Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread Copycat Recipe

Soft, slightly sweet Cheesecake Factory–style brown bread made with molasses, honey, and cocoa. Easy to bake at home and perfect with butter.

My family is a big fan of Cheesecake Factory's brown bread, and so I decided to try making it at home. After a couple of attempts and serious judging from my husband, I think I nailed the recipe already.

This copycat brown bread has that soft, slightly sweet texture with dark, rich flavor. The key to getting that signature color and taste without making it bitter is balancing the darker sweetener with just enough cocoa. Too much and it tastes like chocolate bread, too little and you lose that depth. The whole grain flour gives it this hearty, dense quality that's still tender because of how the dough is handled. Kneading develops enough gluten for structure but stopping at the right point keeps it from getting tough. The oats on top add crunch and make it look rustic and homemade.

I make this when I'm craving that specific Cheesecake Factory bread but don't want to drive all the way there just for a basket of rolls. The prep is maybe only 20 minutes, and the rest is rising time.

The first couple of times I made this, my husband would take a bite, pause, and say "it's good, but it's not quite there yet." He knows that bread so well from all our Cheesecake Factory visits that he could taste every little difference. But on my third attempt, he took a bite, looked at me, and said "okay, this is it." That's when I knew I'd finally cracked the recipe. Now I make it for special dinners, and my kids fight over who gets the last slice. My husband still judges every batch, but now I think he's just looking for an excuse to eat more of it.

Ingredients

Whole milk adds moisture and richness that makes the bread soft and tender. Brown sugar brings subtle sweetness and depth that works perfectly with the molasses and honey. The molasses gives the bread its dark color and slightly bittersweet taste, while the honey adds natural sweetness that balances everything out.

Whole wheat flour gives the bread that denser, heartier texture and adds this slight nutty flavor that makes it different from regular bread. All-purpose flour keeps it from being too heavy, so you get that perfect balance of chewy and tender.

Instant coffee powder and unsweetened cocoa powder add to the dark, rich flavor without making it taste like coffee or chocolate. They just add complexity and depth. If you're sensitive to caffeine, you can use decaf instant coffee instead.

Oats on top add extra texture and this bit of crunch that gives it that rustic, homemade look and makes each slice more interesting to eat.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

How to Make Cheesecake Factory Brown Bread?

This homemade version of the Cheesecake Factory’s iconic brown bread is soft, slightly sweet, and packed with rich flavors. With the addition of molasses, honey, and cocoa, this bread adds a unique twist on traditional dinner rolls.

Warm the Milk

Start by warming the milk in the microwave until it’s just warm to the touch, don’t let it get too hot. It should feel comfortable when you touch it, like a warm bath. This temperature helps activate the yeast without killing it.

Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, brown sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the yeast starts to bloom. You’ll see some bubbles or a slight foam on the surface, which means the yeast is ready.

Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix the Dough

Once the ingredients are combined, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This allows the yeast to do its job and make the dough light and airy.

Knead the Dough

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is important to help the dough develop the right texture.

Shape the Loaves

Divide the dough into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then shape each ball into an 8-inch long loaf. Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The parchment paper will prevent the bread from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.

Add the Oats

Sprinkle the tops of each loaf with oats for a rustic, crunchy topping. This gives the bread an authentic look and extra texture.

Let the Dough Rise

Cover the loaves loosely with a towel and set them aside to rise for about 30-40 minutes. The loaves should puff up slightly during this time, becoming soft and airy.

Preheat the Oven and Bake

While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 375°F. Once the loaves have risen, place them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Serve

Remove the loaves from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly. Serve the bread warm with whipped butter for the ultimate treat. Enjoy!

Storage

Once the bread has cooled, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also store it in the fridge and just warm it up in the oven at 300°F for about 1-2 minutes before serving.

Recipe