Molasses Brown Bread

This lightly sweetened, molasses flavored oat-topped bread is a Copycat version of the brown bread at Cheesecake Factory. Many have tried a copycat recipe of this bread and after trying a few recipes myself with some adaptations I have settled with this homemade version of my favorite bread. It’s easy and with a few ingredients you can bake this amazing bread in your own kitchen.

PREP TIME

10 minutes

COOK TIME

30 minutes

ADDITIONAL TIME

2 and half hours

TOTAL TIME

3 hours and 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup molasses

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons butter, melted

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

1 1/4 cups warm water

3 teaspoons cocoa powder

2 teaspoons coffee espresso or instant (optional)

rolled oats for topping (optional)

Steps:

1. In a small bowl mix warm water with a little portion of the sugar, stir well and add yeast. Set aside to proof.

2. In a stand mixer mix all the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture with the remaining water to make dough, start on medium speed, you could add some extra flour if the dough is very sticky, kneading for 5 to 7 minutes till dough comes together, try not to add too much extra flour, the dough should be slightly sticky.

3. Add butter in two portions at the end of the kneading process to the dough and knead again till well mixed. Keep buttered dough in a oil coated bowl, cover it with a plastic wrap and leave in a warm place to rise for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. This dough takes a little longer to rise.

4. When dough has doubled in size divide it into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a 9 - 10 inch log, and on a lightly oiled baguette pan place the dough logs. Or use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place the loaves on the baking sheet.( I have used the baguette pan).

5. Sprinkle rolled oats on top of each loaf (optional) and keep the loaves to rise again in a warm place for 30 minutes or till doubled in size. Loosely cover with a plastic wrap.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bake the loaves for 25 -30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a rack. Serve warm with whipped butter.

Note:

Reheat bread by baking for 5 minutes at 350 degrees to warm the bread for a delicious snack topped with homemade whipped butter.

It’s optional to add caramel color for an aesthetic look to get that nice brown color.

Enjoy!