Before we dive into sweet cinnamon swirls and icing drizzles, let me just say: thank you for being here. You showing up here, searching for something cozy and homemade, makes sharing these recipes even more meaningful.
And this one? It’s special.
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is a warm, bakery-style loaf packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness, inspired by the iconic treat served at the Dollywood Grist Mill in Tennessee. If you’ve ever had the real thing, you know it’s unforgettable. And if you haven’t—well, you’re in for something amazing.
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What Is Dollywood Cinnamon Bread?
This is a soft, sweet quick bread layered and swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, then drizzled with a vanilla icing while still warm. It’s baked in a loaf pan, so it’s sliceable and perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon coffee treat.
It’s a homemade twist on a theme park favorite—and honestly, it might be even better fresh from your oven.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Bread
- 🍞 Soft and tender crumb with buttery layers of cinnamon swirl
- 🌟 No yeast needed – it’s a quick bread, so no rising time!
- 🎢 Inspired by the famous Dollywood treat
- ☕ Perfect with coffee, tea, or warm cider
- ✨ That sweet vanilla icing ties it all together
What Does It Taste Like?
Picture this: A golden loaf that smells like a cinnamon roll and tastes like coffee cake meets snickerdoodle. Every bite has buttery ribbons of cinnamon sugar, soft cake-like bread, and a silky icing drizzle that melts into the warm top.
Honestly, it’s like a hug from your oven.
Why This Recipe Works
- Uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, cinnamon, and milk
- The swirl technique creates rich, caramelized layers
- The icing is quick, simple, and perfect for soaking into the crust
- Bakes in under an hour—no proofing, no fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (plus more if needed)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- 1 standard loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- Butter knife (for swirling)
- Cooling rack
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
- 🍎 Add thinly sliced apples between the layers for a cinnamon-apple vibe
- 🥜 Swirl in a few tablespoons of chopped pecans or walnuts
- 🍫 For chocolate lovers, sprinkle in mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon sugar
- 🥛 Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra moisture and tang
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet into the dry and mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until blended.
Step 4: Layer & Swirl
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
- Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Add the remaining batter, spreading gently.
- Top with the rest of the cinnamon sugar.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter—just a few figure-eight motions to marble it.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Icing
- While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
- Add a splash more milk if needed to thin it slightly.
Step 7: Drizzle & Serve
- Drizzle the icing generously over the slightly warm bread.
- Slice and serve while still warm—or enjoy at room temp. (Good luck waiting, though!)
What to Serve With Cinnamon Bread
- A warm mug of coffee, chai, or hot chocolate
- Scrambled eggs or a savory side for brunch balance
- A dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
- More icing (no one’s judging)
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Bread
- ✅ Don’t overmix the batter – a gentle stir is all you need for a tender crumb
- ⏳ Let it rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to set the crumb
- 🧈 Melted butter + brown sugar = caramelized magic
- 🎨 Swirl lightly – too much swirling can muddle the layers
- ❄️ Store leftovers wrapped on the counter for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long)
Storage Instructions
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Fridge: Keeps well for 5 days, but bring to room temp before serving
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and rewarm before icing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Make two loaves or bake in a 9×13” pan and slice into bars.
Can I use pre-made cinnamon sugar?
You can, but the fresh blend with brown sugar adds deeper flavor and texture.
Can I skip the icing?
Sure… but I highly recommend keeping it. The drizzle brings it all together!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for best results.
Final Thoughts: This Bread Is Pure Cinnamon-Sugar Joy 💕🍞
If comfort had a smell, this would be it. And if a theme park favorite could live in your kitchen, this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is it. Simple, cozy, and full of nostalgia, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like home with every bite.
Make it for the holidays. Make it on a rainy weekend. Or make it just because cinnamon bread and icing is always a good idea.
More Cozy Bakes You’ll Love:
- 🍩 Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins
- 🍎 Apple Cinnamon Crumble Loaf
- 🥧 Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
- 🎃 Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread with Maple Glaze
Let’s Share the Sweetness 💬
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to see your loaf!
Leave a comment, share a photo, or tag me on Pinterest—let’s keep the cinnamon love going! 🥰
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx. 1 of 10)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
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