Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread

Have you ever heard of or tried Boston brown bread? It’s a classic New England staple that doesn’t seem to have caught on in other regions, but really everyone should know about it. This moist, sweetened brown bread is chock-full of raisins and has a rich molasses flavor. The real trick here is how it’s baked. While you could easily throw this in a loaf pan, the traditional recipe is baked or steamed in a can—traditionally made in baked bean cans, but any old (but clean) can will do.

So, let’s get into what makes this bread special, shall we? To achieve that nice, deep color (and flavor!), we use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. Other recipes incorporate rye flour, but we decided to keep ours simple. To the flour, we add molasses and buttermilk. Molasses enhances the darkness and amps up the flavor, while the buttermilk keeps things light and moist, preventing the bread from becoming too heavy or dense. Finally, we mix in some (plumped up, rehydrated) raisins for that added pop of sweetness.

This bread is so good, and it’s got the perfect balance of sweetness. Traditionally, it was served alongside hot dogs or baked beans, but we like it in the morning or afternoon with a generous swipe of butter or cream cheese. (Pro tip: warm it up first so your topping of choice is able to melt into the bread a bit.) Whether you serve it the classic way or make a batch to grab-and-go as needed throughout your busy day, try out this staple and see if you don’t just end up loving it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Boston brown bread is a delightful twist on traditional bread, offering a unique combination of flavors and textures. The molasses provides a rich sweetness, while the raisins add bursts of juiciness. It’s perfect for any time of day, whether as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 4-5 (15 oz.) clean cans or a 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Non-stick spray
• Wire rack
• Knife

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups wheat flour
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water, boiling
• Butter, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350º F. Generously spray 4-5 (15 oz.) cans with non-stick spray or grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Place raisins in a medium bowl and top with boiling water. Let them sit for 10 minutes, or until puffed up.
3. In a large bowl, combine wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat in the egg.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk baking soda into the buttermilk, then stir in the molasses.
5. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Then, fold in the plumped-up raisins.
6. Pour the batter into the greased cans, filling them only halfway. Tap the cans on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
7. Place the cans on a baking sheet, and optionally place a second baking sheet on top of the cans to prevent the bread from baking too high.
8. Bake in the oven for 50 minutes. Remove the top baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and use a knife to cut around the edges of the cans. Gently take the loaf out of the cans and let it cool on a wire rack.
10. Serve with butter or cream cheese and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Make sure to grease the cans or loaf pan well to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overmix the batter—just mix until the ingredients are incorporated.
• Allow the raisins to soak properly to plump them up and add moisture to the bread.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Try using honey instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of this Boston brown bread offers a comforting combination of carbohydrates and fiber from the whole wheat flour, along with a touch of sweetness and iron from the molasses. It’s a wholesome treat that provides energy and satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a loaf pan instead of cans?
A: Yes, a 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly if you don’t have cans on hand.

Q: How should I store the bread?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Q: Can I substitute the buttermilk with something else?
A: You can use a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread is a delightful recipe that brings a taste of New England to your kitchen. With its rich flavors and unique baking method, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below!