Irresistible Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

The scent of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread, with its blend of cinnamon and sugar, has a special way of taking me back to simple joys: warm mornings, soft sunlight streaming through the kitchen, and the comforting sound of a loaf rising in the oven.

During my first trip to Tennessee in the fall, I tasted this famous bread fresh from the Dollywood bakery. I can still picture myself standing in line with a cup of hot cider, completely enchanted by that sweet, buttery aroma filling the air.

When I finally bit into that soft, golden loaf, every bite felt like pure comfort, tender and slightly sticky from the cinnamon swirl, and finished with a silky drizzle of icing. It was everything cozy and nostalgic wrapped in one perfect slice. From that moment, I knew I wanted to bring that same warmth into my own kitchen.

This homemade version of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread captures all the charm of the original simple, fragrant, and irresistibly soft. With just a few pantry staples, a swirl of cinnamon, and a touch of love, it transforms your kitchen into the same inviting space as Dollywood’s beloved bake shop.

Short Description

A soft, buttery loaf swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet vanilla icing, a homemade take on Dollywood’s iconic cinnamon bread that’s easy, fragrant, and perfectly comforting.

Key Ingredients

For the Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ½ cup butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Loaf pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpick or skewer (to test doneness)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk dry ingredients for the bread in a bowl.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Combine milk, butter, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling
Mix cinnamon filling ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 5: Layer the Batter
Layer half the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half the filling, and repeat. Swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing
Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 8: Finish and Serve
Drizzle icing over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Captures the authentic Dollywood flavor right at home.

Easy, quick, and beginner-friendly.

Perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch treat.

Makes your whole house smell like cinnamon heaven.

Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined for a soft, tender crumb.

Not greasing the pan properly: It can cause sticking; always butter it or line it with parchment paper.

Overbaking: Check early; once the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, it’s done.

Pouring icing on a hot loaf: Let it cool slightly so the icing sets beautifully.

Skipping the swirl step: Swirling ensures even cinnamon flavor throughout every bite.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with extra icing or a pat of butter for indulgence.

Pair with coffee, chai latte, or warm apple cider.

Slice and serve for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert.

Wrap and gift during holidays; it travels beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat, microwave slices for 10 to 15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

You can also freeze for up to a month, thaw overnight, and warm before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

2. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut ¼ cup from the bread or filling without affecting texture.

3. How do I know when it’s fully baked?
Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
You can replace up to half the flour with whole wheat for a denser texture.

5. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
Mix white sugar with a little molasses for a quick substitute.

Tips & Tricks

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon filling for crunch.

Warm leftover slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Double the icing if you love extra drizzle.

For a festive touch, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.

If baking for guests, line the pan with parchment for easy lift-out presentation.

Recipe Variations

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Add diced apples to the cinnamon filling for a fruity twist.

Cream Cheese Filled Cinnamon Bread: Layer sweetened cream cheese between the batter for extra richness.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread: Replace ½ cup milk with pumpkin puree and add a pinch of pumpkin spice.

Glazed Almond Cinnamon Bread: Top with almond extract flavored icing and sliced almonds.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about homemade cinnamon bread, that moment when the aroma hits the air and you know something cozy is waiting in the oven. This Dollywood-inspired loaf brings all that warmth and nostalgia into your own kitchen. It’s the kind of bake that invites people to linger, pour another cup of coffee, and share a slice of comfort.

It’s wonderfully simple for a weekday treat yet special enough for a cozy Sunday brunch. Once you drizzle that glossy vanilla icing on top, you’ll understand why Dollywood Cinnamon Bread has become such a timeless favorite. Each bite melts softly, carrying a touch of Dollywood’s joy and sweetness right to your table.