Including cocoa powder, molasses, and honey, this Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread has the unique rich and slightly sweet flavor, classic brown color, and light texture of the bread served at the popular restaurant chain.
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Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
Chocolate and coffee in bread? It might seem like the beginning of a dessert bread but it’s not. They are two ingredients in this Cheesecake Factory brown bread recipe that add both flavor and color. Don’t worry – the bread doesn’t taste like chocolate OR coffee, though it does have a unique richness to it.
If you’ve ever been to Cheesecake Factory, you’ve likely fallen in love with the brown bread they serve at the beginning. And now, you can make that exact bread at home in a handful of straightforward steps.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Bread Recipe
- Cheesecake Factory copycat. This recipe is inspired by the bread you receive at Cheesecake Factory, from the color to the texture and flavor. It’s just as good, if not better, than what you’d get at the restaurant.
- Straightforward process. This Cheesecake Factory brown bread recipe does use yeast, so it requires enough time for two rises, but the process itself is simple and straightforward.
- Freezes well. This recipe makes two loaves of bread and while I doubt you’ll have any trouble eating both of them, they do freeze well if you want to save one for later.
What You’ll Need
This Cheesecake Factory brown bread recipe is made with ingredients like molasses, honey, brown sugar, and coffee powder.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Warm water – The water temperature for the starter should be between 105 – 110 degrees Fahrenheit to activate the yeast properly. This step is crucial for a good rise in the bread.
- Active dry yeast – Double check the expiration date before using. If it doesn’t foam, it isn’t good anymore.
- Molasses, honey, and brown sugar – These all sweeten the brown bread and offer the classic brown color.
- Instant coffee powder – Don’t worry, the bread won’t taste like coffee! It does help enhance the flavor and brown color.
- Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and richness.
- Flours – Both whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour are used in this recipe. Be sure to measure both carefully. Spoon and level, don’t scoop.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds the brown color and a bit of flavor, though the bread won’t taste like chocolate.
- Salt – Balances the flavors.
- Cornmeal – The cornmeal on the baking sheet adds a rustic touch and prevents the dough from sticking.
- Rolled oats – Adds texture to the top of the bread.
How To Make Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
Even though you need to allow time for 2 rises, making brown bread is not difficult.
(Scroll down to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and don’t miss the video below.)
- Prepare the yeast. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, brown sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it blooms.
- Make the dough. Add the molasses, honey, coffee powder, and butter to the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, combine both flours, the cocoa powder, and salt. Add to the yeast mixture. Use the dough hook to knead on low speed until combined.
- Knead the dough. Increase the speed to medium. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Let rise. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 2 hours, until it doubles in size.
- Shape the loaves. Punch down the dough and divide it into two. Shape each dough into a log then into baguette-style loaves. Place on a baking sheet brushed with cornmeal.
- Let rise again. Brush the tops of the loaves with water and sprinkle with oats. Cover and let rise for another 40-45 minutes.
- Bake. Bake both loaves for 25-30 minutes. Cool before slicing.
Tips for Success
Here are a few important tips for making copycat Cheesecake Factory brown bread.
- Use WARM, not hot or cold water. The water for the starter should be at the temperature of 105 – 110 degrees Fahrenheit to activate the yeast properly. This step is crucial for a good rise in the bread.
- Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size. This is important during both the initial rise and the second rise after shaping the loaves. This step is important for a light and airy texture.
- You can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour. However, bread flour absorbs more water during the mixing and kneading process, so adjust the water accordingly. Also be aware that since bread flour has a higher protein content, it will result in a slightly chewier texture.
- You can knead the dough by hand instead of using a stand mixer, if necessary. It should take from 15 – 20 minutes to knead on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- How do I know when brown bread is done? The loaves are done when they have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Use a toothpick or skewer, if it comes out clean when inserted into the center, the bread is fully baked.
Video: Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy brown bread at room temperature or slightly warm, with softened butter. It makes a great side or start to any meal – after all, it’s served at the Cheesecake Factory and we all know how huge that menu is! A few dishes to serve this with include pork medallions, apricot chicken, baked chicken breast, and steak.
Proper Storage
- Room temperature. Store the brown bread (whole or sliced) in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and again in foil at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- Fridge. You can also refrigerate this bread for up to 1 week.
- Freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months stored in a freezer-safe bag.
More Homemade Bread Recipes
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
Including cocoa powder, molasses, and honey, this Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread has the unique rich and slightly sweet flavor, classic brown color, and light texture of the bread served at the popular restaurant chain.
Servings: 20 slices (2 loaves)
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 cups warm water (105-110 F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour , spooned and leveled
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- cornmeal (for dusting)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup softened butter (for serving)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Stir in the molasses, honey, instant coffee powder, and unsalted butter to the yeast mixture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add this flour mixture to the yeast mixture.
- Use the dough hook attachment to knead the mixture on low speed until well combined. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 6 – 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
- Form each portion into a log, and then shape them into baguette-style loaves. Place them on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Gently brush the tops of the loaves with water and sprinkle rolled oats on them for a textured coating. Cover the loaves with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 40 – 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350 F degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the loaves to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with softened butter and enjoy.
Video
Notes
You can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour. However, bread flour absorbs more water during the mixing and kneading process, so adjust the water accordingly. Also be aware that since bread flour has a higher protein content, it will result in a slightly chewier texture.
You can knead the dough by hand instead of using a stand mixer, if necessary. It should take from 15 – 20 minutes to knead on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
How do I know when brown bread is done? The loaves are done when they have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Use a toothpick or skewer, if it comes out clean when inserted into the center, the bread is fully baked.
Nutrition
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 138IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
Very good. I decreased the coffee a bit and let it rise a bit longer than specified.
Hi Madhumita,
Is there any way to make this gluten free? Thank you
Hello Janis – Make the following changes, keeping in mind that gluten free substitutes will have different results as regular flour and alter the texture some.
Whole Wheat Flour (2 cups)- Replace with 1 1/2 (1.5) cups gluten-free oat flour
All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups)- Replace with 2 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
Cornmeal (for dusting) – is naturally gluten-free, but check for cross-contamination, better to buy a product mentioned “gluten-free”
Rolled oats – Check for gluten-free labels.