Dollywood Cinnamon Sweet Loaf

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread recipe transforms simple frozen bread dough into a decadent treat that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice creates a magnificent pull-apart loaf that everyone will be reaching for.

I first made this bread when trying to recreate the famous Dollywood treat for my family who couldn't make the trip to Tennessee. The moment that sweet glaze hit the warm cinnamon-infused bread, I knew this would become our Sunday morning tradition.

Ingredients

• Frozen bread dough: Provides the perfect base without the hassle of making dough from scratch
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic warm spice flavor that makes this bread irresistible
• Granulated sugar: Creates the sweet crystallized texture inside each slice
• Salted butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere while adding richness
• Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the simple glaze that takes this bread to the next level
• Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling

How To Make Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

Prepare the pan:

Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with baking spray. This ensures your beautiful creation will release easily after baking.

Mix the cinnamon sugar:

Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl until completely integrated. This mixture will become the star of the show, creating pockets of sweetness throughout the bread.

Prepare the dough:

Place thawed bread dough in a shallow baking dish for easy manipulation. Make five deep slits through the dough without cutting all the way through, creating sections that will pull apart beautifully when baked.

Add flavor:

Generously brush melted butter inside the slits and sprinkle about one-third of the cinnamon sugar mixture, concentrating on getting it into those crevices. Really work it in with your fingers for maximum flavor distribution.

Flip and repeat:

Turn the dough over and brush more butter on this side, then add another third of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Massage it in thoroughly to ensure every bite will have that sweet cinnamon flavor.

Final coating:

Flip the dough once more, drizzle remaining butter on top and sprinkle half of the remaining cinnamon sugar. Place the bread cut side up in the prepared loaf pan and finish with any remaining cinnamon sugar on top.

Rise and bake:

Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 300°F for 40 minutes, rotating halfway through for even browning. Place a sheet tray on the lower rack to catch any potential drips.

Glaze and enjoy:

After cooling in the pan for 10 minutes, carefully remove the bread to a wire rack. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then pour over the still-warm bread, allowing the glaze to seep into every crevice.

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My favorite part of this recipe is watching everyone's face light up when they pull apart their first piece. The way the cinnamon sugar caramelizes between the layers creates an almost magical eating experience that brings pure joy to our breakfast table.

Storage Tips

This cinnamon bread stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, though the texture is best in the first few days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds or warm the entire loaf covered in foil in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

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Making Ahead

You can prepare this bread the night before by following all steps through adding the cinnamon sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight instead of letting it rise. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature and rise for about 45 minutes before baking as directed. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings when you want freshly baked treats without all the work.

Variations To Try

This versatile recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts between the layers for extra crunch and flavor. Mix some orange zest into your cinnamon sugar for a bright citrus note. During fall, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mixture for seasonal flair. For a decadent twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips between some layers for pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bread.

Serving Suggestions

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread makes a showstopping centerpiece for brunch served alongside fresh fruit and coffee. For dessert, try warming slices briefly and topping with vanilla ice cream. Create an impressive breakfast by using this bread as the base for French toast, soaking slices in egg mixture before pan-frying to golden perfection. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade bread dough instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute frozen bread dough with homemade dough, ensuring it’s thawed and ready to bake. The process remains the same.

→ Can I substitute salted butter with unsalted?

Absolutely! You can use unsalted butter instead. If doing so, you might want to add a pinch of salt to balance flavors.

→ How do I prevent the sugar mixture from burning?

Moisten the cinnamon sugar mixture with butter to avoid dry patches and protect it from burning in the oven.

→ Can I use a different glaze on top?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other glazes, like cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of honey for a unique twist.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon bread?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the baked bread?

Yes, after the bread cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.