Decadent Stout & Molasses Brown Bread
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Decadent Stout & Molasses Brown Bread, a unique creation from Tom & Shannon West of Alaskan Brewing Co. Perfectly steamed, this bread combines the deep aromas of stout beer, the sweetness of molasses, and the hearty textures of various flours. Infused with raisins for a touch of sweetness, this recipe yields six delightful small loaves or a single, generous 7-inch tube pan loaf. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or cream cheese, this bread is sure to impress at any meal or gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Alaskan stout beer
2 cups
buttermilk
1 cup
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
cornmeal
1 1/2 cups
buckwheat flour or whole wheat flour
1 cup
raisins
1 1/2 cups (chopped if desired)
molasses
1 1/4 cups
baking soda
1 tablespoon
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Prepare your cooking equipment by greasing 6 clean 16-ounce vegetable cans or a 7-inch tube pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Alaskan stout beer, buttermilk, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, buckwheat or whole wheat flour, raisins, molasses, baking soda, and salt.
3
Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the ingredients together, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently until well blended, approximately 30 seconds.
4
Pour the batter into the prepared cans or tube pan, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
5
Cover each can tightly with aluminum foil, securing it with kitchen twine to prevent water from seeping in.
6
Place the cans on a rack inside a Dutch oven or steamer, making sure there is enough space for steam to circulate.
7
Carefully pour boiling water around the cans until it reaches the level of the rack inside the pot, being cautious not to pour any water into the cans.
8
Cover the pot tightly and maintain a low simmer, ensuring the water continues to boil gently for about 3 hours or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
9
Check periodically and add additional boiling water as needed to keep the steaming process consistent.
10
Once done, remove the cans from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes before unmolding.
11
Serve warm with butter or cream cheese and pair with a glass of Alaskan Stout for the ultimate experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Stout & Molasses Brown Bread?
It is a rich, steamed bread flavored with Alaskan stout, molasses, and raisins, known for its hearty texture and deep aromas.
Who created this recipe?
The recipe was created by Tom and Shannon West of the Alaskan Brewing Co.
What type of beer is required for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Alaskan stout beer.
What are the primary flours used in this bread?
The bread uses a combination of all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and either buckwheat or whole wheat flour.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe yields six small loaves if using cans, or one large loaf if using a 7-inch tube pan.
What size vegetable cans should be used for steaming?
The recipe recommends using clean 16-ounce vegetable cans.
Can I use a tube pan instead of cans?
Yes, a 7-inch tube pan can be used as an alternative to the individual cans.
How do I prepare the cooking containers?
Grease the cans or the tube pan with butter or non-stick spray before adding the batter.
How much batter should be poured into each can?
Fill each container about two-thirds full to provide enough room for the bread to rise.
How are the cans sealed before steaming?
Cover each can tightly with aluminum foil and secure it firmly with kitchen twine.
What is the purpose of the kitchen twine?
The twine secures the aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping into the bread during the steaming process.
What is the cooking method for this bread?
The bread is steamed in a Dutch oven or a steamer rather than being baked in an oven.
How long does the bread need to steam?
The bread requires approximately 3 hours of steaming over a low simmer.
How much water should be added to the steamer?
Pour boiling water around the cans until it reaches the level of the rack inside the pot.
How do I check if the bread is done?
Insert a cake tester into the center of the bread; it is done when the tester comes out clean.
Do I need to add water during the cooking process?
Yes, check the pot periodically and add more boiling water as needed to keep the steaming consistent.
What speed should be used on the electric mixer?
The ingredients should be beaten using an electric mixer on low speed.
How long should I mix the batter?
The ingredients should be mixed for approximately 30 seconds until well blended.
Does the recipe include raisins?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of raisins, which can be chopped if desired.
What type of molasses is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of molasses to provide sweetness and color.
What is the leavening agent used in this recipe?
One tablespoon of baking soda acts as the leavening agent for this bread.
Is there dairy in this bread?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of buttermilk.
How should the bread be served?
It is best served warm with butter or cream cheese.
What is the best drink to pair with this bread?
The creators recommend pairing the bread with a glass of Alaskan Stout.
How long should the bread cool before unmolding?
Let the cans cool for a few minutes after removing them from the pot before attempting to unmold the bread.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the stout beer and the flours.
What is the role of the rack in the steamer?
The rack keeps the cans elevated so that steam can circulate around them and they don't sit directly on the bottom of the pot.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of buckwheat flour?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of buckwheat flour or 1 cup of whole wheat flour.
What gives the bread its dark 'brown bread' color?
The dark color comes from the combination of stout beer and a large amount of molasses.
Is the bread sweet or savory?
It is a decadent, sweet-leaning bread due to the molasses and raisins, but the stout and flours provide a complex, hearty balance.