Oh, let me tell you about the first time I tasted Dolly Parton’s famous cinnamon bread at the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee! It was one of those perfect moments; the sun was shining, laughter filled the air, and I was holding a warm slice of cake-like bread, fresh out of the oven, slathered in a puddle of melted butter. The sweet, gooey cinnamon filling was practically begging to be devoured. I remember the delicate aroma wafting through the park—sweet cinnamon mixed with the warmth of freshly baked bread. It felt like a hug on a plate! That’s when I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. So, gather ‘round, friends, because today I’m sharing my recipe for Easy Dollywood-Style Cinnamon Bread, and trust me, this is going to be your new favorite treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.
- Easy to whip up with simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Comforting flavors that transport you straight to the Smoky Mountains.
- Great for sharing; it’s an instant mood-lifter!
Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (make sure it’s fresh for the best rise!)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (this enhances the sweetness)
- 1 cup whole milk (feel free to use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (butter adds that rich flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for a warm, aromatic touch)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (the star of the show!)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for that caramel-like sweetness)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans are delightful!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s get to baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf in no time:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Nothing smells quite like freshly baked bread, so this is an important step!
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well combined, and set aside.
- Blend the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make a little love here; stir until you see those eggs fully incorporated into the mix.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Prepare the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. This is where the magic happens! If you’re feeling extra generous, throw in those chopped nuts for some crunch.
- Layer the bread: In a greased loaf pan (8×4 inches works perfectly), pour half of the batter, then layer in half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Pour the remaining batter on top, and finish with the last of the cinnamon-sugar. Grab a knife and swirl it around a bit for that signature cinnamon roll look!
- Bake: Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
- Cool: Let your loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Resist the urge to cut into it too soon—it’ll be much easier to slice once it’s cooled a bit.
Pro Tips & Variations
Here are some fun twists to try, just to keep things exciting:
- Spices Galore: Want to mix it up? Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, earthy flavor.
- Fruity Flair: Toss in some blueberries or cranberries for a burst of fruity goodness.
- Glaze It Up: Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for a beautiful finish.
- Doughnuts, Anyone? Bake the batter in a doughnut pan for delightful cinnamon doughnuts!
Serving Suggestions
Oh boy, how do I love serving this bread? Let me count the ways! Slice it warm and serve it with a pat of soft butter for a classic treat. You could even enjoy it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or some hot chocolate for an afternoon pick-me-up. Feeling fancy? Add some whipped cream and fresh berries on top for an indulgent dessert! It’s perfect for breakfast alongside scrambled eggs or a light salad on a sunny day. Your friends and family will rave about this cinnamon bread, and you’ll feel like a superstar chef!
Storage Tips
The good news is, this cinnamon bread keeps beautifully! Here’s how to store it:
- Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. It will stay soft and wonderful!
- Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate, or just want it to last a little longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: Slice the bread and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for about 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds to refresh that warm, delicious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has a one-to-one ratio for best results.
What’s the best way to prevent my bread from sticking to the pan?
Be generous with greasing your loaf pan! A touch of cooking spray, or even a bit of parchment paper at the bottom, will help you get that beautiful loaf out without a hitch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavor gets even better after a day. Bake it, let it cool, and store it wrapped. The hardest part will be resisting the urge to dig in immediately!
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
When you do the toothpick test, a few crumbs are okay, but if it comes out batter-covered, give it more time. Generally, the top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my dear friends! This Easy Dollywood-Style Cinnamon Bread recipe is just as warm and comforting as that unforgettable moment at Dollywood. I hope you’ll whip up a loaf and enjoy it with your loved ones, creating your own sweet memories in the kitchen. I’d absolutely love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts or any variations you tried. Happy baking!
Delicious Easy DollywoodStyle Cinnamon Bread Recipe to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
Savor easy Dollywoodstyle cinnamon bread with this quick recipe Perfect for breakfast or dessert its a delightful treat everyone will love
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful recipe for Easy Dollywood-Style Cinnamon Bread, perfect for breakfast, brunch or a sweet snack!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaf
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Leave a Comment