Dollywood Cinnamon Bread

There’s something truly magical about walking through Dollywood and catching the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cinnamon bread wafting through the air. This iconic treat has become synonymous with Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, drawing visitors from around the world who come not just for the rides, but for a taste of this legendary bread.

Dollywood Cinnamon Bread: A Taste of Tennessee Magic

The story of Dollywood’s cinnamon bread begins with a simple philosophy: comfort food made with love. What makes this bread so special isn’t just the recipe—it’s the way it’s prepared fresh throughout the day, sliced thick and warm, and served with that perfect balance of sweet cinnamon and buttery richness that melts in your mouth.

What Makes Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Special?

This isn’t your ordinary cinnamon bread. The Dollywood version is:

• Incredibly moist and tender with a cake-like crumb
• Generously swirled with cinnamon sugar throughout
• Served warm and sliced thick
• Perfectly balanced between sweet and spiced
• Nostalgic in the best way possible

The bread has achieved almost cult status among theme park food enthusiasts, and for good reason. It’s the kind of treat that creates lasting memories and has people planning return trips just to taste it again.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups whole milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Equipment Needed

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Small bowl for cinnamon mixture
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Instructions

Preparing the Pan and Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. For extra insurance against sticking, you can also dust with a light coating of flour.

Making the Cinnamon Swirl

3. In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter for the swirl. Mix well until it forms a slightly wet, sandy mixture. Set aside.

Preparing the Bread Batter

4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a rubber spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can result in tough, dense bread.

Assembling the Bread

7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
8. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter, making sure to distribute it all the way to the edges.
9. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer and spread gently to cover.
10. Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter in a figure-8 pattern, creating beautiful cinnamon ribbons throughout. Don’t overdo it—you want distinct swirls, not a muddy mixture.

Adding the Topping

11. Mix the topping ingredients (2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon melted butter) in a small bowl.
12. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the surface of the batter.

Baking

13. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
14. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Perfect Dollywood-Style Cinnamon Bread

Ingredient Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a more tender crumb
• Don’t skimp on the cinnamon—quality ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference
• Whole milk creates a richer, more tender bread than low-fat alternatives

Technique Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter—this is crucial for tender bread
• Distribute the cinnamon swirl evenly for consistent flavor in every slice
• Use a light hand when swirling—you want ribbons, not a uniform color

Baking Tips

• Check for doneness with a toothpick, but don’t overbake
• Let it cool properly before slicing to prevent crumbling
• Slice with a sharp, serrated knife for clean cuts

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of Dollywood cinnamon bread lies in its simplicity, but here are some ways to enjoy it:

• Classic style: Serve warm slices just as they do at Dollywood
• With butter: A pat of butter on warm bread takes it to the next level
• French toast: Use day-old slices to make incredible cinnamon bread French toast
• Ice cream sandwich: Use slices as “bread” for vanilla ice cream
• Bread pudding: Transform leftovers into a decadent dessert

Storage and Reheating

• Store at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for up to 3 days
• Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months) wrapped tightly in plastic and foil
• Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven
• Refresh day-old bread by wrapping in damp paper towels and microwaving briefly

Variations to Try

Apple Cinnamon Version

Add 1 cup of finely diced apples to the batter along with an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.

Cream Cheese Swirl

Replace half the cinnamon swirl with softened cream cheese mixed with 2 tablespoons sugar.

Nutty Addition

Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

Glaze Option

Drizzle cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

The Dollywood Experience at Home

While nothing can truly replicate the magic of enjoying this bread while surrounded by the sights and sounds of Dollywood, this recipe comes remarkably close to capturing that beloved flavor. The key is in the generous cinnamon swirl, the tender crumb, and most importantly, serving it warm with love.

This bread embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality that Dolly Parton is famous for—generous, comforting, and made to be shared. Whether you’re reminiscing about a past visit to Dollywood or dreaming of a future trip, this cinnamon bread brings a little piece of Tennessee magic right to your kitchen.

The aroma alone will transport you to the Smoky Mountains, and that first warm, cinnamon-laden bite will remind you why some foods become legendary. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create your own slice of Dollywood magic.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Bread is too dense: Usually caused by overmixing or using too much flour. Measure flour correctly and mix just until combined.

Cinnamon swirl sank to the bottom: The batter may have been too thin, or the cinnamon mixture too wet. Ensure proper ratios and don’t overmix.

Bread is dry: Check your oven temperature and don’t overbake. Also ensure you’re using enough liquid ingredients.

Uneven baking: Make sure your oven is properly preheated and consider rotating the pan halfway through baking.

This recipe serves 8-10 people and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. The actual hands-on time is only about 15 minutes, making it perfect for weekend baking or when you want to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fresh cinnamon bread.

Enjoy your homemade taste of Dollywood magic!