This '90s cowboy bread recipe reminds us of all the good things about school lunch. Here's how to recreate the magic at home.
How to Make the Cowboy Bread Recipe from Your School Cafeteria
Updated on Oct. 31, 2024
Block out memories of homework, awkward school dances and calculus. Instead, revel in the memories of cafeteria food, like this nostalgic cowboy bread recipe. It’s one of our favorite cafeteria copycat recipes!
What is Cowboy Bread?
This cowboy bread is essentially every school’s version of cinnamon coffee cake.
With an interior that’s packed with brown sugar and cinnamon, plus a crumble topping, this old-school favorite from the ’90s is having somewhat of a renaissance. Like so many other TikTok recipes, this one has countless copycat versions going viral.
The recipe we’re putting to the test today comes from @nanajoe19, who recently shared her version of this popular school cafeteria-style cowboy bread.
How to Make Cowboy Bread
This recipe yields 9-12 servings and is made in a 9×9-inch pan.
Ingredients
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 1/4 cup butter, cold
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
Editor’s Tip: You can use store-bought buttermilk or learn how to make buttermilk at home. Either works!
Directions
Step 1: Make the crumble mixture
In a large bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, shortening, butter and salt with a fork (or clean hands) until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Reserve part of the crumble mixture
Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumble mixture and set aside. Then stir the nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda and baking powder into the remaining flour mixture.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
Step 4: Assemble the cowboy bread
Transfer the batter to a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Spread into an even layer, then top with the reserved crumble mixture.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in a preheated 375°F oven until golden, 30 to 40 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center of the bread.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Let cool completely, then remove and slice into squares.
Recipe Variations
- Use butter or coconut oil instead of shortening: If you don’t keep shortening stocked in your pantry, swap for an equal amount of butter or coconut oil. Both will yield cowboy bread with a moist and tender texture.
- Add extra baking spices: Adjust the spices to suit your tastes. Go for extra cinnamon, omit the nutmeg, add a dash of cloves or even a teaspoon or two of the best vanilla extract. We love how versatile this easy cowboy bread is.
How to Store Cowboy Bread
Cowboy bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days. Serve at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.
Can you freeze cowboy bread?
Yes, you can freeze cowboy bread for up to three months. Once the bread has cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly in a layer of storage wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Defrost the cowboy bread overnight in the refrigerator and then let it come to room temperature before serving.
Cowboy Bread Tips
Can I bake cowboy bread in a different pan?
Yes, you can bake cowboy bread in a different pan. We baked ours in a 9×9-inch square pan to get tall slices of fluffy cowboy bread. If you would like thinner slices, this recipe can also be baked in a 13×9-inch pan. Just mind the baking time since it will likely bake faster.
The top is getting too brown, but the center is baked through. What should I do?
This cowboy bread browns fast due to its high sugar content. If you feel like the top is getting too dark, tent it with aluminum foil after about 25 minutes.
