cheesecake factory brown bread

This recipe lets you make Cheesecake Factory’s famous brown bread right at home. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and has a nice chewy crust. Made with whole wheat flour, molasses, and oats, it’s a tasty bread that’s easy to bake from scratch and perfect for any meal.

Why We Love This Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread Recipe

You’re going to love this recipe for so many reasons. First, it recreates a nostalgic, restaurant-style experience at home—freshly baked, aromatic bread that tastes like a treat. Second, it’s surprisingly simple to make with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. And third, the texture is unbeatable: soft and airy with a subtle hint of sweetness and the heartiness of whole wheat. The molasses, honey, and touch of cocoa powder make this bread stand out, while the oats on top give it a rustic finish. Whether you enjoy it with butter, use it for sandwiches, or serve it with soup, it’s a satisfying and comforting addition to your meals.

Ingredients about Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread

• 1 ¾ cups whole milk, warm (not hot)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 pack active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ cup rolled oats (for topping)

How to Make Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread Directions

Start by activating your yeast. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the warm whole milk, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about five minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step is essential because it ensures your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise.

Next, add molasses, honey, softened butter, both flours, coffee powder, cocoa powder, and salt to the bowl. Using the dough hook attachment, mix everything on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add more all-purpose flour—just a quarter cup at a time—until the dough comes together but still feels soft.

Turn the mixer up to medium speed and knead the dough for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the dough to develop some structure, but it should still be slightly sticky and easy to handle with lightly oiled hands.

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for about one hour or until it has doubled in size. Once risen, remove the dough from the bowl and divide it into three equal portions. Punch out any air and shape each piece into a loose round. Place them into separate greased bowls and let them rest for another 30 to 45 minutes until they puff up again.

After the second rest, shape each dough piece into a baguette. Stretch each ball slightly, then roll it into an 8-inch loaf. Seal the seam underneath to keep the loaves intact while baking. Place the loaves onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure there’s enough space between them—at least four inches.

Cover the loaves and let them proof until they double in size again. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on your room temperature. While the loaves are proofing, preheat your oven to 375°F.

When the loaves are ready, lightly brush the tops with water and sprinkle rolled oats evenly across each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F. Remove the loaves and let them cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread

Serving this bread warm enhances its softness and aroma. You can enjoy it plain, with a pat of butter, or a drizzle of honey. It also pairs perfectly with hearty soups, creamy pastas, or fresh salads. Because of its slightly sweet profile, it balances out savory dishes exceptionally well. Try slicing it for sandwiches, especially with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even nut butter for a sweet-and-savory combo. For breakfast, toast a few slices and enjoy them with jam, eggs, or avocado. This bread isn’t just a side—it can be the star of the meal.

Expert Tips: Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread

To get the best results, use fresh yeast and warm (not hot) milk to activate it. This step ensures your dough will rise properly. Be patient with proofing; letting the dough rise fully gives the bread its soft texture and light crumb. When shaping the loaves, seal the seams well to avoid them opening during baking.

Adding more all-purpose flour is okay, but only do so if the dough is too sticky to manage. Avoid over-kneading—it should stay soft. Brushing the tops with water helps the oats stick and gives the crust a slightly glossy finish. Using a thermometer to check for doneness ensures your bread bakes through without overcooking. Finally, always allow the bread to cool before slicing to lock in the moisture and improve texture.

How to Store Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread

To store, let the bread cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it. Just wrap the loaves in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven.

Variation of Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread

You can easily customize this recipe based on your taste and ingredients. If you want a slightly denser loaf, increase the whole wheat flour by half a cup. For a touch more sweetness, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. You could also sprinkle sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or sesame seeds on top instead of oats.

To make it dairy-free, use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter. If you prefer rolls instead of loaves, divide the dough into smaller portions and bake for a shorter time—about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also skip the espresso if you’re sensitive to caffeine, though it enhances the color and depth of flavor. Each variation lets you make the bread your own.

FAQ

What makes Cheesecake Factory brown bread so good?

It’s the combination of whole wheat flour, molasses, honey, cocoa powder, and espresso powder that gives the bread its signature taste, aroma, and rich color.

Can you freeze Cheesecake Factory brown bread?

Yes, just wrap the loaves well and freeze them for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Is this bread sweet?

It has a subtle sweetness from the molasses and honey, but it’s balanced enough to pair with savory meals.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand. It takes a little more time and effort but still works great.

Why add coffee and cocoa powder?

They don’t make the bread taste like coffee or chocolate—instead, they deepen the flavor and give the bread its rich brown color.

Can I use only all-purpose flour?

You can, but the texture and flavor won’t be the same. Whole wheat flour adds heartiness and character to the bread.

How do I know if the bread is done baking?

The easiest way is to use a kitchen thermometer. Once the internal temperature reaches 190°F, the bread is ready.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.