Description
This Copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread recipe recreates the beloved, slightly sweet, and hearty brown bread served at the restaurant. With a rich flavor from honey, molasses, and whole wheat, this bread has a soft interior and a chewy crust, perfect for serving with butter or as a base for sandwiches.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup (30 g) cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (for sprinkling)
- Melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
🍞 Activate the Yeast:
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, and honey.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
🥄 Make the Dough:
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Add Ingredients:
- Add molasses, vegetable oil, bread flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the yeast mixture.
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Knead the Dough:
- Mix with a dough hook on medium speed or knead by hand until the dough is smooth and elastic (7-10 minutes).
- The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
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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, until doubled in size.
🔪 Shape the Bread:
-
Divide and Shape:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 2-4 equal pieces, depending on the size of loaves desired.
- Shape into oblong loaves or rolls.
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Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Second Rise:
- Cover with a cloth and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
🔥 Bake the Bread:
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Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Add Topping:
- Brush the loaves with melted butter (optional) and sprinkle with rolled oats.
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Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool:
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
🍽️ Serve:
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Slice and Enjoy:
- Serve warm with butter, or use for sandwiches.
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Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with soups, salads, or as a side to your favorite meal.
Notes
- Make It Softer: Add 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to help with dough elasticity.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bread Machine Friendly: You can make the dough in a bread machine using the dough cycle, then shape and bake as directed.