Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread

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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.

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Rise Time2 45

Total Time3 45

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Keyword: brown bread cheesecake factory, brown bread recipe, cheesecake factory brown bread, cheesecake factory brown bread recipe

Servings: 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.

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