Soft, pull-apart bread drenched in butter, cinnamon & brown sugar — Dollywood’s most iconic treat, fresh from your oven!
Why this version is a keeper
- Easy to Make: Uses frozen bread dough for convenience.
- Irresistibly Sweet: Loaded with cinnamon, sugar, and a delicious icing.
- Perfect for Sharing: A fun pull-apart treat for breakfast or dessert.
- Warm and Comforting: Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
The shopping list
- 1 lb frozen bread dough, thawed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Directions
1. Prepare the Pan:
- Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, then lightly spray the inside of the parchment paper as well.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- Place the thawed bread dough loaf in the prepared loaf pan.
3. Mix Sugar and Cinnamon:
- In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Cut the Dough:
- Make 5–6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough, cutting about halfway through its depth to facilitate pull-apart pieces after baking.
5. Coat with Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar:
- Brush the melted butter generously over the top and into the slits of the dough.
- Liberally sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the entire loaf, ensuring the inside of the slits are well-coated.
6. Top and Rise:
- Place the loaf pan in a warm area and let the dough rise for about 30 minutes.
- After rising, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the loaf.
7. Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the loaf for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
8. Prepare the Icing:
- While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl until you achieve your desired icing consistency.
9. Finish and Serve:
- Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Drizzle the prepared icing over the warm cinnamon bread.
- Serve warm, pulling apart each piece to enjoy.
Servings and time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 660 kcal per serving
Ways to switch it up
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Extra Sweetness: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of icing.
- Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Stuffed Version: Place a thin layer of cream cheese inside the slits before baking.
Day-2 notes
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
FAQs
How long does Dollywood Cinnamon Bread last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. This bread also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds until heated through.
Can I substitute butter in this recipe?
I’ve found that melted coconut oil can be a good substitute for butter, offering a slightly different flavor profile. You could also use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil, though it might result in a less rich texture. Both alternatives will still allow the cinnamon-sugar to adhere well.
How long does this need to chill before serving?
This recipe does not require chilling before serving; it’s best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. The instructions suggest allowing it to cool slightly before drizzling icing. For optimal flavor and texture, serve it while it’s still warm and pull-apart soft.
What goes well with Dollywood Cinnamon Bread?
In my experience, this sweet treat pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast. It’s also delightful alongside fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, to balance the sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it a decadent dessert option.
Is Dollywood Cinnamon Bread gluten-free?
This recipe, as written, contains gluten from the frozen bread dough. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the traditional bread dough with a gluten-free frozen bread dough or a homemade gluten-free yeast-based dough. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
The wrap-up
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread is a delicious, warm, and comforting treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, this pull-apart bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends!
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Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
- Total Time: PT45M
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful pull-apart cinnamon bread coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, topped with a luscious icing—just like the famous Dollywood treat!
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen bread dough, thawed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Prepare the Pan:
- Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper as well.
Prepare the Dough:
- Place the thawed bread dough loaf into the prepared loaf pan.
Mix Sugar and Cinnamon:
- In a shallow dish, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
Cut the Dough:
- Make 5–6 horizontal slits across the top of the dough, cutting about halfway through to create easy pull-apart sections.
Coat with Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar:
- Brush melted butter over the top and into the slits of the dough.
- Generously coat the entire loaf with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring the slits are well-covered.
Top and Rise:
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- Once risen, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Icing:
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of milk until smooth.
Finish and Serve:
- Let the bread cool slightly after baking.
- Drizzle with icing and serve warm, pulling apart each delicious piece.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or raisins before baking.
- Serve with a side of honey butter or caramel sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American