Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the beloved theme park’s signature dessert. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this warm, sweet bread is layered with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with a sweet vanilla icing. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress guests at any gathering, making it an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a mouthwatering flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, as a dessert, or even toasted with butter for breakfast.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This Cinnamon Bread is sure to delight family and friends at home gatherings or potlucks.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit to the filling for an extra twist.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking Dollywood Cinnamon Bread, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need to gather:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf Pan: This ensures even baking and helps shape the bread perfectly.
- Mixing Bowls: Using separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients prevents clumping and ensures a consistent batter.
- Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your mixture, resulting in a lighter texture.
Ingredients
Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread is a warm, sweet bread layered with cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious vanilla icing. This easy-to-follow recipe brings the iconic theme park treat to your kitchen.
For the Bread
- 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
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan generously so that the bread releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
This step ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
1. Milk
2. Melted butter
3. Egg
4. Vanilla extract
Once combined, slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients until just mixed.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, combine:
1. Melted butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Ground cinnamon
Mix well until you have a smooth paste.
Step 5: Assemble the Bread
Layer half of your batter into the greased loaf pan:
1. Spread half of the cinnamon filling on top.
2. Add the remaining batter followed by the rest of the filling.
3. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
Step 6: Bake
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare Icing
While your bread bakes, whisk together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Milk
3. Vanilla extract
Continue whisking until smooth.
Step 8: Drizzle Icing Over Bread
Once baked and cooled slightly, drizzle your icing over the warm bread for a decadent finish.
Enjoy your homemade Dollywood Cinnamon Bread! It’s sure to be a hit at any occasion!
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread warm or at room temperature for the best experience. This delightful treat pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweet cinnamon perfectly.
- Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea can enhance the flavors and provide a soothing contrast.
- Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cozy pairing with creamy hot chocolate for an extra special treat.
As a Dessert
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Top slices with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of warm and cold.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess to each bite.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness.
For Breakfast
- Fruit Salad: Pair with a side of mixed fruit salad for a colorful start to your day.
- Yogurt: Enjoy alongside yogurt for added protein and creaminess to balance the sweetness.
How to Perfect Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
To achieve the best results when making Dollywood Cinnamon Bread, consider these helpful tips.
- Boldly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure the best texture and flavor in your bread.
- Boldly Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven to guarantee even baking and prevent soggy bread.
- Boldly Use Fresh Spices: Fresh ground cinnamon enhances flavor significantly; consider grinding whole spices if possible.
- Boldly Swirl Wisely: When layering batter and filling, use gentle swirling to create beautiful marbling without overmixing.
- Boldly Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Best Side Dishes for Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Pairing side dishes with Dollywood Cinnamon Bread can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Bold Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and balance out the sweetness of the bread.
- Bold Sausage Links: Turkey sausage links provide hearty protein, complementing the sweet flavors nicely.
- Bold Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fruits and granola for added texture and nutrition.
- Bold Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fruit can create a comforting breakfast spread.
- Bold Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl filled with fruits offers freshness that pairs well with cinnamon bread.
- Bold Chia Seed Pudding: Creamy chia pudding is nutritious and adds an interesting texture contrast alongside your bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Dollywood Cinnamon Bread can be a joy, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and milk can lead to a dense bread. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a tough bread instead of a light one. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Skipping the swirls: Not swirling your cinnamon filling into the batter can result in uneven flavor. Be sure to swirl it well for that iconic marbled look.
- Not allowing the bread to cool: Cutting into hot bread can make it crumbly. Wait until it has cooled completely before slicing.
- Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different, so don’t rely solely on the timer. Check for doneness with a toothpick instead.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap.
Freezing Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
- Duration: Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Containers: Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Dollywood Cinnamon Bread:
How do I make my Dollywood Cinnamon Bread extra fluffy?
To enhance fluffiness, ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing the batter.
Can I customize the filling of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread?
Yes! Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or other spices like nutmeg to create your unique twist.
What should I serve with Dollywood Cinnamon Bread?
This bread pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even as a dessert alongside vanilla ice cream.
How long does Dollywood Cinnamon Bread last?
When stored properly, it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. This sweet treat can easily be customized with additional flavors like nuts or dried fruits. Give it a try—your family will love this delightful addition to breakfast or dessert!
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a warm, sweet delight that brings the magic of the theme park to your kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe features a soft bread base layered with a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with creamy vanilla icing. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this irresistible treat will impress your family and friends at any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be baking up this delightful cinnamon loaf in no time.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla; then mix into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Layer half of the batter in the prepared pan. Spread half of the cinnamon filling on top. Add remaining batter followed by the rest of the filling; swirl gently.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While it bakes, make icing by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle icing over warm bread once baked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (65g)
- Calories: 216
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For extra flavor and texture variations, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing results.