Traditional New England Boston Brown Bread
Experience the authentic taste of New England with this Traditional Boston Brown Bread. This dense, moist bread, with its irresistible sweetness from unsulphured molasses and a hint of tartness from dried currants or blueberries, is a culinary heritage hailing from Massachusetts. Traditionally paired with Boston Baked Beans, this versatile bread is also a perfect accompaniment to hearty soups, fresh salads, or various main courses. The unique baking method using coffee cans creates charming, round slices, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Based on a recipe from René Becker of the renowned Hi-Rise Bread Company, this bread boasts an organic medley of flours for a wholesome and aromatic loaf, though non-organic alternatives can be equally delightful. Enjoy it fresh, or freeze it for up to a month and savor a homemade slice of Massachusetts anytime.
3
Servings
1066
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
organic rye flour
2 1/3 cups (none)
organic all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (none)
organic whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups (none)
organic oat flour
1/2 cup (none)
coarse stone-ground yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup (none)
baking soda
1 tablespoon (none)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
dried currants or dried blueberries
1 cup (4 ounces) (none)
milk
1 quart (none)
unsulphured molasses
3/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and remove one of the racks to accommodate the height of the coffee cans.
2
Generously grease three 10-ounce coffee cans with butter to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine organic rye flour, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and oat flour.
4
Add the coarse stone-ground yellow cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix until all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
5
Stir in the dried currants or blueberries, ensuring even distribution throughout the flour mixture.
6
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk and unsulphured molasses until the mixture is smooth.
7
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredient mixture, stirring gently to form a smooth batter without lumps.
8
Divide the batter evenly among the greased coffee cans.
9
Place the cans in the center of the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the loaves feel springy and firm to the touch.
10
Remove the cans from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the cans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
11
Gently remove the bread from the cans. Let them continue to cool to room temperature on the rack.
12
Once cooled, slice the bread into rounds for serving.
13
For storage, wrap the loaves in wax paper and place them in a thick plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to a month.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
220g
Carbs
30g
Protein
20g
Fiber
50g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional New England Boston Brown Bread?
It is a dense, moist, and slightly sweet bread that is a culinary heritage of Massachusetts, known for being baked in coffee cans.
What gives Boston Brown Bread its signature sweetness?
The irresistible sweetness comes from the use of unsulphured molasses in the batter.
How is this bread traditionally served?
It is traditionally paired with Boston Baked Beans, but it also goes well with hearty soups, fresh salads, or various main courses.
Why are coffee cans used to bake this bread?
Using coffee cans creates the traditional charming, round slices that are characteristic of this New England classic.
Who is the source of this specific recipe?
This recipe is based on one from René Becker of the renowned Hi-Rise Bread Company.
What flours are needed for this Boston Brown Bread?
The recipe calls for a medley of organic rye flour, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and oat flour.
Can I use non-organic flour instead of organic?
Yes, while the recipe suggests organic flours for a wholesome loaf, non-organic alternatives can be equally delightful.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The bread should be baked in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
How many coffee cans do I need and what size?
You will need three 10-ounce coffee cans for this recipe.
What kind of fruit can be added to the dough?
You can use one cup of either dried currants or dried blueberries to add a hint of tartness.
How long does it take to bake?
The loaves should bake for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The loaves are finished when they feel springy and firm to the touch.
How should I prepare the coffee cans before adding batter?
The cans should be generously greased with butter to prevent the bread from sticking.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap the loaves in wax paper and place them in a thick plastic bag.
How long will the bread last in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in a plastic bag, the bread can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Boston Brown Bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread for up to one month.
What type of cornmeal is used?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of coarse stone-ground yellow cornmeal.
How long should the bread cool before being removed from the cans?
Allow the bread to cool inside the cans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before removing.
What is the total calorie count for this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 1066 calories.
How much protein is in the bread?
There are 30 grams of protein in the recipe.
How much dietary fiber does this bread provide?
This recipe provides 20 grams of fiber.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 3 servings (representing the 3 loaves baked in coffee cans).
What liquid is used for the batter?
The recipe calls for one quart of milk mixed with the molasses.
Should the oven racks be adjusted?
Yes, you should remove one of the racks to accommodate the height of the coffee cans.
How much molasses is required?
You will need 3/4 cup of unsulphured molasses.
Is salt included in the ingredients?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is included in the dry ingredients.
How much rye flour is needed?
The recipe requires 2 1/3 cups of organic rye flour.
What is the texture of the finished bread?
The bread is dense and moist with a wholesome and aromatic profile.
How should the bread be sliced?
Once cooled to room temperature, the bread should be sliced into rounds for serving.