Brown bread has long been a staple of American and New England home baking, prized for its hearty texture and subtly sweet flavor. This vintage version combines graham flour with white flour, while molasses and buttermilk create a rich color, tender crumb, and slight tang. The use of baking soda provides a gentle rise, producing a moist loaf that's excellent served warm with butter or alongside soups and stews. Unlike enriched sandwich breads that require yeast, this quick bread comes together easily with pantry staples, making it a dependable everyday recipe that reflects practical home baking traditions and timeless comfort.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp shortening
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ¾ cups graham flour
- 1 cup all-purpose white flour
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Cream the sugar and shortening together.
- Beat in the egg.
- Stir in the molasses.
Step 2: Add the Buttermilk
- Mix the baking soda into the buttermilk.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Stir in the salt.
- Mix in the graham flour.
- Add the white flour and stir just until combined.
Step 4: Rest the Batter
- Let the batter stand for 30 minutes before baking.
Step 5: Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between two greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips
- Substitute whole wheat flour for part of the white flour for a heartier loaf.
- Add raisins for a sweeter version.
- Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Brush the tops with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
- Serve toasted with butter and honey.
- Replace part of the molasses with dark maple syrup for a milder flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for warm spice.
- Bake as muffins by reducing the baking time to about 20 to 25 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 342mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 115IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 1.2mg