As someone deeply enamored by the art of baking, I recently ventured into creating a Homemade Buttery Cinnamon Bread, a Dollywood Copycat that promises to transform your start of the day into a scrumptious journey. This soft, pull-apart yeast bread is not just any bread; it’s a top-rated recipe that has been adored by Butter & Baggage readers for over 2 years. The allure of cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar melding together in the oven is irresistible, and the final product? A gooey, breakfast treat that your family will absolutely love.
Making this Cinnamon Bread feels like a warm hug, enveloping your kitchen in comforting aromas that beckon everyone to the table. It’s a double batch kind of recipe because one loaf is never enough; trust me, I’ve learned from experience. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a bustling weekday, this bread fits perfectly into any scenario, turning a simple meal into a memorable feast. It’s this personal touch, this secret blend of love and dedication, that elevates it beyond the Dollywood original, making each slice a testament to the joy of homemade baking.
This Cinnamon Bread Recipe is Iconic!
Embarking on the creation of Homemade Buttery Cinnamon Bread, akin to the beloved Dollywood staple, brings a blend of sweetness and warmth into the home that’s hard to match. This recipe has garnered countless visits on Butter & Baggage over the year, becoming a favorite among those who cherish a sweet start to their day. Unlike cinnamon rolls, which have always been my go-to for a weekend brunch, this cinnamon bread stands out as a second love, bringing its unique light, feathery texture to the forefront of treat selections.
Creating this bread is more than just following a set of instructions; it’s about infusing every loaf with love and anticipation. The hardest part? The waiting – allowing the bread to cool enough so you won’t burn your fingers as you eagerly break apart its gooey, pull-apart layers. This anticipation builds a connection, not just to the food but to the memories it evokes, making each bite worth the wait.
In my household, even my husband, who prefers not sweet eating, finds himself digging into this treat. And our daughter Natalie, a roller coaster-loving soul born into a family that doesn’t like roller coasters, finds solace and joy in the sweet, savory combination of this bread, especially after a trip to Dollywood was cancelled. This bread, coated in butter, dipped in brown sugar, and spiced with cinnamon, has become a symbol of love and comfort in our home, recreating the famous experience we missed.
For those seeking a savory counterpoint, serving this cinnamon bread alongside a savory quiche or a ham and potato breakfast casserole reveals a delightful combination. The sweet and savory elements complement each other, elevating the breakfast experience to new heights. And for the sugar lovers in your life, a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze or a side of apple butter only enhances its amazing flavor, although the bread’s natural sweetness and soft, fluffy texture are incredible on their own.
This bread isn’t just food; it’s a journey – one that takes you through the smoky mountains of Dollywood without leaving your kitchen. It’s a testament to the power of home cooking to recreate and even improve upon the famous dishes we love. With each batch, doubled to ensure there’s enough to go around, we realize the joy of sharing this gooey, sweet treat with family and friends, making it a celebrated addition to any gathering.
Where can you find the original Dollywood Cinnamon Bread?
The quest for the original Dollywood Cinnamon Bread leads us to the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, nestled within the breathtaking Smokey Mountains. This theme park is not just known for its world’s fastest wooden roller coaster but also as the birthplace of the iconic cinnamon bread that has captured the hearts of many. Made daily, this delectable treat can be purchased at The Grist Mill, a spot that has become a tourist attraction in its own right, thanks to its beautiful location and the artisanal craft of bread-making that draws visitors from far and wide.
Embarking on a journey to this beloved theme park offers more than just thrills; it provides a sensory experience, where the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon bread fills the air, inviting you to take a moment to savor the flavors that make Dollywood truly special. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious foodie, the experience of biting into a piece of soft, gooey cinnamon bread, made daily in the heart of the Smokies, is an unforgettable adventure that blends culinary delight with the charm of Southern hospitality.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Cinnamon Bread Inspired by Dollywood
- Gooey Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Glaze: This recipe features a rich glaze that perfectly balances the sweetness of brown sugar with the warm spice of cinnamon, creating a topping that’s irresistibly gooey.
- Butter-Coated Perfection: Each loaf is generously coated in melted butter, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful, echoing the beloved taste of Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread.
- Soft and Light Dough: The dough for this cinnamon bread is exceptionally light and soft, making it a pleasure to eat. It’s designed to be easy to make, even for those new to baking.
- Prepare the Night Before: For added convenience, the dough can be prepared the night before, allowing for fresh, warm bread in the morning without the rush.
- A Different Take on Cinnamon Roll: While inspired by the classic cinnamon roll, this bread is baked in a loaf pan and offers a different texture that’s softer and more suited for slicing or pulling off sections.
- Unique Topping: Apart from the sugar and cinnamon, the addition of corn syrup makes the glaze even gooier than your standard cinnamon roll, providing a delicious twist.
- Easy to Share: The bread’s texture allows you to easily pull off sections, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family over breakfast or as a sweet snack.
