Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of New England with this classic Boston Brown Bread recipe! This unique, dense, and slightly sweet bread is more than just a side dish – it's a culinary journey that connects you to generations of American cooking tradition. Whether you're a bread enthusiast or a curious home cook, this recipe will unlock the rich, molasses-infused flavors that have made Boston Brown Bread a beloved staple for centuries. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a bread that's as historic as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread will bake evenly and rise properly.
- Gather all your ingredients: 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of molasses, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and molasses together until they are fully combined. The molasses should be well dissolved in the buttermilk.
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Prepare a 1-pound coffee can or a similar-sized oven-safe container by greasing it lightly with oil or butter. This will prevent the bread from sticking.
- Pour the batter into the prepared coffee can, filling it about 2/3 full to allow for rising during baking.
- Cover the top of the can with aluminum foil to prevent the bread from browning too quickly in the oven.
- Place the can in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the can from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before carefully removing the bread from the can. You can use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges if necessary.
- Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This will help maintain its texture and flavor.
- Serve the Boston Brown Bread sliced, and enjoy it with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread!
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your molasses and buttermilk can make a significant difference in the final taste.
- Don't overmix the batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread light and tender.
- The coffee can method is traditional, but you can also use a bread pan or steamed pudding mold if needed.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to help it maintain its structure.
- For an authentic experience, serve warm with a generous spread of butter or cream cheese.
- This bread freezes well – wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to a month.
- Experiment with adding raisins or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 1mg
