Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a bakery legend, the kind of sweet, tender loaf that immediately transports you to a cheerful kitchen where cinnamon and sugar fill the air. Each warm slice boasts a gorgeously marbled swirl and a dreamy vanilla glaze, making it downright irresistible—whether you grew up near Dollywood or only visited in your baking daydreams. It’s pure comfort food with a touch of Southern magic and just the right balance of gooey and golden. If you love cinnamon rolls and crave a crowd-pleasing treat, this homemade Dollywood Cinnamon Bread absolutely belongs on your must-bake list!

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is how these reliable, everyday staples come together to make something spectacular. Every ingredient serves a purpose: creating that plush crumb, tangy-sweet swirl, or divine icing you can’t help but lick from your fingers.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that creates a perfectly tender loaf—don’t substitute cake or bread flour!
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the bread without overpowering the warm spice.
Baking powder: Gives the bread lift so it bakes up light and airy.
Salt: Just enough to make every cinnamon-y bite pop.
Milk: Adds softness and moisture—whole or 2% milk is best for richness.
Butter, melted: Lends unforgettable richness and a golden, buttery finish. Use good quality butter for the best flavor!
Egg: Binds everything together and adds extra tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the bakery aroma and brings out the best in the cinnamon swirl.
Additional butter, melted (for the filling): Helps create those gooey cinnamon layers that make this bread unforgettable.
Brown sugar: Melt-in-your-mouth sweetness with a hint of caramel, crucial for the signature swirl.
Ground cinnamon: The soul of the recipe—choose a fresh jar for aromatic, bold flavor.
Powdered sugar: The base of that irresistible, drizzle-able icing.
Milk (for icing): Whisks the glaze into luscious, pourable form—easy to adjust for your preferred consistency.
Vanilla extract (for icing): Boosts the icing’s flavor and brings everything together beautifully.

How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a loaf pan. This step is your secret to effortless bread removal and those perfectly crisped golden edges.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. A quick whisk ensures everything is evenly distributed, which means every bite of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread will have the right balance of sweetness and lift.

Step 3: Bring the Wet Ingredients Together

In a separate bowl, stir together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour these ingredients into the dry mixture, and then gently fold the batter just until combined—don’t overmix! It should look soft and slightly lumpy.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

Stir the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter together in a small bowl until you have a sand-like, deeply aromatic filling. This will become those gooey, marbled layers everyone looks forward to.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Spoon half the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it gently. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon filling over the top, then repeat with the remaining batter and remaining filling. Take a butter knife and swirl the filling into the batter for beautiful, bakery-style marbling.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Try not to peek too much—let the magic happen!

Step 7: Whip Up the Vanilla Icing

While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until silky smooth with no lumps. If it seems too thick, add a tiny drizzle of milk; too thin, a few extra spoonfuls of powdered sugar.

Step 8: Drizzle and Enjoy

Once the bread is fully cool (trust me, it’s worth waiting!), drizzle the vanilla icing over the loaf in thick ribbons. It’s the dreamy, finishing touch that transforms Dollywood Cinnamon Bread into an absolutely swoon-worthy snack or dessert.

How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

For a classic look, let the vanilla icing shine on its own, or go wild with a shower of extra cinnamon sugar while the glaze is still sticky. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of toasted pecans adds a lovely touch of crunch and elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair warm slices of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a swirl of Greek yogurt for breakfast. For something cozy, serve with fresh fruit or a fragrant cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced chai.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread into a brunch showstopper by slicing it into thick pieces and stacking them on a pretty serving platter. For the holidays, try cutting the loaf into sticks and serving with a bowl of extra icing for dipping—family and friends will love it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Dollywood Cinnamon Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days—though it rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze leftover slices (or even the whole loaf) wrapped well in plastic and then foil. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying again.

Reheating

A quick zap in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds per slice) will bring back that bakery-fresh warmth and softness. If you prefer, reheat slices in a low oven (wrapped in foil) until just warmed through, then add a bit more glaze if you’re feeling decadent.

FAQs

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

If you use self-rising flour, you’ll want to skip the added baking powder and salt in the recipe. That said, the texture of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is best with classic all-purpose flour for a perfectly fluffy crumb.

Is this recipe good for making muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely! Just divide the batter and filling among greased muffin tins, swirling as directed. Bake for 20–22 minutes, keeping an eye out for golden tops and a toothpick that comes out clean.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in two standard loaf pans. The bake time might need to be extended by a few minutes if your oven is crowded, so check each loaf for doneness.

What’s the best way to get a perfect swirl in my bread?

Pour half the batter, add half the filling, repeat, then lightly drag a butter knife through the layers in a zigzag pattern. Don’t over-mix or you’ll lose the marbled look—that light swirl is what gives Dollywood Cinnamon Bread its gorgeous bakery flecks.

Can I prepare the batter or loaf ahead to bake later?

For best results, assemble Dollywood Cinnamon Bread right before baking, as baking powder works fastest in the first hour. However, you can mix the filling and dry ingredients up to a day ahead, then finish assembling when you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing a bit of Southern nostalgia or simply need a cinnamon-sugar pick-me-up, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe is sure to make you—and your kitchen—smile. There’s no better way to treat friends, family, or yourself than with a warm loaf and that signature sweet swirl. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in record time!

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 3 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and taste of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with its perfect blend of sweet, cinnamon-infused goodness. This recipe will fill your kitchen with warmth and your taste buds with delight!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
Whisk dry ingredients for the bread in a bowl.
Combine milk, butter, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
Mix cinnamon filling ingredients in a small bowl.
Layer half the batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle half the filling, and repeat. Swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle icing over the cooled bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Dollywood Cinnamon Bread, Cinnamon Bread Recipe, Homemade Cinnamon Bread