This modernized Boston Brown Bread keeps the heart of the traditional New England classic while incorporating more common pantry staples like sugar and vanilla. The result is a richly flavored, moist loaf filled with raisins and nuts, perfect for serving with butter, cream cheese, or alongside savory dishes. This version bakes up beautifully in loaf pans or tin cans for nostalgic charm.
Ingredients
- 15 oz raisins
- 2 cups water (boiling )
- 2 tbsp margarine ( or butter)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup nuts
Instructions
Step 1: Soak Raisins
- Place raisins in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over them and let sit 10–15 minutes. Don't drain.
- Add margarine to the hot water so it melts while the raisins soak.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven at 350°F (175°C)
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Once slightly cooled, stir in sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla into the raisin mixture.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in chopped nuts.
Step 6: Bake
- Grease two clean vegetable cans or loaf pans. Fill each about ⅔ full with batter.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let cool slightly before removing from pans. Serve warm or room temperature.
Tips
• Swap sugar for ¾ cup brown sugar + 1¼ cups white sugar for molasses-like depth
• Add ½ tsp nutmeg for extra warmth
• Use walnuts, pecans, or almonds
• Soak raisins in spiced tea instead of water for added flavor
• Add ½ tsp nutmeg for extra warmth
• Use walnuts, pecans, or almonds
• Soak raisins in spiced tea instead of water for added flavor
Nutrition
Calories: 474kcalCarbohydrates: 97gProtein: 5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 245mgPotassium: 388mgFiber: 4gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 126IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 4mg
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