Sweet Cinnamon Loaf

This homemade twist on Dollywood's famous bread turns ordinary frozen dough into a mouthwatering sweet treat that'll make your home smell amazing. With the perfect mix of sugar and spice, you'll create an irresistible pull-apart loaf that'll disappear in minutes.

I first whipped this up when I wanted to bring a taste of Tennessee home for my family who couldn't visit Dollywood. The second I poured that sweet icing over the warm, cinnamon-packed bread, I knew we'd found our new weekend tradition.

Ingredients

• Frozen bread dough: Saves you tons of time compared to making dough yourself
• Ground cinnamon: Brings that cozy spice flavor that makes everyone come back for seconds
• Granulated sugar: Gives you that sweet crunch in every bite
• Salted butter: Helps the sweet spice mix stick while adding a rich taste
• Powdered sugar: Creates the simple but amazing icing that takes this treat over the top
• Milk: Gets the icing to just the right thickness for pouring

Delicious Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Steps

Get your pan ready:

Coat a 9x5-inch loaf pan with baking spray. This helps your bread come out clean after baking.

Create your spice blend:

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl until everything's well combined. This sweet mixture will be what makes every bite so special.

Set up your dough:

Put your thawed dough in a shallow dish for easy handling. Cut five deep lines through the dough but don't go all the way through, so you'll get those perfect pull-apart sections.

Start the flavor magic:

Brush plenty of melted butter inside those cuts and add about a third of your cinnamon sugar mix, making sure to get it deep into those gaps. Use your fingers to push it in for best results.

Turn and coat again:

Flip the dough over, brush more butter on this side, then add another third of your cinnamon sugar. Work it in well so the flavor gets everywhere.

Add the finishing touches:

Flip the dough one more time, pour remaining butter on top and sprinkle half of what's left of your cinnamon sugar. Place the bread with cuts facing up in your pan and use up any leftover cinnamon sugar on top.

Let it grow and bake:

Cover with plastic wrap and wait 30 minutes for it to rise. Bake at 300°F for 40 minutes, turning halfway for even browning. Put a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.

Add the icing and dig in:

After cooling in the pan for 10 minutes, move the bread to a wire rack. Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then pour over the warm bread, letting it sink into all the nooks and crannies.

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My favorite moment is watching everyone's eyes widen when they pull off their first chunk. The way the cinnamon sugar gets all caramelized between the layers creates such a special treat that always brings smiles to our breakfast table.

Storage Tips

Your cinnamon bread will stay good on the counter for a couple days if you keep it in an airtight container. If you need it to last longer, stick it in the fridge for up to a week, though it's really best eaten within the first few days. To warm it up, pop individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat the whole loaf wrapped in foil at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

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Making Ahead

You can get this bread ready the night before by doing everything up through adding the cinnamon sugar. Just wrap it in plastic and put it in the fridge overnight instead of letting it rise. In the morning, take it out and let it warm up and rise for about 45 minutes before baking as normal. This works great for busy holiday mornings when you want something fresh-baked without the morning rush.

Variations To Try

Feel free to play around with this recipe. Throw in some chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for extra crunch. Add some orange zest to your cinnamon sugar for a fresh twist. During autumn, try mixing a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into your cinnamon sugar. For a super indulgent version, scatter mini chocolate chips between some layers to get pockets of melty chocolate throughout your bread.

Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon bread makes a stunning centerpiece for brunch paired with fresh fruit and hot coffee. For a dessert option, warm up slices briefly and top with vanilla ice cream. Turn breakfast up a notch by using this bread to make French toast, just dip slices in egg mixture before frying until golden. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift when wrapped in parchment paper with a pretty ribbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is homemade dough an option instead of frozen?

Sure, you can use homemade dough as long as it's thawed and ready. Follow the same steps for a great result.

→ Can I switch salted butter for unsalted?

Of course! Go with unsalted butter if you prefer. Add a pinch of salt to even out the taste if needed.

→ How do I stop the sugar mix from burning?

Mix some butter into the cinnamon sugar to keep it moist and safe from burning during baking.

→ Are other glazes okay to use?

Yep, feel free to try options like cream cheese glaze or a simple honey drizzle for a different flavor.

→ What's the best way to store extras?

Keep leftover bread in an airtight container. It'll stay fresh for 2 days at room temp or 5 days in the fridge.

→ Can I freeze the bread after baking?

Yes, let it cool completely, wrap it well in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Warm it up before eating.