- Napkin Necessary: Due to its delightful stickiness, you’ll definitely need a napkin when indulging in this treat, just like the original delight found at Dollywood.
This structured approach emphasizes the unique features and benefits of the recipe, making it clear why someone would love to try this at home.
Homemade Cinnamon Bread Ingredients
Embarking on the journey to create the ultimate Homemade Buttery Cinnamon Bread, inspired by the famous Dollywood treat, begins with selecting the right ingredients. The foundation of this delectable bread is Bread Flour, chosen for its higher protein content which contributes to a better texture. However, for those in a pinch, All Purpose flour serves as a suitable substitute. The magic starts with Yeast—either Rapid or Active will do, though you’ll only need half a packet. For those who foresee making this a regular treat, doubling the recipe is advisable.
No cinnamon bread would be complete without its signature buttery richness, necessitating a whole stick of Butter. Corn syrup, whether light or dark, is chosen not for its calorie content but for the color it imparts on the glaze. To create that irresistible gooey topping, Brown sugar and cinnamon are used to coat the dough before baking.
What sets the Dollywood cinnamon bread apart is the technique employed once the dough has risen. Slits are cut into the dough, which is then dipped into a mix of butter and corn syrup before being rolled in the brown sugar and cinnamon mix. This method ensures that every bite contains that gooey goodness, making it easy to pull off a section to eat.
For those who prefer an extra touch of sweetness in their morning, a powdered sugar glaze can be added. Simply mix powdered sugar with milk until you achieve the desired consistency and drizzle it over the top. This step, while optional, adds a layer of sweetness that complements the cinnamon and sugar beautifully.
Crafting this bread at home not only fills the kitchen with an aromatic bliss but also brings a piece of Dollywood into your home. Whether it’s enjoyed as a morning treat or a sweet addition to your brunch table, the homemade version of this cinnamon bread promises a comforting, gooey, and utterly delicious experience with every slice.
How to Make Cinnamon Bread
Proofing the Yeast
Start by proofing the yeast in warm water. This step is crucial for activating the yeast, ensuring your bread rises beautifully. Wait for it to bubble—a sign that your yeast is alive and ready to use.
Mixing the Ingredients
Next, combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add in melted butter to the mix, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, begin to knead the mixture. This process is essential for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure.
Letting the Dough Rise
After kneading, cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place. The ideal environment will allow the dough to double in size. Test its readiness by poking it with a finger—if an indentation remains, it’s perfect.
Forming the Loaves
Once risen, form the dough into loaves. Spray your loaf pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking. If you prefer, at this stage, you can refrigerate the dough overnight, which can enhance the flavor and texture.
Creating the Sweet Coating
Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in one dish, and mix melted butter and corn syrup in another. This creates the sweet and buttery coating that’s iconic to this bread.
Coating the Dough
Cut deep slashes across each loaf then dip the sides of each loaf into the butter/syrup mixture, followed by the brown sugar/cinnamon mix. Ensure the cuts in the dough are well-coated to infuse every slice with the gooey goodness.
Baking the Bread
Place the loaves on parchment paper-lined loaf pans. Drizzle the remaining butter over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar mixture. Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Enjoying Your Cinnamon Bread
Once cool enough to handle but still warm, use your fingers to break off a piece. Enjoy the fruits of your labor—small loaves of Dollywood-inspired cinnamon bread that compares favorably to the original. Revel in the sweetness and warmth of your homemade treat.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of making Homemade Buttery Cinnamon Bread, a Dollywood Copycat, is a rewarding journey that combines simple ingredients with a touch of culinary craftsmanship. This step-by-step guide not only brings the magic of Dollywood into your kitchen but also allows you to create warm, gooey, cinnamon-infused delights that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at bread-making for the first time, this recipe promises a slice of comfort and joy, proving that homemade treats are truly incomparable. Enjoy the process and the delicious results, and don’t be surprised if this cinnamon bread becomes a much-requested favorite in your home.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for the cinnamon bread?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour in this recipe. The texture might be slightly different, as bread flour has a higher protein content, but your cinnamon bread will still be delicious and soft.
Q2. Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?
While using a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading the dough easier, it’s not absolutely necessary. You can knead the dough by hand; it might just take a little more time and effort to achieve the right consistency.
Q3. Can the dough be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared the night before you plan to bake it. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of letting the dough rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come back to room temperature before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
Q4. How do I know if my yeast is active and hasn't expired?
To test your yeast, mix it with warm water as directed and wait for it to bubble and foam. If the yeast doesn’t activate (no bubbles or foam appears within 10 minutes), it may be expired, and you’ll need to use a new packet of yeast.
Q5. What if I don't have corn syrup for the recipe?
If you don’t have corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup. The flavor will be slightly different, but these alternatives will still give your cinnamon bread a delicious, gooey topping.
