Indulge in the magic: discover the secret recipe behind dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread

Dollywood’s cinnamon bread has become a beloved treat for visitors from all over the world. Its soft, fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon filling, and irresistible aroma have made it a must-have for anyone visiting the iconic theme park. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate this culinary delight at home, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (4g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15g) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon (2g) vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

2. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:

• In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
• In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter until light and fluffy.
• Add the sugar-cinnamon mixture to the butter and mix until well combined.

3. Assemble the Bread:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
• Spread half of the dough into the prepared pan.
• Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
• Top with the remaining dough.

4. Bake:

• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Prepare the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

6. Glaze the Bread:

• Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top.
• Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success:

• For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the cinnamon filling.
• To make the bread even more decadent, add a layer of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cinnamon filling.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• To prevent the bread from burning, cover it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
• Store the cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Apple Cinnamon Bread: Add 1 cup of chopped apples to the cinnamon filling.
• Chocolate Cinnamon Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling.
• Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread: Replace the buttermilk with pumpkin puree and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough.
• Cranberry Cinnamon Bread: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the cinnamon filling.

Healthier Options:

• Whole Wheat Cinnamon Bread: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Sugar-Free Cinnamon Bread: Use sugar-free sweetener in the cinnamon filling and glaze.
• Low-Fat Cinnamon Bread: Use low-fat milk and butter in the dough.

Conclusion:

With this comprehensive guide, you can now enjoy the delicious taste of Dollywood’s cinnamon bread right in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will yield a mouthwatering treat that will impress your family and friends.

FAQ:

Q: Can I make the cinnamon bread dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before using.
Q: How can I store the cinnamon bread?
A: Store the cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze the cinnamon bread?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cinnamon bread for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: What can I do if my cinnamon bread is too dry?
A: If your cinnamon bread is too dry, you can brush it with melted butter or syrup before serving.
Q: Can I use different spices in the cinnamon filling?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or ginger.