Description
This homemade copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread is soft, sweet, and nutty, with a hint of cocoa. It’s perfect for serving as a side, making sandwiches, or simply enjoying with butter. With the right mix of honey, molasses, and whole wheat flour, this bread is just like the one served at the Cheesecake Factory, but made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
-
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
-
1 tbsp cocoa powder
-
1 tbsp instant espresso powder (optional)
-
1 tsp salt
-
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
-
1/4 cup honey
-
1/4 cup molasses
-
1/4 cup melted butter
-
1 1/4 cups warm water (100°F/38°C)
-
1 tbsp rolled oats (for topping)
-
Instructions
-
Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, honey, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
-
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), and salt.
-
Add wet ingredients: Stir in molasses and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Pour it into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
-
Knead the dough: Knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
-
Shape the dough: Punch the dough down and divide it into 2 or 3 portions. Roll each portion into a log and place on a greased baking sheet or in bread pans.
-
Top with oats: Brush the tops of the loaves with water and sprinkle oats on top, pressing gently to help them stick.
-
Second rise: Let the loaves rise for 30-45 minutes or until puffy.
-
Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
-
Cool: Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool before slicing.
Notes
Use fresh yeast for the best results.
If you don’t have espresso powder, skip it, and the bread will still taste great.
You can substitute vegan butter and maple syrup to make this bread vegan-friendly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American