Outback Steakhouse Honey Wheat Bushman Bread is the ultimate comfort food that arrives at your table warm, dark, and irresistibly sweet. This fail-proof copycat recipe delivers that signature deep chocolate-brown color and rich molasses flavor that makes this restaurant bread so special. Ready in just 2 hours with simple pantry ingredients! 🍞
I discovered this bread’s secrets after years of trying to recreate that distinctive dark color and sweet, hearty flavor. The magic happens when you combine honey, molasses, and cocoa powder with a special food coloring technique that mimics the restaurant’s exact appearance. Every slice tastes like the real thing – tender, slightly sweet, and perfect with butter.
What Makes Outback’s Bushman Bread So Special?
Outback Steakhouse serves this iconic bread fresh from the oven on its own wooden cutting board with whipped butter. The bread’s most distinctive feature is its rich, dark chocolate-brown color that comes from a combination of molasses, cocoa powder, and food coloring. Unlike regular whole wheat bread, this version has a slightly sweet flavor profile that perfectly complements the restaurant’s hearty steaks and bold flavors.
The texture is tender and slightly dense, with a soft crumb that’s perfect for soaking up butter or dipping in honey. What makes this bread truly special is how it balances sweetness with earthiness – the molasses and honey provide natural sweetness while the whole wheat flour adds substance and nutrition.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bushman Bread
Main Bread Ingredients:
• 1¼ cups warm water – temperature should be around 105°F for proper yeast activation
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar – feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness
• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast – creates the perfect rise and texture
• 3 cups bread flour – provides structure and chewy texture
• 1 cup whole wheat flour – adds the signature hearty flavor and color
• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances all flavors and controls yeast activity
• 2 tablespoons honey – creates the characteristic sweetness and moisture
• 2 tablespoons molasses – adds deep, rich flavor and dark color
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened – contributes to tender crumb texture
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder – deepens the color naturally
Special Color Enhancement:
• 3 drops red food coloring – part of the signature color blend
• 2 drops yellow food coloring – creates the perfect brown tone
• 1 drop blue food coloring – completes the dark chocolate appearance
For Serving:
• Cornmeal for dusting – prevents sticking and adds authentic texture
• Softened butter – the traditional accompaniment
How to Make Outback Bushman Bread (Step by Step)
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This proves your yeast is active and ready to create the perfect rise.
Step 2: Create the Food Coloring Blend
In a small bowl, mix the red, yellow, and blue food coloring drops together. This creates the signature dark brown color that makes Outback’s bread so recognizable. The mixture should look like a deep chocolate brown.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add honey, molasses, softened butter, and the food coloring mixture to the activated yeast. Stir until well combined. The mixture will look rich and dark at this stage.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together bread flour, whole wheat flour, salt, and cocoa powder. This ensures even distribution of all dry ingredients before mixing.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 6: Knead to Perfection
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked and feel silky smooth to the touch.
Step 7: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat all sides. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, until doubled in size.
Step 8: Shape the Loaves
Punch down the dough and divide into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round loaf and roll in cornmeal to coat completely. This creates the authentic texture on the crust.
Step 9: Final Rise and Bake
Place the shaped loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the crust sounds hollow when tapped and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bushman Bread
Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to ensure your water is exactly 105°F. Too hot will kill the yeast, too cool won’t activate it properly.
**✅ Color Control: The food coloring blend is crucial for achieving that signature Outback appearance. Don’t skip this step or your bread won’t look authentic.
**⚠️ Common Mistake: Over-kneading whole wheat dough can make it tough. Knead just until smooth and elastic, then stop.
Chef’s Secret: Let the dough rise in a slightly warm oven (turned off) with just the light on. This creates the perfect environment for consistent rising.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dough through the first rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before shaping and the final rise.
Storage Solution: Wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then foil. It stays fresh for 3 days at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Bushman Bread
Classic Restaurant Style: Slice thick and serve warm with softened butter and honey for the authentic Outback experience.
Dinner Party Perfection: Present on a wooden cutting board with small bowls of flavored butters – herb, garlic, or cinnamon honey butter.
Comfort Food Pairings: This bread complements hearty soups, beef stew, or grilled steaks beautifully. The slightly sweet flavor balances savory and spicy dishes perfectly.
Holiday Hosting: Serve alongside roasted meats during fall and winter gatherings. The dark color and rich flavor make it perfect for seasonal entertaining 🍂
Frequently Asked Questions About Bushman Bread
Can I make this without food coloring?
Yes, but the bread won’t have the signature dark appearance. Add an extra tablespoon of warm water to compensate for the liquid coloring. The flavor will be identical.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The crust should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 190°F. The color should be deep golden brown.
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes! Add ingredients in the order recommended by your bread machine manufacturer, typically liquids first, then dry ingredients, with yeast on top. Use the whole wheat or basic bread setting.
Why is my bread not rising properly?
Check that your yeast is fresh and not expired. Ensure your water temperature was correct (105°F), and that your kitchen isn’t too cold. Yeast needs warmth to activate properly.
Can I substitute the molasses?
Molasses is essential for the authentic flavor. Dark corn syrup can work in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of the depth and complexity that makes this bread special.
How long does homemade Bushman bread last?
Properly stored, it stays fresh for 3 days at room temperature, 1 week refrigerated, or up to 3 months frozen. Slice before freezing for easy individual portions.
