Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
Sweet, swirled, and iconic — a theme park treat you can bake at home.
Introduction
Dollywood, the beloved Tennessee theme park founded by Dolly Parton, is famous not only for its rides and music but also for its food. Among its most legendary offerings is the Cinnamon Bread — warm, buttery, and dripping with icing. Visitors line up for this treat, often declaring it worth the trip alone.
This recipe recreates that magic at home. With a soft, tender loaf swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a recipe that brings a little Dollywood charm into your kitchen.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Bread
2 cups all‑purpose flour – Provides structure.
½ cup sugar – Sweetens and balances cinnamon filling.
2 teaspoons baking powder – Leavening agent for rise.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
½ cup milk – Moisture and tenderness.
¼ cup butter, melted – Richness and soft crumb.
1 egg – Binds and enriches batter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Warm undertone.
For the Cinnamon Filling
½ cup butter, melted – Helps filling swirl into batter.
½ cup brown sugar – Caramel‑like sweetness.
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon – Signature spice.
For the Icing
1 cup powdered sugar – Sweet glaze base.
2 tablespoons milk – Thins icing to pourable consistency.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract – Flavor depth.
Step‑by‑Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Grease loaf pan.
Step 2: Make Batter
Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Prepare Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
Step 4: Layer Batter and Filling
Pour half batter into pan.
Sprinkle half filling.
Add remaining batter.
Sprinkle remaining filling.
Swirl with knife for marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 40–45 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare Icing
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 7: Finish
Drizzle icing over warm bread.
Slice and serve.
Baking Science
Baking powder releases carbon dioxide, giving bread lift.
Butter and sugar create tender crumb and caramelized flavor.
Swirling filling distributes cinnamon sugar for marbled look.
Icing adds sweetness and moisture.
Tips for Success
Use room‑temperature egg for better mixing.
Don’t overmix batter — prevents toughness.
Swirl gently — too much mixing blends filling into batter.
Cool slightly before icing — prevents glaze from melting away.
Variations
Nutty Cinnamon Bread: Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
Apple Cinnamon Bread: Layer thin apple slices with filling.
Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to filling.
Holiday Version: Add nutmeg and cloves for festive flavor.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with coffee or tea.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Present on brunch table with fruit and eggs.
Package slices for edible gifts.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store covered up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze loaf for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
Calories: ~250
Protein: ~4g
Fat: ~12g
Carbs: ~30g
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History of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Dollywood’s cinnamon bread is baked fresh daily at the Grist Mill, a working flour mill inside the park. Visitors watch as bakers prepare loaves, coating them in butter and cinnamon sugar before baking. The bread has become a cult favorite, often cited as one of the best theme park foods in America.
Why Cinnamon Works So Well
Cinnamon’s warm spice pairs perfectly with sugar and butter, creating comfort and nostalgia. Combined with vanilla icing, it balances richness with brightness.
Pairing Suggestions
Drink Pairing: Chai tea enhances spice notes.
Coffee Pairing: A medium roast balances sweetness.
Wine Pairing: A sweet Riesling complements cinnamon.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but texture will be denser.
Can I skip icing? Yes, but glaze adds signature sweetness.
Can I make ahead? Yes, bake and freeze, then glaze before serving.
Conclusion
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is more than a recipe — it’s an experience. With its tender crumb, swirled cinnamon filling, and sweet glaze, it’s a dessert that delights every sense. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or everyday indulgence, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your collection.