Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread brings the restaurant’s iconic dark, slightly sweet loaf straight to your kitchen. With its soft interior, hearty wheat flavor, and oat-dusted top, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter. It’s satisfying, wholesome, and a must-try for bread lovers craving that Cheesecake Factory touch.

ingredients

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

warm wateractive dry yeasthoneymolassesbrown sugarvegetable oilwhole wheat flourbread flourcocoa powderinstant coffee or espresso powdersaltrolled oats (for topping)

directions

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Stir in honey, molasses, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.

In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, bread flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and divide into 2-3 equal portions. Shape into small loaves and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush the tops with water and sprinkle rolled oats evenly over each loaf.

Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes, or until they sound hollow when tapped.

Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2-3 small loaves.Preparation time: 20 minutesRising time: 1 hour 45 minutesBaking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 2 hours 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.

Add a tablespoon of softened butter to the dough for extra tenderness.

Make rolls instead of loaves for individual servings.

Replace the rolled oats topping with sesame or sunflower seeds.

storage/reheating

Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

What makes this bread so dark in color?

Cocoa powder and molasses give the bread its distinctive deep color and mild sweetness.

Can I skip the coffee powder?

Yes, but it enhances the flavor subtly—it’s not overpowering.

Is this bread sweet?

It’s mildly sweet from the honey and molasses, similar to the Cheesecake Factory version.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour gives better structure and chew.

Can I knead this dough using a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Use a dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes.

Why are oats used on top?

Oats provide texture and mimic the Cheesecake Factory’s signature presentation.

How do I keep the bread soft?

Don’t overbake and store in a sealed container once cooled.

Can I add seeds or nuts to the dough?

Yes, sunflower seeds or chopped nuts work well for extra crunch.

Is this bread vegan?

Use a plant-based oil and confirm sugar is vegan-friendly to make it suitable.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply scale all ingredients proportionally.

Conclusion

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread captures the essence of a restaurant favorite with a homemade twist. With its rich color, soft texture, and touch of sweetness, this bread is sure to become a household staple. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as the base for your favorite sandwich—it’s a versatile and rewarding bake every time.