Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread Recipe
Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread is a cherished New England classic, renowned for its moist texture, rich molasses flavor, and the delightful sweetness of raisins. Traditionally steamed in a can, this bread offers a unique baking experience and a taste that’s both nostalgic and comforting.
Ingredients and Their Roles
- Whole Wheat Flour (2 1/2 cups): Provides a hearty base, contributing to the bread’s dense and wholesome texture.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Balances the density of whole wheat flour, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Buttermilk (2 cups): Adds moisture and a subtle tang, reacting with baking soda to help the bread rise.
- Molasses (1/2 cup): Imparts a deep, rich sweetness and dark color characteristic of Boston Brown Bread.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Enhances sweetness, complementing the robust flavor of molasses.
- Baking Soda (2 1/2 teaspoons): Acts as a leavening agent, working with buttermilk to provide lift.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides additional leavening to ensure the bread isn’t overly dense.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor by balancing sweetness.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the bread’s structure.
- Raisins (1 cup): Introduce bursts of sweetness and chewiness throughout the loaf.
- Boiling Water (1 cup): Used to plump the raisins, making them juicier and more flavorful.
- Butter (for garnish): Optional, but spreading butter on warm slices enhances the bread’s richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Vessels
If using cleaned cans (traditionally 15 oz. size), generously spray them with non-stick spray. Alternatively, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
3. Plump the Raisins
Place the raisins in a medium bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them sit for 10 minutes to plump up, then drain.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
5. Incorporate Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.
In another bowl, stir baking soda into buttermilk, then mix in molasses.
6. Combine Mixtures
Fold the buttermilk and molasses mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Gently fold in the plumped raisins.
7. Fill the Baking Vessels
Pour the batter into the prepared cans or loaf pan, filling them only halfway. Tap the cans on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
8. Bake the Bread
Place the cans on a baking sheet. Optionally, place a second baking sheet on top to prevent the bread from rising too high.
Bake for 50 minutes.
Remove the top baking sheet and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the cans or pan for a few minutes.
Gently remove the bread from the cans or pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Slice and serve with butter or cream cheese.
Why This Recipe is Loved
Boston Brown Bread is cherished for its unique combination of flavors and textures. The rich molasses provides a deep sweetness, while the raisins add bursts of natural sugar. The use of whole wheat flour gives the bread a hearty, wholesome feel, making it both satisfying and comforting. Its traditional preparation method—steaming in cans—adds to its charm and authenticity.