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INTRODUCTION
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread is a soft, slightly sweet bread with a deep brown color. This recipe uses whole wheat flour and bread flour for good fiber and texture. It makes a loaf that warms the kitchen and goes well with soups, salads, and breakfast. If you like bakery bread at home, this is a simple way to make it.
For more dessert inspiration that pairs well with fresh bread, try this Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cup that mixes rich flavors and makes a nice treat after a light meal.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread because it feels like a treat but can fit into a healthy plan. The whole wheat flour gives extra fiber, and the loaf is not too sweet. This makes it a lighter option than many store-bought sweet breads. It is also a great choice for meal prep because you can bake a batch and freeze portions for quick use all week. If you need a healthy version of restaurant bread, this recipe is easy to make and easy to adjust for lower sugar or higher protein needs. It can be part of a balanced meal and is good for weight loss when eaten in proper portions.
HOW TO MAKE Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
This bread is simple to make by hand or with a mixer. The dough has a soft feel and a mild sweet taste from the honey and molasses. Follow the steps below for consistent results.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Dough hook or wooden spoon (if kneading by hand)
- Baking sheet or French bread pan
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife for scoring
- Towel or plastic wrap for rising
- Oven and spare baking sheet for steam method
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1-1/4 cup warm water, 2-1/4 tsp instant dry yeast, 1 tsp sugar, 1-3/4 cups bread flour (plus up to 1/4 cup more as needed), 1-3/4 cup whole wheat flour, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, 1-1/2 Tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp salt, 3 Tbsp canola oil, 1/4 cup honey, 3 Tbsp molasses, 1/2 Tbsp white cornmeal, Oats for garnish
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
In a small bowl mix the water, yeast and sugar and let sit for 3-5 minutes until frothy., In a large mixing bowl whisk together the bread flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder and salt., Add the yeast mixture, oil, honey and molasses., Using the dough hook, mix on medium-low speed for 5 minutes. (If you hand knead you will need to do it 10-12 minutes.) If you find your dough is not coming together or is too sticky, add up to 1/4 cup additional bread flour- just add it 1 Tbsp at a time so you don’t add too much. Once done, the dough should not stick to your hands., Form the dough lightly in to a ball and spray around and under it with non-stick cooking spray., Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until doubled in size., Line a baking sheet or French bread pan with parchment paper and sprinkle with the white cornmeal., Punch down the dough and divide in to four equal pieces. (I weigh mine to make sure they are close.), Roll out each piece in to a rectangle and then roll tightly, press down gently, then pinch and tuck the ends to close. Roll lightly with your hands to complete shaping – they should look like a log, mine were about 8-9 inches long., Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet, spacing at least a couple of inches apart. Score 3-4 times on each loaf with a sharp knife., Brush with warm water and sprinkle each loaf with some oats., Cover loosely with a towel or saran wrap and let them rise another 30-40 minutes until they are almost double again., Preheat the oven to 350 with 1 rack placed in the bottom position and 1 rack in the middle position. Place a spare baking sheet on the bottom rack., Remove the towel or saran wrap and place the bread pan on the middle rack., Throw 4-5 ice cubes on the spare baking sheet on the bottom rack and close the oven door immediately., Bake for 25-30 minutes., Serve with butter!
HOW TO SERVE Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
Serve warm with a clean spread of butter for a classic treat. For a healthier version, use a light spread such as avocado mash or a thin layer of nut butter. Keep portion control in mind: one small roll (about 1/4 of a loaf) is a good serving. This helps keep calories in check for those watching weight loss goals. The bread is also great with soup or a salad to make a balanced meal. For a high protein meal, pair one roll with a serving of lean turkey or a bowl of bean soup to add protein and fiber.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
Store cooled bread in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm in the oven or toaster. This makes the bread great for meal prep and fast meals on busy days.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with a green salad and grilled chicken for a balanced plate. This makes a lighter option for dinner.
- Use slices for sandwiches with lean protein and veggies for a meal prep lunch.
- Pair with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt on the side for a higher protein breakfast.
- Offer a side of steamed vegetables and a small roll for a heart healthy dinner.
Also, if you like breads and rolls for a holiday brunch, check the comforting flavors in these Brown Butter Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls as a festive treat to serve alongside savory dishes.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 tablespoon and cut the honey to 2 tablespoons to lower sugar. Replace canola oil with 3 Tbsp olive oil for more heart healthy fats. Use this healthy version to make the loaf fit better into a lower sugar meal plan.
- High-protein or low-carb version: To boost protein, add 2-4 Tbsp vital wheat gluten or 1/3 cup unflavored whey protein isolate and reduce bread flour slightly. For a low-carb spin, make smaller rolls and serve with extra protein and salad to keep carbs lower at the meal. Note: a true low-carb bread will need recipe changes and different flours (almond or coconut flour) and binding agents, so expect a different texture.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: The recipe is oven-baked, but you can make small rolls in an air fryer. Place 2-3 small shaped rolls in the air fryer basket, set to 325°F (160°C) and bake for 12-16 minutes, checking for a golden crust and internal temperature around 190°F (88°C). This air fryer method is great for quick baking and a quick dinner side.
Adding a high-protein spread like cottage cheese or a thin layer of nut butter can turn a roll into a higher protein meal that helps keep you full longer and supports weight loss goals when combined with a balanced diet. Use "high protein meal" ideas for breakfasts or quick lunches.
FAQs
Q: Is this bread healthy?
A: Yes. The bread uses whole wheat flour for fiber and has less sugar than many sweet breads. For an even healthier version, reduce added sugar and use olive oil.
Q: Can I make this bread diabetic-friendly?
A: You can make it more diabetic-friendly by lowering the honey and molasses and choosing smaller portions. Pair slices with protein and vegetables to slow blood sugar rise. For strict diabetic diets, consult your diet plan.
Q: How long will the bread last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. For best texture, warm slightly before serving.
Q: Can I use all whole wheat flour?
A: You can try, but the texture will be denser. A mix of bread flour and whole wheat keeps a lighter crumb. If using all whole wheat, add a little extra water and knead well.
Q: Is this a good loaf for meal prep?
A: Yes. The bread freezes well and reheats fast, so it is great for meal prep. Bake a batch, slice, and freeze portions for quick use.
Q: How do I reheat from frozen?
A: Thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven at 325°F for 8-12 minutes or toast slices for a quick warm roll.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
- Mix and knead the dough the night before, then place it in the fridge after the first rise. Punch down and shape in the morning, allow a short rise, then bake. This saves morning time and is great for meal prep.
- Fully bake and freeze individual rolls. Take out a roll and warm in the toaster oven or microwave for a quick breakfast. This is a great make-ahead plan for busy weeks.
- Portion out servings into meal boxes with lean protein and vegetables for easy lunches. This helps with portion control and supports weight loss goals.
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 3-5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, canola oil, honey, and molasses.
- Using the dough hook, mix on medium-low speed for 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead for 10-12 minutes. Add additional bread flour if the dough is too sticky, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Form the dough into a ball and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Line a baking sheet or French bread pan with parchment paper and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a rectangle, then roll tightly and pinch the ends to close.
- Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet, score the tops with a sharp knife, and brush with warm water. Sprinkle with oats.
- Cover loosely and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes until almost doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with one rack in the bottom position and one in the middle.
- Place a spare baking sheet on the bottom rack.
- Remove the cover from the rolls and place the baking sheet on the middle rack.
- Throw 4-5 ice cubes onto the spare baking sheet and close the oven door immediately.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with butter, avocado mash, or nut butter. Pair with soup or salad for a balanced meal.