Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread

Name: Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 loaves
Ingredients: 2-1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast; 1-1/4 cups water, warmed to 105-115 degrees; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2-1/2 cups bread flour; 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour; 1-1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons molasses; 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder; 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal, for dusting the bottoms of the loaves; 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats; Softened butter, optional

Total Time Prep: 40 min. + rising Bake: 25 min.

Yield 4 loaves

Test Kitchen Approved

Our copycat Cheesecake Factory brown bread recipe allows you to eat this delicious, cult-favorite bread warm without leaving the house. All it takes is a few secret ingredients and an oven!

Ingredients

2-1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
1-1/4 cups water, warmed to 105-115 degrees
1 tablespoon sugar
2-1/2 cups bread flour
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1-1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal, for dusting the bottoms of the loaves
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
Softened butter, optional

Directions

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine yeast, warm water and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes or until foamy. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, sift together bread flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder and salt; set aside.
To the mixing bowl, add honey, molasses and espresso powder; stir to combine. Add sifted ingredients; blend on low speed 2-3 minutes. Increase speed to medium-low; knead until dough is smooth and elastic and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl, 6-8 minutes.
Transfer dough to a clean, lightly oiled bowl; cover. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1/2 hours.
Place cornmeal in a shallow dish or tray; set aside. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4 equal-sized portions. Roll each into a smooth log about 8-in. long; press each loaf into cornmeal to lightly coat the bottom. Transfer loaves to a parchment-lined baking sheet about 4-in. apart. Gently brush the loaves with water; sprinkle lightly with rolled oats. Cover loosely with a clean towel; let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°.
Uncover loaves; bake for 25-35 minutes. Remove; let cool slightly. Serve warm with butter if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 158 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.

If you’ve ever had the honor of eating at The Cheesecake Factory, you know about their addicting, subtly sweet brown bread. This copycat version brings four loaves to your kitchen, so you'll never have to go without. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Recipe Creator