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Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread

Carly
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Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread: A Classic New England Treat

Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread

Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread is a hearty, flavorful quick bread with a rich history. Traditionally steamed in coffee cans, this moist and slightly sweet loaf is a beloved staple of New England cuisine. While the original recipe often included a combination of flours like cornmeal, rye, and whole wheat, this version simplifies the process while preserving the classic taste.

Course: Bread Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Servings: 10-12

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 boiling water
  • Butter, for serving

Instructions

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If using cleaned cans, generously spray with non-stick cooking spray. Otherwise, grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine raisins and boiling water. Let stand for 10 minutes, or until plumped.

Mixing the Batter:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat in the egg.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk baking soda into buttermilk, then stir in molasses.
  3. Gently incorporate the wet components into the dry ones until the mixture is barely blended. Gently fold in plumped raisins.

Baking the Bread:

  1. Divide batter evenly among prepared cans or loaf pan, filling them about halfway. Tap cans on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  2. For extra support, place cans on a baking sheet and optionally cover with a second baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 50 minutes, then remove top baking sheet if using. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Let bread cool in cans or loaf pan for a few minutes before gently removing and placing on a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

  • For a richer flavor, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • To add extra texture, try including chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans in the batter.
  • For a more traditional taste, experiment with adding a small amount of rye flour or cornmeal to the dry ingredients.
  • If you don’t have cans, a loaf pan works well. However, the traditional shape and texture of the bread baked in cans are unique.
  • Serve Boston Brown Bread warm with butter for a classic pairing. It also complements savory dishes like chili or soups.

Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread is a delightful quick bread characterized by its moist, dense texture and rich, slightly sweet flavor. The combination of wheat flour, molasses, and raisins creates a hearty and satisfying treat. While the traditional method involves steaming the bread in coffee cans, this recipe offers a convenient oven-baked alternative without compromising on taste.

The bread's appearance is rustic and slightly uneven, with a deep brown crust and a soft, crumbly interior. The raisins provide bursts of sweetness and texture, complementing the molasses’ rich flavor. Boston Brown Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on its own, toasted with butter, or paired with various savory dishes.

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