There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon swirling through the kitchen. Warm, sweet, and nostalgic, it instantly feels like a cozy afternoon wrapped in comfort. Dollywood Cinnamon Bread captures that heartwarming experience in every soft, buttery slice — a tender loaf layered with rich cinnamon sugar and finished with a silky vanilla icing drizzle.
Whether you’ve tasted the famous theme park version or you’re discovering it for the first time, this homemade recipe brings that bakery-fresh flavor straight to your table. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to serve for brunch, holidays, or a special weekend treat. One slice is never enough — and once you make it, you’ll understand why.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Incredibly soft and tender crumb
- Rich cinnamon swirl in every bite
- Easy, beginner-friendly steps
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze
INGREDIENTS (WITH EXACT AMOUNTS)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and forms the base of the loaf.
• 1/2 cup sugar – Adds sweetness and balances the cinnamon filling.
• 2 tsp baking powder – Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1/2 cup milk – Adds moisture and creates a soft crumb.
• 1/4 cup butter, melted – Adds richness and buttery flavor to the batter.
• 1 egg – Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (for the filling) – Creates a rich base for the cinnamon swirl.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds deep caramel sweetness to the filling.
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon – Delivers the signature warm spice flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the icing) – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
• 2 tbsp milk (for the icing) – Thins the icing to drizzle consistency.
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for the icing) – Enhances the sweetness of the glaze.
INSTRUCTIONS
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Giving your oven enough time to fully heat ensures even baking from the moment the loaf goes in.
Grease your loaf pan thoroughly. Use butter or non-stick spray and make sure to coat the corners and edges well. This prevents sticking and makes removal much easier after baking.
2️⃣ Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, measure out the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
Whisk everything together evenly. Whisking helps distribute the baking powder and salt uniformly throughout the flour so your loaf rises consistently without dense spots.
3️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Whisk until fully blended and smooth. Make sure the melted butter is not too hot when adding it, as extremely hot butter could begin to cook the egg.
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should look slightly thick but smooth. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop too much gluten and make the bread dense instead of tender.
4️⃣ Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter (for the filling), 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp ground cinnamon.
Stir until smooth and glossy. The mixture should resemble a thick paste. This filling is what creates those irresistible cinnamon swirls throughout the loaf.
5️⃣ Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan. Spread it gently to create an even layer.
Spoon or sprinkle half of the cinnamon filling over the batter. Try to distribute it evenly so every slice gets plenty of cinnamon goodness.
Add the remaining batter on top and smooth it out carefully. Then pour the remaining cinnamon filling over the top.
Using a butter knife, gently swirl through the batter in a zigzag motion. Don’t overdo it — a few swirls create a beautiful marbled effect without blending everything together.
6️⃣ Bake
Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven.
Bake for 40–45 minutes. Around the 40-minute mark, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), the bread is ready.
If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Then carefully remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool further. Cooling slightly helps the loaf firm up and makes icing easier.
7️⃣ Prepare the Icing
In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.
Whisk until completely smooth. The icing should be thick yet pourable. If it’s too thick, whisk briefly until fully blended and smooth.
8️⃣ Drizzle the Icing
Once the bread has cooled slightly but is still warm, drizzle the icing generously over the top.
Let the glaze settle into the cracks and swirls. Slice and serve warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience, or enjoy at room temperature for a firmer texture.
VARIATIONS & CUSTOMIZATIONS
Extra Cinnamon Swirl
If you love bold cinnamon flavor, lightly swirl a bit deeper into the batter before baking. This creates more dramatic streaks throughout the loaf.
Thicker Icing Drizzle
For a bakery-style finish, allow the icing to sit for a few minutes before drizzling. It will thicken slightly and create more defined white ribbons over the bread.
Mini Loaf Version
Divide the batter into smaller loaf pans and reduce baking time slightly. These make perfect gifts or individual servings.
Slightly Crunchy Top
Bake a few minutes toward the higher end of the time range for a lightly crisp top while keeping the interior soft.
Warm Serve Option
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds before serving to revive that fresh-baked warmth.
FAQ
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If you see wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and test again.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, it stores very well. Once fully cooled, wrap it tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen slightly as it rests.
Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can develop too much gluten, resulting in a heavy loaf. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
Can I freeze this cinnamon bread?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh icing if desired.
Should I ice it while hot or cool?
It’s best to let the bread cool slightly but still be warm. This allows the icing to melt gently into the top without completely soaking in.
NUTRITION & TIME TABLE
| Nutritional & Time Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 65 minutes |
| Calories | 320 kcal per serving |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 14g |
Servings: 8 servings
Related Recipes
Print
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Description
A soft, buttery cinnamon swirl bread layered with rich brown sugar filling and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter, melted (for the filling)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the icing)
• 2 tbsp milk (for the icing)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (for the icing)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Stir melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for filling.
5. Layer half batter, half filling, remaining batter, and remaining filling. Swirl with a knife.
6. Bake 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly.
7. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for icing.
8. Drizzle icing over warm bread, slice, and serve.
