Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
Imagine the aroma of sweet cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, instantly transporting you to the heart of Tennessee. Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is more than just a treat; it’s a cozy, pull-apart loaf that practically begs to be shared with friends and family over a steaming mug of coffee. Every slice is pillowy soft, drenched in buttery cinnamon sugar, and finished with a luscious vanilla icing drizzle. Whether you’re reliving a favorite theme park memory or just craving something wonderfully indulgent, this recipe delivers that magical, homey comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is just how simple it is to make, using ingredients you probably already have. Each one plays a starring role in creating that unforgettable taste and texture, from the pillowy dough to the creamy icing on top.
- Frozen bread dough, thawed (such as Rhodes): This is the shortcut to fluffy, bakery-style bread without any kneading or waiting for dough to rise from scratch.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and helps create that caramelized, golden crust as the bread bakes.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of the recipe, delivering that classic, spicy aroma and deep flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brushed everywhere, it creates richness and ensures the cinnamon sugar sticks to every nook and cranny.
- Powdered sugar (for the icing): Whips up into a beautifully smooth, sweet drizzle that finishes the bread in style.
- Milk (for the icing): Just enough to make the icing pourable but thick, for that perfect drippy effect.
- Vanilla extract (for the icing): Adds a subtle warmth and rounds out the sweetness of 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 and generously greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing will pop right out of the pan, ready for slicing and sharing.
Step 2: Roll Out and Slice the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your thawed bread dough into a rectangle, about 8×12 inches. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, make several deep cuts widthwise across the dough, stopping just before the bottom so the loaf stays connected. These signature pull-apart slices are what make this bread so fun to eat!
Step 3: Add Butter, Cinnamon, and Sugar
Mix your sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Brush the entire surface of the dough (and especially inside those slices) with your melted butter. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously all over, making sure to press it gently into every cut and crevice. Don’t be shy here — the more, the better!
Step 4: Bake the Bread
Carefully transfer your loaded loaf into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s beautifully golden, fragrant, and cooked through. The house will smell absolutely irresistible!
Step 5: Cool and Remove from Pan
Let your bread cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, gently lift it out and place it on a wire rack. This little rest helps the loaf set so it won’t fall apart when you slice or pull it apart.
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Icing
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until your icing is smooth and just pourable. Drizzle it generously over the warm bread, letting it sink into every ridge. This is the finishing touch that transforms it into true Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing.
How to Serve Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing
Garnishes
A final flourish never hurts! Try a dusting of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or even an extra swoosh of icing. These little touches take Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla yogurt, or a hot cup of coffee. If you’re serving brunch, consider adding scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve the bread on a rustic wooden board and let everyone pull apart their own piece. Or, cut into thick slices and serve with tiny bowls of extra icing for dipping. However you present it, Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is guaranteed to draw a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have any left, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay soft and tasty for up to 2 days at room temperature, but for best texture, enjoy within a day of baking.
Freezing
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing freezes beautifully! Simply wrap the cooled, un-iced loaf in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add fresh icing before serving for that bakery-fresh experience.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or reheat the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you’ve already added icing, it will get a little gooey — and honestly, that’s even better.
FAQs
Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite white bread or sweet dough recipe, feel free to use it in place of the frozen dough. Just make sure it’s soft and easy to roll out so you can get those signature pull-apart slices.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Your Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is ready when the top is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. You can also insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean (except for a little melted cinnamon sugar!).
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute a plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk for the icing. The result will still be soft, sweet, and just as irresistible.
What’s the best way to drizzle the icing?
The easiest method is to use a spoon or a piping bag with the tip snipped off. Drizzle in a zigzag motion over the warm loaf to get those classic, bakery-style ribbons of icing.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use two loaf pans and double all the ingredients. This bread disappears fast, so making extra Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that captures pure comfort and nostalgia, look no further than Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a joy to bake. Gather your favorite people and give this recipe a try — you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is a delightful sweet pull-apart loaf inspired by the famous theme park treat. Made with soft frozen bread dough rolled and sliced deeply to create buttery, cinnamon sugar-packed layers, it’s baked to golden perfection and finished with a smooth, vanilla-infused icing drizzle. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this bread is easy to prepare and irresistibly gooey.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed (such as Rhodes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed bread dough into an 8×12 inch rectangle. Using a sharp knife or scissors, make several deep, width-wise cuts into the dough, stopping just before the bottom to keep the loaf connected, mimicking a pull-apart style.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Butter the Dough: Brush the melted butter generously over the entire surface of the dough, ensuring the butter seeps into the deep cuts for maximum flavor.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture liberally all over the dough, pressing it gently into the cuts and surface to infuse every layer with cinnamon sweetness.
- Transfer and Bake: Carefully place the prepared dough into the greased loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes; then transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm.
- Prepare the Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed), and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzleable.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the icing over the warm bread immediately before serving for a perfect sweet finish.
Notes
- For extra gooey cinnamon flavor, double the cinnamon-sugar mixture and add a few pats of butter between the slices before baking.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a warm treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
