Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet, warm, and utterly comforting, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe. I absolutely love how this bread turns out—soft, fluffy, loaded with cinnamon sugar goodness, and topped with a luscious icing that melts perfectly on the warm bread. When I first tried this recipe, it reminded me of that beloved cinnamon bread from Dollywood, and I’ve found it’s even better when made right in your own kitchen. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything so you can nail it, whether it’s your first time or you want to impress friends and family.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together perfectly. Frozen bread dough is my go-to shortcut but still offers that homemade charm. The cinnamon sugar blend coats every nook and cranny, while the buttery coating keeps it delightfully moist. Don’t overlook the icing—it’s the cherry on top that makes this bread so unforgettable.

• Frozen bread dough: I prefer the Rhodes Bake-N-Serve loaves for consistent rise and great texture.
• Butter: Melted butter seeps into the bread, creating that rich, moist crumb you’ll love.
• Granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon, it forms the sweet, spicy filling.
• Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground if possible for the best aroma and flavor punch.
• Powdered sugar: For the icing, providing smooth sweetness without graininess.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the icing and balances the cinnamon.
• Milk: Just enough to thin the icing to a drizzle-able consistency.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste. I’ve tried a handful of variations over time, and each adds its own personality. Feel free to experiment with add-ins or swap out ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or dietary needs.

• Add Nuts or Raisins: I once stirred chopped pecans into the cinnamon sugar before rolling the bread, which gave a lovely crunch and a little extra sweetness.
• Use Brown Sugar: Substituting some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar adds a deeper caramel note—try it for a cozy twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Melted coconut oil instead of butter works nicely, and you can swap milk in the icing for almond or oat milk.
• Spice It Up: Mixing a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon can really elevate the flavor without being overpowering.

How to Make Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe

Step 1: Thaw and Prepare Your Dough

Start by placing your frozen bread dough loaves on a tray at room temperature — this usually takes about 3 to 4 hours. I sometimes thaw mine overnight in the fridge if I’m prepping ahead. Once thawed, lightly spray your 9-inch bread pans with non-stick cooking spray so the bread slips out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Score and Butter Each Loaf

Here’s a trick I learned: cut four deep slashes down each loaf, almost all the way through, but leave a little bit connected at the bottom—think of it like slicing a loaf into thick fingers without breaking it apart. Then, generously brush melted butter over the entire loaf, especially inside those cuts. This step locks in moisture and gives you that irresistible buttery flavor with every bite.

Step 3: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon in a wide dish. Roll the buttered bread in it gently so it gets fully covered—don’t be shy with that cinnamon sugar! I always stuff extra sugar into the cuts; it’s like hidden pockets of cinnamon sweetness. This is one of my favorite parts because it guarantees every bite has a cinnamon punch.

Step 4: Let the Bread Rise

Place each coated loaf in your prepared bread pans. Cover them with a light tea towel and pop them somewhere warm to rise until doubled in size, usually about an hour. Watching that bread puff up is so satisfying—I always feel like a baking pro at this point!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the loaves for 20 to 25 minutes—when done, they should be golden brown and sound hollow when you gently thump the bottom. I like to let them cool for about 10 minutes before moving to the icing, so they’re warm but not piping hot.

Step 6: Whip Up the Icing and Drizzle

While your bread is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. If the icing is too thick to drizzle, add a little more milk at a time until you get the consistency you want. Drizzle generously over your warm bread slices—this is the moment that makes the bread truly irresistible!

How to Serve Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe

Garnishes

I love to add just a tiny sprinkle of extra cinnamon or some crushed toasted pecans on top of the icing for a bit of texture and a hint of crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it look like a sprinkle of fairy dust and adds that extra touch of sweetness and charm.

Side Dishes

This cinnamon bread with icing pairs beautifully with a fresh cup of coffee or tea. For a heartier brunch, I often serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit salad to balance out the sweetness. It also stands out as a delightful dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had fun layering slices of this cinnamon bread in a basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin for casual brunch gatherings, or arranging thick slices on a festive platter drizzled artistically with icing for holidays. You can also slice it a bit thicker and serve warm with tiny ramekins of additional cinnamon sugar or honey for dipping—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover cinnamon bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. It stays moist and soft, but if your kitchen is warm, storing in an airtight container is best to prevent drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices individually wrapped in foil and sealed in freezer bags. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature or pop in the toaster oven. The bread almost tastes freshly baked—such a great way to enjoy this treat anytime without scrambling!

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until just warm. If you want to refresh that crispy edge, a quick toast does the trick. Then, drizzle with a little extra icing or butter, and you’re good to go.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Cinnamon Bread with Icing Recipe has been a little joy in my kitchen—it’s the kind of bake that feels cozy and special all at once. I love sharing it with friends, watching their faces light up while they enjoy warm slices dripping with sweet icing. Once you try this, I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. So go ahead, grab that frozen dough, and treat yourself to a homemade cinnamon bread experience that’s just as dreamy as your favorite bakery’s.

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