Copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread

If you’ve ever visited The Cheesecake Factory, you’ve likely fallen in love with their signature Honey Wheat Bread. This soft, slightly sweet, and hearty bread is the perfect pairing for any meal. Now, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving it alongside a family dinner or enjoying it on its own with a little butter, this Copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & Fluffy: The perfect balance of texture – soft on the inside with just a slight crispness on the outside.
• Perfectly Sweet: The honey adds a subtle sweetness that makes this bread irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With a little time and patience, you can easily recreate the famous bread at home.
• Great for Any Meal: Serve it with dinner, use it for sandwiches, or just enjoy it fresh from the oven.

this Recipe

Ingredients

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

• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Whole wheat flour
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Brown sugar
• Milk (whole or 2%)
• Butter (for brushing, optional)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and a tablespoon of honey. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, remaining honey, olive oil, and milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined and a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan.
6. Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, until it has risen just above the edge of the pan.
7. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake: Once the dough has finished rising, bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Brush with Butter (Optional): For extra flavor, you can brush the top of the hot bread with a little melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 2 hours
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

• Add Seeds: For extra crunch, sprinkle sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or sesame seeds on top of the loaf before baking.
• Cinnamon Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for a savory variation.
• Sweetened Version: Increase the amount of honey or add a tablespoon of maple syrup to make the bread even sweeter.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to add a gluten-free binder like xanthan gum.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the bread in a cool, dry place in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep the bread for longer, you can wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it.
• Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake it at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warm.

FAQs

Can I use a bread machine to make this recipe?

Yes, you can use a bread machine for the dough-making process. Just add the ingredients to the bread machine and use the dough cycle, then shape the loaf and proceed with the second rise and baking as directed.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If you have instant yeast, you can use it in place of active dry yeast. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients, and skip the proofing step.

How can I make this bread fluffier?

Make sure you let the dough rise properly and knead it thoroughly. If the dough is too dense, it may not rise as well. You can also try adding a little more milk for a softer dough.

Can I make this bread without honey?

Yes, if you don’t want to use honey, you can substitute with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even just more sugar for sweetness.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when the top is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer – the internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).

Can I make this bread into rolls?

Yes, you can shape the dough into individual rolls instead of a loaf. Bake the rolls for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Is this bread good for sandwiches?

Absolutely! This honey wheat bread is soft, flavorful, and holds up well for sandwiches, especially with spreads like butter, peanut butter, or jam.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this bread?

Yes! You can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to the dough before baking for added texture and flavor.

How long should I let the dough rise?

The dough should rise for about 1-1.5 hours for the first rise, and 30-45 minutes for the second rise, or until the dough has doubled in size and the loaf is just above the edge of the pan.

Can I use this recipe for a bread machine?

Yes, you can use this dough in a bread machine. Add the ingredients as directed for the bread machine, use the dough setting, then shape the dough into a loaf and proceed with the second rise and baking steps.

Conclusion

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread is a delightful homemade bread that’s perfect for any occasion. With a soft, slightly sweet texture and the perfect balance of flavors, this bread will impress anyone who tries it. Whether you serve it as a side, use it for sandwiches, or just enjoy it with a pat of butter, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this bread brings a little bit of The Cheesecake Factory right to your kitchen!

Print