet cinnamon, tender bread, and that distinctive glaze that makes this dessert so irresistible.
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Why You Should Try This Authentic Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
What makes this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread so special is its incredibly moist texture and the way the cinnamon-sugar filling creates beautiful swirls throughout each slice. Unlike ordinary cinnamon bread, this recipe captures the exact flavor profile that has made Dollywood’s version a must-try treat for park visitors. The secret lies in the careful layering technique and the specific blend of spices that create that signature taste.
Making Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at home allows you to enjoy this beloved treat whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, looking for the perfect breakfast bread, or simply wanting to bring a taste of Tennessee to your table, this recipe delivers exceptional results every time. The aroma alone will transport you straight to the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
The beauty of this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe is that it’s surprisingly achievable for home bakers of all skill levels. With common ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll be amazed at how closely your homemade version matches the original. Each bite delivers that perfect combination of sweet, spicy cinnamon and tender, buttery bread that has made this treat a Dollywood legend.
About This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
This authentic Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe recreates the famous theme park treat that has delighted visitors for decades. With its signature cinnamon-sugar swirl and tender, moist crumb, this bread captures the essence of Dollywood’s beloved bakery item. The recipe features a rich, buttery base enhanced with warm cinnamon and topped with a sweet glaze that perfectly complements the spiced interior. Making this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at home brings the magic of the Smoky Mountains directly to your kitchen, creating memories with every slice.
Storage Options
Store your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. The bread can also be refrigerated for up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed at room temperature. To refresh day-old bread, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly.
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for slicing
Ingredients
- For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
- Make the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the filling. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Prepare the bread batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Assemble the batter: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix.
- Layer the bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the remaining cinnamon filling.
- Create swirls: Using a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon filling through the batter to create marbled patterns.
- Bake the bread: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack. While still warm, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the warm bread.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter as this can result in tough bread
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs
For best results, use whole milk rather than low-fat alternatives
Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect Dollywood Cinnamon Bread requires attention to a few key details. First, ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted – it should give slightly when pressed but still hold its shape. This creates the ideal texture for creaming with sugar. When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the bread tough.
The swirling technique is crucial for creating those beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout the bread. Use a knife to make gentle figure-eight motions through the batter, being careful not to overmix. The cinnamon filling should be evenly distributed but still create distinct swirls when sliced.
Temperature control is essential for this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy, as temperature variations can affect baking time and texture. The bread should spring back lightly when touched and pull slightly away from the sides of the pan when done.
Additional Tips and Variations
For an extra indulgent version of this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread, try adding a cream cheese layer. Simply beat 4 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and spread half the mixture over the first batter layer before adding the cinnamon filling.
Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for extra texture and flavor. About 1/2 cup of chopped nuts works perfectly and adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft bread.
You can also experiment with different spice combinations in your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a more complex flavor profile. Some bakers enjoy adding a tablespoon of brown sugar to the filling for deeper caramel notes.
For individual portions, divide the batter among muffin cups, reducing the baking time to 18-22 minutes. This creates perfect single-serve portions of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread that are great for sharing or portion control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread ahead of time? A: Yes! The bread actually improves in flavor after sitting for a day. Wrap it tightly and store at room temperature. You can also freeze the baked bread for up to 3 months.
Q: Why did my cinnamon filling sink to the bottom? A: This usually happens when the batter is too thin or the filling is too wet. Make sure your butter is properly softened and avoid adding extra liquid to the batter.
Q: Can I use a different size pan for this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread? A: While a 9×5 inch pan is ideal, you can use an 8×4 inch pan (increase baking time by 10-15 minutes) or divide the batter between two smaller pans.
Q: How do I know when the bread is fully baked? A: The bread should spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe? A: You can reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup in the bread batter, but this may affect the texture and moisture. The cinnamon filling sugar is essential for the signature swirls.
Conclusion
This authentic Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe brings the magic of Dolly Parton’s theme park directly to your kitchen. With its tender crumb, beautiful cinnamon swirls, and sweet glaze, this bread captures everything that makes the original so beloved. The recipe is straightforward enough for beginning bakers while delivering professional-quality results that will impress family and friends.
Whether you’re reminiscing about a visit to Dollywood or discovering this incredible treat for the first time, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe delivers the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. The warm spices, tender texture, and irresistible aroma make it an ideal choice for breakfast, dessert, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special.
Making this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the recipe to your preferences. With proper storage, you can enjoy this delicious bread for days, making it a practical and delightful addition to your baking repertoire. Each slice brings a taste of Tennessee hospitality and the warmth of Southern baking traditions right to your table.
