This is the BEST Brown Bread Recipe EVER! The taste and texture are a copycat of the beloved Cheesecake Factory bread. So good!
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, and this Brown Bread Recipe is no exception. Inspired by the iconic Cheesecake Factory brown bread, it’s deep color and hearty texture are perfect for accompanying any meal.
All you home cooks out there will enjoy this simple recipe. It will fill your kitchen to the brim with the delightful scent and sweet taste of homemade bread!
This kind of bread is a delightful addition to your repertoire of homemade bread. With its satisfying and comforting flavor, Brown Bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and offers ample room for customization. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and fill your home with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked brown bread. Enjoy!
Common Questions About Brown Bread
Is the cocoa powder necessary in the recipe?
Yes, the cocoa powder is necessary in this recipe, as it contributes to the unique flavor and color of the brown bread. It gives the bread a slightly chocolatey and earthy taste, making it distinct from other bread recipes.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. To do so, you will need to dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with the molasses and honey and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy, before adding it to the dry ingredients.
Note that active dry yeast may take a bit longer to rise compared to instant yeast.
What kind of molasses should I use for this recipe?
Unsulfured molasses is recommended for this recipe, as it has a milder and more natural flavor compared to other types of molasses. If you cannot find un-sulfurized molasses, you can use regular molasses or even substitute it with dark corn syrup, though the flavor may be slightly different.
Storage
Homemade bread in our house won’t last till the next day unless I make a double batch. The kids just gobble it up!
Refrigerator
To store brown bread in the refrigerator, first, allow the bread to cool completely at room temperature. Then, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also place the wrapped bread in a resealable plastic bag for extra protection.
Store the bread in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you’re ready to eat the bread, you can reheat it in the oven or toaster to refresh its texture and taste.
Freezer
To store brown bread in the freezer, let the bread cool completely at room temperature. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a resealable freezer-safe plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the bag with the date and type of bread. You can freeze the bread for up to three months. To thaw and enjoy the bread, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight. You can also reheat the bread in the oven or toaster for a warm, fresh taste.
Tips
There is something special about a rising bread dough on my counter. I just love it!
- Be sure to use warm water, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Avoid over-kneading the dough, as it may result in tough and dense bread.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its structure.
Ingredients
These ingredients might be a little different than what you would expect. However, you’ll soon see why this rustic bread is such a crowd pleaser!
- All-purpose flour
- Whole wheat flour
- Cocoa powder
- Dark Brown sugar
- Salt
- Warm water
- Molasses
- Honey
- Instant yeast
- Rolled oats (for topping)
How to Make Brown Bread
Be sure to have a wire rack on hand for cooling your fresh bread.
- In a bowl, combine the two flours, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and salt with a whisk then set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the warm water, molasses, honey, and yeast, mixing together. Let the yeast activate in the mixture for 10 minutes.
- In the dry ingredient mixing bowl, create a divet in the middle to place the wet ingredients mixture.
- After the 10 minutes have passed add the warm water mixture into the center of the dry ingredients.
- Fold this together until a dough forms. It’s ok if it is not fully mixed, you are going to transfer this to a clean surface to begin kneading.
- Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes or until the dough is a smooth ball.
- Place the dough into a greased bowl and roll the dough around in it to coat. Set the dough ball in the middle and cover it with plastic wrap.
- Let this rise at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Once the 2 hours have passed remove the dough from the bowl and separate it into 3 even-sized pieces.
- On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a long log. Place the 3 logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Rub a little bit of water across the top of each log and sprinkle the top of the dough with the rolled oats topping.
- Cover in plastic wrap again and let sit for 30 more minutes.
- Remove the plastic wrap from the dough and then bake the loaves at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Slice with a sharp knife and cover with butter, enjoy while still warm!
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Brown Bread
The hardest part is waiting for that dough rise! However, it’s well worth the effort. You won’t regret the time it takes when it’s all said and done.
- 9×11 Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Plastic Wrap
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Bread knife
What to Serve With Brown Bread
The hearty texture of this bread works so well with a variety of other foods. It’s a great recipe to pair with any Sunday dinner!
- Creamy soups or stews
- Cheese and charcuterie boards
- Toasted with avocado and a poached egg
- Spread with butter and jam for a sweet treat
Why You Should Make Brown Bread
My own main reasons for making this bread are the smell that fills my house and the reaction of my kids when the loaves are done. They’ll eat a whole loaf each if I let them!
- A delicious and comforting homemade bread that elevates any meal
- Wholesome ingredients, including whole wheat flour and rolled oats
- The perfect accompaniment for a variety of dishes
- The irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread in your home
- A versatile recipe that allows for personalization and creativity
Variations and Add Ins for Brown Bread
As always, for the best result, try new things to make this into your own recipe.
- Add nuts or seeds, such as sunflower or flax seeds, to the dough for added texture
- Incorporate dried fruits, like raisins or cranberries, for a hint of sweetness
- Substitute maple syrup for honey to add a subtle, earthy flavor
- Experiment with different flours, like rye or spelt, to create unique flavor profiles
- Try making it in a bread machine to make things even easier. Just be sure to adjust accordingly!
If you love this easy bread recipe, you’re going to love these other bread recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
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Brown Bread Recipe – Copycat Cheesecake Factory
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ¼ cup warm water
- ¼ cup molasses PLUS 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
Rolled oats for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the two flours, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and salt with a whisk then set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, molasses, honey, and yeast, mixing together. Let the yeast activate in the mixture for 10 minutes.
- In the dry ingredient mixing bowl, create a divet in the middle to place the wet ingredient mixture.
- After the 10 minutes have passed add the warm water mixture into the center of the dry ingredients.
- Fold this together until a dough forms. It’s ok if it is not fully mixed, you are going to transfer this to a clean surface to begin kneading.
- Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes or until the dough is a smooth ball.
- Place the dough into an oil-coated bowl and roll the dough around in it to coat. Set the dough ball in the middle and cover it with plastic wrap.
- Let this rise at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Once the 2 hours have passed remove the dough from the bowl and separate it into 3 even-sized pieces.
- Roll out each ball into a long log. Place the 3 logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Rub a little bit of water across the top of each log and sprinkle with the rolled oats topping.
- Cover in plastic wrap again and let sit for 30 more minutes.
- Remove the plastic wrap from the dough and then bake the loaves at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Slice with a bread knife and cover with butter, enjoy while still warm!
Equipment
- 9×11 Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Plastic Wrap
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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