Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

The Magic of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Cozy Homemade Recipe

Sweet aromas of freshly baked dollywood cinnamon bread can transport you straight to the cozy kitchens of tennessee.

Memories of warm, gooey treats fill the air with nostalgic comfort.

Mountain bakery traditions inspire this delectable recipe that captures the essence of appalachian hospitality.

Soft, pillowy dough gets swirled with rich cinnamon and butter, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet incredible bread.

Fragrant spices and golden-brown edges promise a delightful culinary adventure waiting to happen.

Let’s uncover the magic behind this irresistible southern classic that will make your kitchen smell like pure happiness.

Why Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Is A Sweet Southern Classic

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this cinnamon bread welcomes beginners and delights experienced cooks with its straightforward preparation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen and creates an irresistible treat loved by family and friends of all ages.
  • Versatile Delight: Serves as a fantastic breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or sweet indulgence that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
  • Layer with Love: Features a stunning cinnamon-sugar swirl that adds incredible depth of flavor and creates a beautiful marbled appearance when sliced.

Ingredients In Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

For the Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and body of the bread, providing essential texture and stability.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the bread.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to the bread.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to the soft, tender texture of the loaf.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the bread remains moist and helps create a soft crumb.
For the Topping and Flavor:
  • Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a warm, sweet, and aromatic spice layer that adds depth and complexity to the bread.
  • Butter: Provides a rich, caramelized finish and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How To Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Warm up the oven to 350°F and coat a standard loaf pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Create a small crater in the dry ingredients and add:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil

Stir gently until ingredients are just incorporated, keeping the batter light and fluffy.

Step 4: Create Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a separate small bowl, blend:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Step 5: Layer the Batter

Pour half the bread batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.

Step 6: Add Final Layers

Cover with remaining batter and top with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar blend.

Step 7: Add Buttery Finish

Drizzle melted butter over the entire loaf, allowing it to seep into the cinnamon layers.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer – it should come out with minimal crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy while warm for maximum deliciousness.

Tips For The Best Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and minimally to keep the bread light and tender, stopping as soon as ingredients are just combined.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a wooden skewer into the bread's center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect baking.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon for a more robust and aromatic spice profile in the topping.
  • Ensure Clean Release: Thoroughly grease the loaf pan and consider lining with parchment paper for easier bread removal and minimal sticking.
  • Serve at Optimal Temperature: Allow the bread to cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain a crisp exterior.

Fun Twists On Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

  • Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious cinnamon swirl.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and coconut oil to create a dairy-free, egg-free alternative with identical rich flavor.
  • Whole Wheat Healthy Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost fiber content and add a nutty undertone to the classic cinnamon bread recipe.
  • Maple Pecan Variation: Incorporate chopped pecans into the cinnamon sugar mixture and replace some sugar with pure maple syrup for a decadent, slightly crunchy breakfast bread.

What To Serve With Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

  • Savor Complementary Flavors: Cinnamon Bread Pairings
  • Brew Rich Coffee Companions: Dark roast or medium blend coffee cuts through the bread's sweetness, enhancing the warm cinnamon notes with robust undertones.
  • Elevate Morning Spread: Whipped honey butter or maple cream cheese adds luxurious moisture and amplifies the bread's delicate spice profile, creating a decadent breakfast experience.
  • Create Dessert Wine Magic: Late harvest Riesling or moscato offer gentle sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the cinnamon's warmth, transforming the bread into an elegant afternoon treat.
  • Craft Creamy Accompaniment: Vanilla bean custard or softly whipped cream provide a cool, silky counterpoint to the bread's dense, spiced texture, balancing each delightful bite.

How To Store Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

  • Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to preserve the bread's delicate flavor.
  • Slice bread completely before freezing. Place individual slices or whole loaf in freezer-safe ziplock bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label bag with date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw frozen bread at room temperature. Wrap in aluminum foil and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For refrigerated bread, heat unwrapped for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and warmth.

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Questions Answered

  • Can I make this bread without cinnamon?

Yes, you can omit cinnamon or replace it with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this bread suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

  • How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Use a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but using 100% whole wheat might result in a denser, heavier bread.

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Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Dollywood’s legendary cinnamon bread weaves magic through Southern comfort and sweet indulgence. Warm, buttery layers of pure delight invite hearty appetites to savor pure Tennessee hospitality.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Leavening and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Topping and Coating:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure easy bread removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until completely incorporated and free of lumps.
  3. Create a central well in the dry ingredient mixture and crack eggs directly into the center, then pour in milk and vegetable oil.
  4. Gently fold and mix the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined – avoid overmixing to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
  5. In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping, creating a fragrant spice mixture.
  6. Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, then generously sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the surface.
  7. Add the remaining batter on top, and finish by distributing the rest of the cinnamon-sugar blend evenly over the loaf.
  8. Drizzle melted butter across the entire surface, allowing it to seep into the cinnamon layers and create a rich, caramelized top.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
  10. Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.
  11. Slice and serve the bread warm for maximum flavor and soft, luxurious texture.

Notes

  • Check bread’s doneness by inserting a skewer near the center, ensuring it comes out with minimal moist crumbs for perfect texture.
  • Prevent dry bread by avoiding overmixing the batter, which can develop tough gluten and create a dense, chewy result.
  • Experiment with alternative flour options like whole wheat or gluten-free blends to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining similar moisture levels.
  • Create a decadent breakfast variation by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra flavor and texture complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 366
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 175 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 44 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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