Honey Wheat Black Bread (Like Outback’s Bread)

The smell of warm, slightly sweet, dark bread baking always transports me back to cozy family dinners. As a child, the aroma wafting from the kitchen meant we were in for a special treat. My mom would often make a version of this dark, honey-kissed bread, and the taste of that first slice, slathered with butter, is a memory etched in my culinary heart. This recipe is my tribute to those comforting moments, a slice of nostalgia served with a modern twist.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes rising time)
• Yield: 8 mini-loaves
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) warm water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 cups bread flour
• 2 cups white whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa (preferably black cocoa, but Hershey’s Special Dark can be substituted; if using Special Dark, use only 1/2 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• Cornmeal, for sprinkling

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl (medium-sized) or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Lightly oiled bowl for rising
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Wire rack for cooling

Instructions

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, or the bowl of your electric mixer, add the warm water, softened butter, honey, bread flour, white whole wheat flour, cocoa, sugar, instant coffee, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Mix the Dough: Stir the mixture together, using your hands, a spoon, or your mixer fitted with a dough hook, until the dough forms a shaggy mass that begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough, either by hand on a lightly floured surface or with the mixer, for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky, but not overly sticky.
4. First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. This prevents the dough from drying out. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, which should take at least 1 hour, possibly longer depending on the room temperature.
5. Divide and Shape: Once the dough has doubled, gently deflate it. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a small log-shaped loaf. This dough is soft, so lightly flour your hands or spray them with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6. Second Rise: Sprinkle a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet with cornmeal. This adds a nice texture to the bottom of the loaves. Place the shaped loaves on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Cover the loaves loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for 1 hour, or until they look “puffy” but are not quite doubled in size. Over-proofing can cause the loaves to collapse in the oven.
7. Bake the Bread: While the loaves are rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the loaves have risen sufficiently, bake them in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The loaves will appear slightly darker on top when they’re done. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a loaf; it should come out clean.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the baked loaves from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cocoa Choice: The type of cocoa used greatly impacts the flavor and color of the bread. Black cocoa will give the bread a deeper, more intense color and a slightly more bitter flavor. If using Hershey’s Special Dark, reduce the amount slightly as suggested, as it’s not as potent.
• Water Temperature: Make sure the water is warm, not hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. Ideally, the water should be between 105-115°F (40-46°C).
• Kneading is Key: Proper kneading is essential for developing the gluten in the flour, which gives the bread its structure. Don’t skimp on the kneading time.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of honey to 1/4 cup and omit the sugar. The bread will not stay moist as long, but will still have a good flavor.
• Molasses Variation: For a different flavor profile, try substituting molasses for the honey. This will add a richer, more robust taste to the bread.
• Oven Temperature: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the bread while it’s baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Honey Wheat Black Bread warm with a generous pat of butter. It’s also delicious with soups, stews, or as part of a sandwich. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each slice.

To store, wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay moist and delicious for at least four days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely before serving. To refresh the bread, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	159 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	–	–
Total Fat	2g	3%
Saturated Fat	1g	5%
Cholesterol	3.8mg	1%
Sodium	220.2mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	32.7g	10%
Dietary Fiber	2.3g	9%
Sugars	9.6g	–
Protein	3.9g	–

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: While this recipe uses wheat flours, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread making. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter substitute instead of dairy butter. Olive oil can also be used, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Nuts and Seeds: Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Sweetener: Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my bread so dense?
A: This could be due to several factors, including not kneading the dough enough, not allowing it to rise sufficiently, or using expired yeast. Make sure to knead the dough for the full 10 minutes, let it rise until doubled, and use fresh yeast.

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: While you can, bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps to create a stronger gluten structure and a chewier bread. If using all-purpose flour, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.

Q: How do I know if my bread is done?
A: The loaves will appear slightly darker on top when they’re done. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a loaf; it should come out clean. An internal temperature of 200-210°F (93-99°C) indicates that it is fully baked.

Q: Can I make this dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Punch down the dough before refrigerating it, and allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Q: My dough is too sticky, what should I do?
A: If your dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes easier to handle. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the bread dry.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Baking this Honey Wheat Black Bread is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating a comforting experience, a delicious memory in the making. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and substitutions to make it your own. And, of course, I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations! Pair this delightful bread with a warm bowl of soup or a hearty chili for the ultimate cozy meal. Happy baking!