Soft, sweet, and swirled with cinnamon — this Dollywood-inspired bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Dollywood-Inspired Favorite – A homemade twist on the park’s famous cinnamon bread.

• Perfectly Sweet & Fluffy – Soft bread layered with buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with icing.

• Versatile Treat – Great for breakfast, dessert, or snacking.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tbsp whole milk

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 380 kcal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined — do not overmix.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In another bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.

Step 5: Layer the Batter

Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it. Pour the remaining batter on top, then swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make the Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the icing generously over the cooled bread before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Make It Extra Gooey – Double the cinnamon-sugar filling for a richer swirl.

• Add Nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and depth.

• Make Mini Loaves – Use smaller pans and reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.

• Storage Tip – Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the bread a day in advance. Just store it tightly wrapped and drizzle the icing right before serving for maximum freshness.

2. Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
Absolutely. Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to make a quick buttermilk substitute.

3. Can I freeze Dollywood cinnamon bread?
Yes! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Dollywood Cinnamon Bread with Icing is warm, soft, and packed with irresistible cinnamon flavor. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and tastes just like the famous treat from the park. Pair it with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy indulgence!