Enjoy the famous Outback Steakhouse-style honey wheat bread right at home with this easy and delicious recipe.
This honey wheat bread recipe has a perfect balance of sweetness from honey and molasses, a rich depth of flavor from cocoa and instant coffee, and a soft, chewy texture with a crispy crust.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor & Texture - Just like the restaurant, this honey whole wheat bread has a bold taste and great texture.
- Instant Pot Proofing Option - Cut down on rising time and enjoy fresh bread faster.
- Perfect with Whipped Butter - Light, creamy, and effortless to make.
Ingredients in Honey Wheat Bread
- warm water (120°F-130°F)
- softened butter
- honey
- whole wheat flour
- cocoa powder
- granulated sugar
- instant coffee granules
- salt
- dry yeast
- dark molasses
- cornmeal (for dusting)
How to Make this Honey Wheat Bread Copycat
- In a large bowl, mix warm water and dry yeast with granulated sugar. Let sit until bubbly.
- Stir in butter, molasses, honey, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and salt.
- Gradually add whole wheat flour and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- After rising, divide the dough into 4 equal parts and shape into loaves.
- Cover and let rise for another hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place loaves on a greased baking sheet, dust with cornmeal, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, slice, and serve with butter.
Instant Pot Proofing Method
- Grease the Instant Pot liner and add the dough.
- Cover with a glass lid and set the YOGURT function for 30 minutes.
- Once risen, divide the dough into 4 loaves, wrap in parchment paper, and place back in the pot.
- Cover and proof for another 30 minutes using the YOGURT function.
- Shape loaves as needed and bake as directed.
How to Store Honey Whole Wheat Bread
To store, keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, slice the bread and place it in a sealed bag, storing it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
Quick Tips for the Best Honey Wheat Bread
- Check Your Yeast - Ensure it's fresh and active for a successful rise.
- Use a Thermometer - Water temperature should be between 120°F-130°F when activating the yeast.
- Don't Skip the Rising Time - Proper proofing is key for soft, airy loaves.
- Dust with Cornmeal - It adds texture and prevents sticking.
📖 Recipe
Honey Wheat Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - softened
- ½ cup honey
- 3 ½ cups wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 ¼ teaspoons dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons dark molasses
- 3 tablespoons cornmeal - for dusting
Instructions
- Add the warm water (120°F-130°F) to the dry yeast in a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar. Let it sit until bubbly.
- Stir in butter, molasses, honey, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and salt.
- Gradually add whole wheat flour and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Form the dough into a ball, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- After rising, divide the dough into 4 equal parts and shape into loaves.
- Cover and let rise for another hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place loaves on a greased baking sheet, dust with cornmeal, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, slice, and serve with butter.
Notes
- Check Your Yeast - Ensure it's fresh and active for a successful rise.
- Use a Thermometer - Water temperature should be between 120°F-130°F when activating the yeast.
- Don't Skip the Rising Time - Proper proofing is key for soft, airy loaves.
- Dust with Cornmeal - It adds texture prevents sticking and gives texture.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Popular Recipes
Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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