Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
If you’ve ever wandered through Dollywood and caught the scent of warm, sweet bread wafting from the Grist Mill, you know just how legendary Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing truly is! This beloved pull-apart loaf is delightfully soft, gloriously buttery, and wrapped in a crackling layer of cinnamon sugar, all finished with a luscious vanilla icing that drips into each nook and cranny. Whether it’s your first bite or your fiftieth, this treat always brings pure joy and a touch of theme park magic right to your own kitchen. Let’s bring that iconic flavor home—no ticket required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is its simplicity! Every ingredient works its own little magic, from airy bread dough to the rich, creamy glaze, making each bite as comforting as a hug from Dolly herself.
- Frozen bread dough (1 loaf, thawed): The foundation for that pillowy, pull-apart texture—let it thaw overnight for the softest results.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds plenty of sweetness and helps create that signature crunchy, caramelized top.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and that familiar spicy aroma that’s essential for cinnamon bread.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Makes every bite rich and decadent; brush it generously for deep flavor in every groove.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for your smooth, dreamy icing that cascades beautifully over warm bread.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons): Gives the icing the perfect silky consistency; adjust to your preference for drizzle or drizzle-plus.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a splash for an irresistible, bakery-style vanilla aroma in the icing.
How to Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s warm and ready for baking. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your bread lifts out effortlessly and bakes with golden edges.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until fully blended. This wonderful mixture will become the bread’s signature sweet, crunchy crust.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Dust your surface lightly with flour and roll out the thawed bread dough into a 6×16-inch rectangle. This shape helps you create those gorgeous, deep pull-apart layers once baked.
Step 4: Slice and Butter
Using a sharp knife, make deep cuts across the top of the dough, about 1 inch apart—be careful not to slice through the dough completely. Now, brush the dough all over with melted butter, making sure it seeps into every slice for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Add Cinnamon Sugar
Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over your buttered dough, pressing lightly so it sticks and fills every crevice. Don’t be afraid to use every last bit!
Step 6: Fold and Transfer
Fold the dough in half lengthwise, matching up the long sides. Carefully transfer it, cut-side up, into your prepared loaf pan. Those slits ensure extra crispy bits in every pull-apart piece.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is gloriously golden and the bread feels firm to the touch. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
Step 8: Make the Icing
While the bread bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust the milk to reach your ideal drizzling consistency—thin enough to cascade but thick enough to stay put on the bread.
Step 9: Finish and Serve
Let your bread cool for just a few minutes so it doesn’t melt all the icing. Then drizzle those lovely ribbons of vanilla icing over the top, letting it soak into every groove. Slice or pull apart, and prepare for some serious happiness!
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, I love scattering a little extra cinnamon-sugar or even a dusting of powdered sugar over the freshly iced loaf. A handful of toasted pecans adds a delightful crunch and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh fruit (think strawberries or apples) gives a bright, colorful pop.
Side Dishes
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing shines on any brunch table! Serve with a bowl of fresh berries, crispy bacon, or a simple fruit salad on the side. For a truly indulgent Southern breakfast, pair it with creamy scrambled eggs or a cold glass of milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread and fan it out on a pretty platter, or serve it pull-apart style right from the pan for a fun, interactive treat. Mini loaves make adorable gifts for friends and neighbors, and if you’re feeling fancy, stack thick slices with extra icing between the layers for a decadent cinnamon bread “cake.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. The icing helps lock in moisture, so you’ll still enjoy soft, flavorful slices.
Freezing
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing freezes beautifully! Wrap the completely cooled loaf (without icing) in a double layer of plastic wrap, then foil. Store up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and ice before serving for bakery-fresh results.
Reheating
To rewarm, pop slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or heat the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. The bread will regain its fresh-from-the-oven softness, and the icing will gently melt for the ultimate treat.
FAQs
Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade dough gives Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing an even more personal touch. Just make sure your dough is soft and enriched for that classic fluffy texture.
What if I don’t have a rolling pin?
No problem—pat the dough out with your hands. You want an even rectangle, but rustic edges only add to the homemade charm!
Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Yes! The icing keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to use, give it a good stir or add a splash more milk if it’s too thick.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can swap the butter for plant-based margarine and use any non-dairy milk in the icing. The results are still delicious and completely satisfying!
Can I add in extras like nuts or raisins?
Definitely. A handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or plump raisins tucked into the cinnamon sugar mix adds texture and flavor, making this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing your own signature recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderful about baking up a loaf of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing in your own kitchen—the sweet aroma, the gooey cinnamon sugar, that swoon-worthy icing all come together for pure joy in every bite. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this theme park favorite—you deserve a bit of homemade magic!
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Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing, a sweet and satisfying treat reminiscent of theme park delights. This recipe features a soft, cinnamon-swirled bread loaf drizzled with a vanilla icing for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough (thawed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare cinnamon-sugar mixture: Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll out dough: Roll thawed bread dough on a floured surface into a 6×16-inch rectangle.
- Cut and fill dough: Make deep cuts across the dough, brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, and fold in half.
- Bake: Place dough in loaf pan, bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle and serve: Cool bread, drizzle with icing, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a gooier version, double the butter and sugar mixture.
- Enhance with pecans or nutmeg for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
