Copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread

The Copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread is a delicious and soft bread with a slightly sweet flavor, just like the one served at the restaurant. This dark bread is perfect for making sandwiches or serving with butter as a side dish. Made with honey, molasses, and whole wheat flour, this bread is both flavorful and easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes just like the restaurant’s famous bread
• Perfectly soft with a hint of sweetness
• Great for sandwiches, bread baskets, or toast
• Easy to make with pantry staples
• Can be made into loaves or rolls

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bread:

• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 cups bread flour
• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats (optional, for sprinkling)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Directions

this recipe

Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar.
   • Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is foamy.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Stir in honey, molasses, and softened butter until well combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, mix bread flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
4. Combine to Form Dough:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
   • Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Let the Dough Rise

1. First Rise:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Dough:
   • Punch down the dough and divide it into 2-3 equal portions.
   • Shape into small baguette-style loaves or rolls.

Second Rise and Bake

1. Prepare for Baking:
   • Place the shaped loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Cover and let rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until puffy.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Brush and Bake:
   • Brush the tops of the loaves with melted butter and sprinkle with oats if desired.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes for loaves, or 15-20 minutes for rolls, until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
   • Serve warm with butter or use for sandwiches.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3 small loaves or 8-10 rolls
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• Honey Wheat Rolls: Shape the dough into small rolls instead of loaves for dinner rolls.
• Seeded Bread: Add sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chia seeds to the dough for extra texture.
• Sweet Bread: Increase the honey or add a tablespoon of brown sugar for a sweeter bread.
• Multigrain Bread: Substitute part of the whole wheat flour with oats or multigrain flour.
• Mini Loaves: Make mini loaves for individual servings or gifting.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm bread in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast without proofing it first. Simply mix it with the dry ingredients.

2. What gives the bread its dark color?

The combination of cocoa powder and molasses gives the bread its signature dark color.

3. Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, you can add all ingredients to the bread machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use the dough setting.

4. How do I make sure my yeast activates properly?

Use warm water (110°F) and let the yeast sit with sugar until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, the yeast might be expired.

5. What can I serve with this bread?

Serve with honey butter, regular butter, or use it for sandwiches or toast.

6. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.

7. How do I get a soft crust on the bread?

Brush the bread with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.

8. Can I substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the bread may not have the same hearty texture and flavor.

9. Can I add flavors to the bread, like herbs or spices?

Yes, add herbs like rosemary or spices like cinnamon to give the bread a unique flavor.

10. What if my bread doesn’t rise?

Ensure your yeast is active and your dough is placed in a warm, draft-free area to rise properly.

Conclusion

The Copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread is a delightful and easy-to-make bread that captures the soft, slightly sweet flavor of the original. With its beautiful dark color and tender crumb, this bread is perfect for serving as a side dish, making sandwiches, or enjoying with a smear of butter. Whether for a special occasion or everyday meals, this bread recipe will bring the taste of the Cheesecake Factory right to your kitchen!

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