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Easy Boston Brown Bread Recipes

Easy Boston Brown Bread Recipes

Classic steamed Boston brown bread made simple in a loaf pan. Deep molasses flavor, tender crumb, and sweet raisins in every slice.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp softened butter for greasing
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 0.75 cup rye flour
  • 0.75 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.75 tsp fine salt
  • 1.25 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 0.67 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
  • 0.75 cup raisins lightly packed
  • 6 cup hot water for the water bath; you may not use it all

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 325°F. Grease an 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment.
  • Bring a kettle of water to a boil for the water bath.
  • Whisk whole wheat flour, rye flour, cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  • Stir buttermilk, molasses, and brown sugar in a separate bowl until smooth.
  • Pour wet ingredients into dry. Mix just until combined, then fold in raisins.
  • Scrape batter into the pan and smooth the top. Cover tightly with foil.
  • Set the pan in a roasting pan. Pour hot water around it to halfway up the sides.
  • Bake-steam until a tester comes out clean, about 60 to 70 minutes.
  • Remove foil and the pan from the bath. Cool 10 minutes, then turn out and cool 30 minutes.
  • Slice warm or at room temperature. Serve with butter or cream cheese.

Notes

Variation: Swap half the raisins for dried cranberries and add 1 tsp orange zest for a brighter finish. Instant Pot option: Pour 1 cup water into the pot, set the covered loaf pan on a trivet, and cook on High Pressure for 55 minutes with a 15-minute natural release. Serve with baked beans for a classic pairing, or toast leftovers and spread with salted butter. Store wrapped at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days; freeze slices up to 2 months.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Boston Brown Bread Recipes flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.