If you have never experienced the New England classic that isBoston Brown Breadyou’re in for a treat. Brown Bread isn’t just about its rich flavor; it’s a piece of culinary history that’s sure to win over your taste buds and your heart.

Boston Brown Bread, often referred to simply as “brown bread,” has its roots deep in New England’s culinary heritage. Emerging in the 19th century, it was born out of necessity and practicality. Early recipes typically called for a mixture of whole wheat, rye, and cornmeal flours, molasses, and buttermilk. This humble combination of ingredients reflected the resourcefulness of the times, as it was a way to utilize the local grains available in the region.

Brown Bread

Boston brown bread has an incredible taste. It’s like a cheery mix between a quick bread, cornbread, and gingerbread (the molasses makes you think gingerbread even though it’s not spiced). It’s lightly sweet, has the best soft but not chewy texture, and it’s perfect withbean soupfor dinner or warm with butter and honey for breakfast. It’s worth a try if you haven’t made it.

What sets steamed Boston Brown Bread apart is its unique method of preparation. Unlike traditional bread, which is typically baked in an oven, this bread is steamed or boiled. Traditionally, the batter is poured into a tin or a can, then tightly covered and placed in a pot of simmering water. The slow steam-cooking process results in a dense, moist texture that’s perfect for spreading with butter or accompanying hearty stews and soups. Steamed brown bread makes a great addition to any meal.

top view of brown bread baked in a circular bundt shape

Tips for Steaming Brown Bread

Don’t over think this part of the recipe. Find your tube pan and then find a pan big enough for it to fit inside. Mine fits inside of my 7.5 quart round Dutch oven. It would also fit in a pot I have that I make pasta in and the pot that I can my tomatoes and jams in.

If you don’t have a wire rack that would fit on the bottom of the pan, you can use something metal like a layer of the round canning rings or even metal cookies cutters for the bottom. You just need to keep the tube pan, off of the bottom of the pot that has the boiling water in it (the bottom will get too hot and you’ll scorch the bottom of your bread).

It takes a long time to steam bread so keep adding water as needed and just enjoy the journey. I make this bread in the winter and I like the warm steamy air it adds to the dry winter house.

brown bread baked in a circular bundt shape sliced and buttered

Ingredients

Buttermilk
Flour
Cornmeal
Whole wheat flour
Molasses-light or fancy molasses, not blackstrap

Keep scrolling to find a full, printable recipe with a detailed ingredient list.

Recipe Instructions

Prep:Grease a tube pan and place a rack in a steamer.
Mix Dry:Whisk flour, cornmeal, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet:Mix buttermilk and molasses.
Blend:Beat wet into dry with a mixer.
Pour:Fill mold with batter.
Steam:Cover and steam 3 hours on a rack over boiling water.
Check:Use a wooden pick to test doneness.
Cool:Unmold, cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, and enjoy!

brown bread baked in a circular bundt shape

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Boston Brown Bread different from regular bread?

Unlike regular bread, which is baked, Boston Brown Bread is steamed or boiled. It’s made from a mixture of flours, including whole wheat and cornmeal, along with molasses and buttermilk. This unique cooking method gives it a distinctive taste and texture.

How do I know when the bread is done steaming?

Insert a wooden pick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, the bread is done. Additionally, the bread’s top should look uniform and spring back lightly when touched.

What’s the best way to serve Boston Brown Bread?

Boston Brown Bread can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s wonderful when toasted and spread with butter or cream cheese. It pairs exceptionally well with soups, stews, and baked beans, creating a comforting and hearty meal.

How can I store Steamed Brown Bread?

Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can keep it at room temperature for a day or two, but for longer storage, refrigerate it.

More Recipes

If you’ve tried thisBoston Brown Breadrecipe or any other recipe on Rcova, then don’t forget torate the recipeand leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some pictures of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories.

Boston Brown Breadoffers a comforting blend of history and flavor, with its traditional steamed technique and versatile pairing options making it a delight on tables for generations. I can’t wait for you to try it!