Boston Brown Bread is a timeless classic that hails from New England, known for its unique texture and rich flavor profile. This steamed bread is made primarily from whole wheat flour and molasses, resulting in a moist and dense loaf that is both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/4 cup chia seeds (optional)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, molasses, vegetable oil, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until the ingredients are fully integrated.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay.
If using, fold in the raisins or nuts at this stage.
Prepare your steaming setup using a steamer basket or a large pot with a lid. Line the steamer basket with parchment paper.
Transfer the batter into a greased and lined 9-inch round cake pan or a similar-sized loaf pan.
Place the pan in the steamer, cover it with a lid, and steam over medium heat for approximately 60-75 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once cooked, carefully remove the pan from the steamer, and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and serve the Boston Brown Bread warm, or store it in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
