Recipe Card
Outback-Style Dark Honey Wheat Bread
A soft, lightly sweet, dark restaurant-style bread with honey, molasses, and a tender crumb that tastes wonderfully close to the bread so many people love at Outback.
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“This bread is soft, slightly sweet, beautifully dark, and especially good served warm with whipped honey butter.”
Instructions
1. Bloom the yeast
In a large bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the flavor base
Mix in the honey, molasses, and melted butter.
3. Add the dry ingredients
Stir in the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder if using, and salt. Gradually add the bread flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough
Knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes, or with a mixer for 5 to 6 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not overly sticky.
5. First rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape
Punch down the dough and divide into 2 small loaves or shape into oval rolls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in lightly greased loaf pans.
7. Second rise
Cover loosely and let rise again for 30 to 40 minutes.
8. Bake
Bake at 375°F for 18 to 22 minutes for rolls or 25 to 30 minutes for small loaves. The tops should be set and the bread should sound hollow when tapped.
9. Finish warm
Brush the tops with melted butter while still warm. Sprinkle a few oats on top before baking if you want that rustic steakhouse look.
My Best Tips
- Use regular molasses, not blackstrap, for the closest flavor.
- Cocoa powder adds color without making the bread taste like chocolate.
- Honey helps keep the crumb soft and lightly sweet.
- Do not overbake or the bread will lose its soft restaurant-style texture.
- Serve it warm with whipped honey butter for the best result.
Whipped Honey Butter
Combine the softened butter, honey, and a tiny pinch of salt. Whip until fluffy and smooth. Serve alongside warm bread.
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