Description
This soft, sweet wheat bread inspired by Cheesecake Factory’s iconic brown bread is made with molasses, honey, and cocoa powder. Topped with rolled oats and baked to perfection, it’s ideal as a side, sandwich base, or snack.
Ingredients
1½ cups warm water (110°F)
2¼ tsp instant dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tbsp brown sugar
¼ cup molasses (preferably unsulphured)
2 tbsp honey
2 cups bread flour
1¾ cups whole wheat flour
1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
Rolled oats (for topping)
Instructions
Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Mix Dough: Stir in molasses, honey, and oil. Add flour, cocoa, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead & Rise: Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
Shape Loaves: Punch down the dough. Divide and shape into 3 small loaves or baguettes. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add Oats: Lightly brush tops with water or egg wash. Sprinkle with oats.
Final Rise: Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm and golden brown.
Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter.
Notes
For deeper flavor, use blackstrap molasses.
To make the bread extra soft, replace 2 tablespoons of whole wheat flour with powdered milk.
This bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as a base for turkey and cheese sandwiches.
Brush the loaves with milk before baking for a softer crust, or egg wash for a glossy finish.
You can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise for better texture and flavor.
Oats are optional but add that signature Cheesecake Factory brown bread look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread, Side Dish, Baking
- Method: Mixing, Kneading, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice or mini roll (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg