If you’ve ever had the famous brown bread at The Cheesecake Factory, you know how irresistible it is! With its rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft yet hearty texture, it’s the perfect companion to any meal. This gluten-free version delivers the same deliciousness with a mix of wholesome ingredients and just the right amount of sweetness.
Whether you’re serving it warm with butter, using it for sandwiches, or simply enjoying a slice on its own, this homemade gluten-free brown bread is a must-try.
Looking for more recipes? Check out these Gluten Free Thai Basil Beef or this Gluten-Free Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Brown Bread
- Tastes just like Cheesecake Factory’s brown bread – but gluten-free!
- Soft yet hearty – A great balance of texture and flavor.
- Naturally sweetened – Uses honey, molasses, and brown sugar for depth.
- Pairs well with anything – Enjoy it with butter, jam, or as a sandwich base.
- No complicated ingredients – Just simple pantry staples with the right flour mix.
Ingredients You’ll Need

- Bob’s Red Mill Bread Mix – Essential for this recipe! Regular gluten-free flour blends won’t work.
- Instant Yeast – Helps the bread rise beautifully and develop a soft texture.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the dough.
- Molasses – Provides a deep, rich flavor and signature brown color.
- Coconut Oil – Keeps the bread soft and tender without dairy.
- Brown Sugar – Enhances sweetness and helps create a balanced flavor.
- White Sugar – Adds just a touch more sweetness.
- Cocoa Powder – A secret ingredient that deepens the color and adds a subtle richness.
- Oats – Sprinkled on top for texture and that classic brown bread look.
- Cornmeal – Used on the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking and add a slight crunch
Find the specific amounts in the printable recipe card below.
Recipe Notes
- Ways to Serve: Enjoy warm with butter, serve alongside soup, or use it for sandwiches.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze for easy reheating. Just warm slices in the toaster or oven.
- Customization Ideas: Add a touch of cinnamon for extra warmth, or swap coconut oil for butter if you prefer.
- Reheating Tips: Pop a slice in the toaster or wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the blog running—thank you for your support!

Gluten-Free Sweet Brown Bread – Just Like Cheesecake Factory
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon cane sugar
- 1 package Bob's Red Gluten-Free Mill Bread Mix regular GF flour will not work!
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon coconut oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- Oats for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.1 ¼ cup warm water, 2 ¼ teaspoon instant dry yeast, 1 teaspoon cane sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free bread mix, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.1 package Bob's Red Gluten-Free Mill Bread Mix, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 ½ tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon salt
- Add the yeast mixture, melted coconut oil, honey, and molasses to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium-low speed with a dough hook for 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead for 10-12 minutes. The dough should come together and not stick to your hands. If it’s too sticky, add up to ¼ cup more bread mix, 1 tablespoon at a time.3 tablespoon coconut oil, ¼ cup honey, 3 tablespoon molasses
- Form the dough into a ball and lightly grease the bowl and dough with non-stick spray or coconut oil. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until doubled in size.
- Line a baking sheet or French bread pan with parchment paper and sprinkle with cornmeal. Punch down the dough and divide it into four equal pieces. Weighing them ensures consistency.1 tablespoon cornmeal
- Roll each piece into a rectangle, then roll it tightly into a log shape. Press down gently, then pinch and tuck the ends to seal. Lightly roll with your hands to shape them into loaves about 8-9 inches long.
- Place the loaves on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches between them. Score each loaf 3-4 times with a sharp knife. Brush with warm water and sprinkle with oats. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30-40 minutes, until nearly doubled in size.Oats for garnish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Position one rack in the middle and another on the bottom. Place an empty baking sheet on the bottom rack.
- Remove the cover from the loaves. Place the bread pan on the middle rack. Place another empty sheet filled with water on the bottom rack and quickly close the oven door. This will help keep the loaves moist.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter!
Nutrition
More Breads, Cakes, and Buns
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @tylerjamescooking on Instagram.