Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread

A Hearty, Steamed Classic from New England

If you’re craving something hearty, wholesome, and wonderfully nostalgic, Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread is a recipe you need to bring into your kitchen. This rustic, slightly sweet steamed bread is a traditional New England staple known for its deep flavor, dense texture, and old-world charm. Whether you’ve enjoyed it with baked beans at a New England family dinner or you’re discovering it for the first time, this bread delivers comfort in every slice.

Perfect for cool weather, holiday tables, or anytime you want a break from standard baked loaves, this recipe brings history and heart to your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Boston Brown Bread is perfect for food lovers who enjoy robust, earthy flavors and a bit of culinary tradition. It’s a great choice for:

  • Home bakers seeking something unique yet approachable
  • Fans of vintage recipes and traditional cooking methods
  • Those looking for a wholesome, naturally sweet bread to pair with savory dishes

Made with a trio of flours—whole wheat, cornmeal, and rye—this bread offers complexity of flavor and texture. Molasses provides sweetness and richness, while buttermilk lends tang and tenderness. Studded with juicy raisins and gently spiced with cinnamon and allspice, it’s steamed rather than baked, giving it a moist, pudding-like crumb unlike any other bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to bring this classic recipe to life:

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup rye flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 cup raisins

These pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a loaf full of old-fashioned goodness.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this recipe properly and with ease, gather the following tools:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon for mixing
  • 9×5 inch loaf pan or two 1-pound coffee cans
  • Aluminum foil
  • Large roasting pan (for the water bath)
  • Kettle or saucepan (for boiling water)
  • Oven mitts and tongs (for safety!)
  • Cooling rack

Tip: Using coffee cans is the most traditional method. They create a beautiful cylindrical loaf, just like the old days.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or two 1-pound coffee cans. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, cornmeal, rye flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the molasses and buttermilk. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Raisins

Add the raisins and fold them into the batter evenly.

Step 5: Transfer and Cover

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan or divide it between the coffee cans. Cover the pan or cans tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Steam Bake

Place the loaf pan or cans into a large roasting pan. Carefully pour boiling water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of your loaf pan or cans. This water bath helps create the signature moist crumb.

Step 7: Bake and Test

Bake for 60–70 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Carefully remove the pan or cans from the water bath. Let the bread cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial—it ensures the texture sets perfectly.

Storage Tips

Boston Brown Bread keeps beautifully for several days when stored properly.

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Wrap in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Pro Tip: Toast slices before serving to bring out the molasses flavor and warm the raisins—divine!

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

This classic bread is flexible if you need to work with what you have.

Swap Ideas:

  • No rye flour? Use more whole wheat flour instead.
  • No buttermilk? Substitute with 1½ cups of milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Molasses too strong? Try using a mix of molasses and maple syrup for a lighter flavor.
  • Raisins not your thing? Substitute with chopped dates, dried cranberries, or leave them out entirely.

What to Serve with Boston Brown Bread

This bread pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory dishes:

Savory:

  • Classic New England Baked Beans – The traditional pairing. Add a pat of butter and you’re in heaven.
  • Hearty soups and stews – Especially split pea, beef stew, or chowder.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese – Makes a fantastic snack or appetizer.

Sweet:

  • Cream cheese and honey – A luscious combination.
  • Butter and jam – Try it with orange marmalade or apple butter.

Drinks:

  • Hot tea or coffee – Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon break.
  • Mulled cider or wine – For a cozy autumn treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

This recipe contains wheat and rye flours, so it’s not naturally gluten-free. However, you could experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free cornmeal, though the texture and flavor will vary.

Why is Boston Brown Bread steamed?

Steaming the bread in a water bath preserves moisture and creates a dense, cake-like crumb. It’s part of what gives this bread its unique character.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen as the bread rests. Make it a day ahead for best results, especially if serving with baked beans or stew.

Do I have to use coffee cans?

No—but they do create the iconic cylindrical shape. A standard loaf pan works just as well.

Final Thoughts

Old-Fashioned Boston Brown Bread is more than a recipe—it’s a slice of American culinary history. Moist, hearty, and packed with earthy flavor, this bread is ideal for any meal from breakfast to dinner. Its ease of preparation and long-lasting appeal make it a staple worth revisiting, again and again.

Whether you’re from New England or just looking for something different to try in the kitchen, this bread is a must-bake. Warm, spiced, and a little sweet—it’s everything comfort food should be.

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