Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: The Ultimate Guide to This Irresistible Treat

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is not just a delightful treat; it’s a warm embrace of nostalgia and flavor that transports you straight to the heart of the Smoky Mountains. As I take a bite of this soft, pillowy bread, I can’t help but reminisce about my visits to Dollywood, where the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafts through the air, beckoning visitors to indulge in this iconic delicacy. This recipe has its roots in the charming theme park, where it has become a beloved staple among guests, drawing them back year after year.

People adore Dollywood Cinnamon Bread for its irresistible combination of gooey cinnamon swirls and a perfectly baked crust that offers a satisfying texture. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this bread is a comforting treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. The convenience of making it at home means you can savor this delightful dish anytime you crave a taste of Dollywood magic. Join me as we dive into this recipe and bring a piece of that enchanting experience right into our kitchens!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for the filling)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Preparing the Dough

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread will bake evenly and rise beautifully. 2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour. 3. **Combine Wet Ingredients**: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is not too hot, or it will cook the eggs. You want everything to be at room temperature for the best results. 4. **Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures**: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and we want it to be light and fluffy.

Preparing the Cinnamon Filling

5. **Make the Cinnamon Sugar**: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and the additional tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This will be the filling that gives the bread its signature flavor. 6. **Prepare the Butter for Spreading**: Take the softened butter and spread it evenly over the top of the dough in the mixing bowl. This will help the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough when we add it.

Assembling the Bread

7. **Layer the Cinnamon Sugar**: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Use a spatula to gently press the sugar into the dough, ensuring it sticks well. 8. **Shape the Dough**: Using your hands, gently fold the dough over itself a few times to create layers. This folding technique helps to incorporate the cinnamon sugar throughout the dough, creating that delicious swirl we all love. 9. **Transfer to a Loaf Pan**: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Carefully transfer the dough into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the dough will rise while baking.

Baking the Bread

10. **Bake**: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. 11. **Cool the Bread**: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it allows the steam to escape, preventing the bread from becoming soggy.

Preparing the Glaze

12. **Make the Glaze**: While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. You want a pourable consistency, so adjust the milk as needed. If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk. 13. **Glaze the Bread**: Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a whisk to create a beautiful pattern. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

14. **Slice and Serve**: Now comes the best part! Slice the bread into thick pieces and serve it warm or at room temperature. This cinnamon bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack. You can also serve it with a side of

Conclusion:

In summary, Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a warm, comforting treat that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. The delightful combination of soft, fluffy bread swirled with a rich cinnamon-sugar mixture creates a flavor experience that is simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven, slathered with butter, or paired with a cup of coffee, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. For serving suggestions, consider adding a drizzle of cream cheese icing on top for an extra touch of sweetness, or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can also experiment with variations by incorporating nuts, raisins, or even a hint of vanilla extract to customize the flavor to your liking. I encourage you to give this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it on social media, tagging your favorite baking buddies. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is a beloved classic. Happy baking! Print