Outback Copycat Buttermilk Bread is a soft, slightly sweet, and dark bread that tastes just like the one you get at the restaurant. It’s made with a mix of flours, buttermilk, molasses, and cocoa powder, which gives it a rich flavor and a beautiful dark color.
This bread is soft inside with a light crust, making it perfect to serve warm with butter or use for sandwiches. You don’t need special tools or skills to make it, and the ingredients are easy to find. It’s a fun recipe to try at home and enjoy with your favorite meals.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it combines rich and simple ingredients like molasses and buttermilk to give the bread its unique taste and soft texture. The cocoa powder doesn’t make the bread taste like chocolate—it just helps create the dark color and adds a deep, warm flavor. Using both white and whole wheat flours keeps the bread light while still hearty. Letting the dough rise properly makes it fluffy and soft on the inside.
Another reason this bread is so good is that it’s very versatile. You can eat it warm with butter, use it for toast in the morning, or make tasty sandwiches. It looks impressive with its dark color and soft slices, but it’s actually very simple to bake. If you love the bread at Outback Steakhouse, this homemade version is a great way to enjoy it anytime at home.
Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour – The base of the bread dough. Substitute: Bread flour for more chewiness.
Whole Wheat Flour – Addsflavor, fiber, and darker color. Substitute: Use more all-purpose flour if needed.
Buttermilk – Makes the bread soft and adds a slight tang. Substitute: Milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice.
Molasses – Gives the bread its rich, deep flavor and dark color. Substitute: Honey or dark brown sugar.
Cocoa Powder – Enhances the color and adds a subtle flavor. Substitute: Unsweetened carob powder.
Tips
- Use warm buttermilk to help the yeast activate better.
- Don’t skip the molasses—it gives the bread its signature taste.
- Mix the flours well to get a soft and smooth dough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- For a shiny top, brush the loaf with melted butter after baking.
How to Serve
Outback-style buttermilk bread is soft, slightly sweet, and has a rich, dark flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. It’s perfect to slice and serve warm with butter at dinner or use for sandwiches. The texture is soft and moist, and the hint of molasses gives it that cozy, restaurant-style taste.
- With Whipped Butter – Serve warm with honey butter or cinnamon butter.
- For Sandwiches – Great with turkey, ham, or cheese.
- As Toast – Toast slices and spread with jam or peanut butter for breakfast.
Similar Recipes
Outback Copycat Buttermilk Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup buttermilk warm
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast 1 packet
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Cornmeal for dusting optional
Instructions
- Activate yeast – In a bowl, mix warm buttermilk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Make the dough – Add molasses, sugar, melted butter, salt, cocoa powder, and flours. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead – Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Shape loaves – Divide dough into two small loaves or one large one. Place on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Second rise – Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Cool and serve – Let cool slightly before slicing. Brush with butter if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
• Don’t skip the molasses—it gives the bread its signature taste.
• Mix the flours well to get a soft and smooth dough.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
• For a shiny top, brush the loaf with melted butter after baking.
A cozy homemade treat!