If you’ve ever wandered through Dollywood, you know that one of the park’s most irresistible attractions isn’t a ride — it’s that famous cinnamon bread. The smell alone is enough to stop you in your tracks: sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced with cinnamon. Soft, fluffy, and finished with a creamy glaze, it’s comfort food in its purest form.
Now, you don’t need to travel to Tennessee to experience that same joy. This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing recipe brings the park’s most iconic treat right to your kitchen — and trust me, it’s every bit as magical.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bread
✨ Irresistible Aroma – As it bakes, your whole home will fill with the cozy scent of cinnamon and sugar — pure happiness in the air.
🍞 Soft, Fluffy, and Buttery – Each slice is tender and moist, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
👨👩👧 Perfect for Sharing – Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this bread is made for sharing (though you might not want to).
🌟 Easy to Make – You don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment — just a few pantry staples and a little time.
☕ Versatile – Enjoy it warm with coffee, toasted with butter, or even as dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🧈 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream for richness)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined — don’t overmix or your bread will be dense.
5. Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Magic
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
Pour half of the batter into your pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mix, then repeat with the remaining batter and sugar. Swirl gently with a butter knife to create that signature cinnamon ribbon.
6. Bake
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisp.
7. Cool and Glaze
Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack.
Whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth, then drizzle generously over the warm bread so it melts slightly into the cracks.
🍽 How to Serve
- Breakfast: Warm it up and pair with coffee or tea.
- Dessert: Top with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Brunch Table Star: Slice it up and watch it disappear!
💡 Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Bread
- Don’t rush the mixing: Gentle stirring keeps the crumb light and tender.
- Add-ins: Try pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips for a twist.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze (unglazed) for up to 3 months.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and milk — the results are just as delicious!
🕒 Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 10–12 slices
Calories: ~370 per serving
🧁 Final Thoughts
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing captures everything we love about theme park comfort food — soft, buttery layers, warm cinnamon swirls, and a sweet vanilla glaze that ties it all together. Whether you’re baking for family brunch or just treating yourself, this homemade version will transport you straight to the heart of Dollywood with every bite.
So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let your kitchen smell like pure cinnamon joy.