Boston Brown Bread

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 50 min. + standing
Yield 1 loaf (12 pieces)
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Boston brown bread is a New England classic. Made with rye flour, cornmeal, molasses, nuts and dried fruit, it's hearty and slightly sweet.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup rye flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted
  • 3 tablespoons raisins
  • Cream cheese, softened, optional

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, molasses, brown sugar and oil. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in walnuts and raisins. Transfer to a greased 8x4-in. loaf pan; cover with foil.
  2. Place pan on a rack in a boiling-water canner or other large, deep pot; add 1 in. hot water to pot. Bring to a gentle boil; cover and steam for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, adding more water to the pot as needed.
  3. Remove pan from the pot; let stand for 10 minutes before removing bread from pan to a wire rack. Serve with cream cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 124 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

The rustic, old-fashioned flavor of this hearty Boston brown bread is out of this world! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator

© 2025 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC