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Copycat Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread

A soft, slightly sweet bread with a deep brown color, made with whole wheat and bread flour, perfect as a side for soups, salads, or breakfast.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1.25 cups warm water Make sure it's warm, not boiling.
  • 2.25 teaspoons instant dry yeast Ensure it's active.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Used for activating yeast.
  • 1.75 cups bread flour Plus up to 1/4 cup more as needed.
  • 1.75 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1.5 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 0.25 cups honey
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 0.5 tablespoon white cornmeal For sprinkling on baking sheet.
  • Oats for garnish Sprinkled on top before baking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. 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, canola oil, honey, and molasses.
  4. 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.
  5. Form the dough into a ball and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Shaping and Second Rise
  1. Line a baking sheet or French bread pan with parchment paper and sprinkle with cornmeal.
  2. Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal pieces.
  3. Roll each piece into a rectangle, then roll tightly and pinch the ends to close.
  4. Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet, score the tops with a sharp knife, and brush with warm water. Sprinkle with oats.
  5. Cover loosely and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes until almost doubled.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with one rack in the bottom position and one in the middle.
  2. Place a spare baking sheet on the bottom rack.
  3. Remove the cover from the rolls and place the baking sheet on the middle rack.
  4. Throw 4-5 ice cubes onto the spare baking sheet and close the oven door immediately.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving
  1. Serve warm with butter, avocado mash, or nut butter. Pair with soup or salad for a balanced meal.

Notes

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 and freeze for up to 3 months.