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Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread

This soft, slightly sweet brown bread made with whole wheat and cocoa is a delightful treat to enjoy warm with tea, perfect for sandwiches or as a side with meals.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 loaves
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1.25 cups 1-1/4 cup warm water
  • 2.25 tsp 2-1/4 tsp instant dry yeast Alternatively, you can use active dry yeast.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp sugar Sugar helps activate the yeast.
  • 1.75 cups 1-3/4 cups bread flour Plus up to 1/4 cup more as needed.
  • 1.75 cups 1-3/4 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1.5 Tbsp 1-1/2 Tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
  • 3 Tbsp 3 Tbsp canola oil Can be substituted with light olive oil.
  • 0.25 cups 1/4 cup honey Alternatively, can be reduced for a lighter version.
  • 3 Tbsp 3 Tbsp molasses Also can be reduced for a lighter version.
  • 0.5 Tbsp 1/2 Tbsp white cornmeal For sprinkling on baking sheet.
  • Oats Oats for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar, and let sit for 3-5 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
  3. Add the yeast mixture, oil, honey, and molasses to the dry ingredients.
  4. Using a dough hook, mix on medium-low speed for 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead for 10-12 minutes, adding extra bread flour as needed until the dough is not sticky.
  5. Form the dough into a ball, lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1-1/2 hours until doubled in size.
Shaping and Second Rise
  1. Line a baking sheet or French bread pan with parchment paper and sprinkle with white cornmeal.
  2. Punch down the dough, divide it into four equal pieces, and roll each piece into a rectangle. Roll tightly into logs, pinching and tucking the ends to seal.
  3. Place each roll on the prepared sheet, spacing them at least a couple of inches apart. Score 3-4 times on each loaf with a sharp knife.
  4. Brush the tops with warm water and sprinkle with oats. Cover loosely with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-40 minutes until almost doubled.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F with one rack in the bottom position and one rack in the middle position. Place a spare baking sheet on the bottom rack.
  2. Once the second rise is complete, remove the cover and place the bread pan on the middle rack. Quickly throw 4-5 ice cubes on the spare baking sheet below and close the oven door.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Serve warm slices with butter or nut butter; pair with soup or salad for a balanced meal. Control portions for weight management.