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I've whipped up so many park-inspired goodies through the years, but that famous Dollywood cinnamon bread tops my most-asked-for list. This knockout treat has folks waiting in long lines at the park, and no wonder—it's that perfect mix of tender, buttery dough twisted with sweet cinnamon sugar and covered in a mouthwatering glaze that makes your home smell absolutely incredible.
My journey with this treat began when my sister came back from Dollywood going on and on about this amazing bread. The way she talked about it got me super curious to try making it myself. After playing around with the recipe a few times, my friends started saying my version was actually tastier than what they'd tried at the park.
Ingredients Needed
- All-purpose flour works as the base for our light, pillowy bread
- Active dry yeast helps the dough puff up beautifully for that airy feel
- Milk and butter team up for that melt-in-your-mouth softness
- Eggs work to hold everything together while boosting richness
- Brown sugar adds more depth than white sugar would in the filling
- Ground cinnamon brings that classic warm flavor this bread is known for
- Powdered sugar transforms into the silky, sweet topping
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Preparation Steps
Start Your YeastI begin by combining lukewarm water (careful not to make it too hot) with a tiny bit of sugar, then sprinkling active dry yeast over it. In about 5 minutes, it should get bubbly and smell yeasty, showing it's ready to go. Don't skip checking this—if there's no foam, your yeast won't do its job and the bread won't rise right.
Mix Your DoughI throw flour, sugar, and salt into a big bowl, then pour in the yeast mixture, milk, softened butter, and eggs. I stir it all up until I get a somewhat tacky dough. Don't stress if it doesn't look perfect now—kneading will fix that. I dump it onto a floured counter and work it for 5-7 minutes till it feels smooth and stretchy.
Let It GrowI put the dough in a greased bowl, throw a kitchen towel over it, and set it somewhere cozy for about an hour. During this time, it'll double up as the yeast works its magic, making tiny air bubbles that give bread its fluffy texture. While waiting, I mix up my cinnamon sugar and try not to eat it all before it gets to the bread.
Add The Good StuffOnce the dough has grown, I push it down (so fun!) and roll it out into a big rectangle on a floured surface. I brush plenty of melted butter all over—be generous here!—and sprinkle that tasty cinnamon-sugar mix everywhere. Now comes the best part: I roll it up tightly into a log and pinch the edge closed. Then it goes into a greased loaf pan for one more rise.
Final Rise And CookingThe rolled-up dough gets another 30 minutes to fluff up again before going into a 350°F oven. After about 25-30 minutes, my home smells unbelievably good. I know it's done when the top turns a nice golden color and a toothpick comes out clean.
Add The ToppingAs the bread bakes, I mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a bit of melted butter for the topping. Right when the bread comes out hot from the oven, I pour this sweet mixture all over, letting it sink into all the cracks and folds while everything's still warm.
When I made this for my niece on her birthday morning, she took one bite and said it was "way better than cake"—pretty big words from a kid who loves sweets. My brother-in-law, who kept saying he was "cutting back on carbs," somehow ate three pieces when he thought nobody was watching.
Ways To Enjoy It
This treat tastes best when it's a little warm alongside coffee or a glass of milk. For something extra special, I sometimes add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn it into a proper sweet treat. It also makes fantastic French toast the day after—if you somehow don't finish it all right away, which rarely happens at my place.
Fun Variations
The original version is amazing on its own, but sometimes I toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts with the filling for some crunch. During Christmas time, adding some orange zest to the dough and a splash of bourbon in the topping takes it somewhere new entirely. For those who can't get enough chocolate, throwing in mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon sugar creates little pockets of melted goodness.
Keeping It Fresh
On the rare chance you don't eat it all at once, keep it in a sealed container on your counter for up to three days. To make it last longer, cut it into slices and pop them in the freezer, then toast pieces whenever you want some. The glaze won't look as nice after freezing, but you can always add a fresh drizzle before eating.
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Handy Shortcuts
- Plain dental floss cuts through the roll cleanly without mashing it down
- For more cinnamon kick, add a teaspoon right into the dough
- Wait about 10 minutes before cutting into it or it might fall apart
There's something really special about making famous park treats in your own kitchen. You save on ticket prices and get to enjoy them while lounging in your comfy clothes and watching TV. This Dollywood-inspired cinnamon bread has become my go-to for family get-togethers and holiday mornings—it's the kind of thing people ask for again and again. Just one taste of those soft, cinnamon-swirled layers and you'll totally get why folks stand in line for it at the park.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes this loaf like Dollywood's treat?
- It captures the iconic sweet swirl of cinnamon sugar and vanilla glaze. This quick loaf skips yeast and still offers those iconic flavors.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
- Yep! Bake it a day before, but drizzle the icing just before serving. You can freeze the loaf without icing for 3 months. Let it thaw, then glaze it fresh.
- → How do I know if it’s baked through?
- Stick a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean or just has crumbs (no batter), it’s done. The top should be golden and the middle slightly firm when pressed.
- → Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
- Definitely! Pour batter into a muffin tray, filling each slot 2/3 full. Add and swirl the sugar mix. Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- → Why does the loaf crack on top?
- That’s totally normal for quick breads! It’s just the dough rising inside. Some bakers even think cracks make it more charming and perfect for holding glaze.
- → Is this recipe adjustable for dairy-free folks?
- Yes! Swap regular butter for coconut oil or plant-based butter. Use almond, oat, or another plant milk. Make the glaze with non-dairy alternatives, too!
Dollywood Cinnamon Loaf
Soft and fluffy bread stuffed with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with sweet vanilla icing. Inspired by that beloved theme park snack!
Ingredients
→ Cinnamon Bread Base
→ Cinnamon Sweet Swirl
→ Sweet Icing Topper
Steps
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and a sprinkle of flour, or you can line it with parchment for simpler cleanup.
Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar in a bowl. Give it a good whisk until everything blends together.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth and fully mixed.
Pour the wet mix into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir lightly until combined but don't overdo it—overmixing might make it turn heavy.
Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl until it's evenly blended.
Spoon out half of the batter into the pan. Smooth it out and top with some of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add the rest of the batter, smooth it again, and finish off with the remaining cinnamon-sugar on top.
Gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter using a knife or skewer. Keep it light—just enough to create a nice pattern.
Pop it in the preheated oven for between 40 to 50 minutes. It's ready when the top is golden and a toothpick poked into the middle comes out clean.
Once it's done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then move it onto a wire rack to cool all the way while you get the icing ready.
Stir together the powdered sugar, butter, milk (or cream), vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Adjust it if needed—with more milk to thin it or sugar to thicken it.
Pour the icing over the cooling bread. It's okay if it's still slightly warm—it'll soak in nicely!
Cut it up into about 12 pieces. You can serve it warm or let it cool completely. Pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.
Notes
- Want a nutty twist? Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl.
- If you're a cinnamon lover, up the cinnamon in the swirl to 2 tablespoons.
- This stays fresh for 2-3 days at room temp if kept in a tightly sealed box.
Required Tools
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack for cooling
- Butter knife or skewer
- Optional: parchment paper
Allergy Information
Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
- Includes wheat (flour)
- Has dairy (milk, butter)
- Includes eggs
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
- Calories: 250
- Fats: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Proteins: 3 g