This classic steamed version of Boston Brown Bread is a moist, spiced loaf made with raisins, brown sugar, molasses, and sesame seeds. Traditionally cooked in vegetable cans using a steaming method, it yields a dense, flavorful bread with a signature cylindrical shape. It's perfect served warm with butter or alongside baked beans for a New England-style comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 15 oz raisins
- 2 cups water (boiling )
- 2 tbsp margarine ( or butter)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup molasses
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup nuts
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Raisin Mixture
- Place raisins in a bowl. Pour boiling water over them. Add margarine and let sit 10–15 minutes to soften and melt. Do not drain.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Stir in brown sugar, molasses, beaten eggs, and vanilla. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and sesame seeds.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Add the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined. Fold in chopped nuts.
Step 5: Prepare Cans
- Grease two clean 1-lb (16 oz) vegetable cans. Line bottoms with parchment if desired. Fill cans ⅔ full with batter. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds.
Step 6: Steam the Bread
- Place cans in a large stockpot on a rack or ring of crumpled foil. Add boiling water halfway up the sides of the cans. Cover cans with greased foil.
- Cover pot with a tight lid and steam for 2 hours, checking water level every 30 minutes and replenishing as needed.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Remove cans carefully. Let sit 15 minutes before unmolding. Slice warm or cooled.
Tips
- Steam the batter in traditional coffee cans for the most authentic texture.
- Add raisins or chopped dates for a sweeter, fruitier version.
- Substitute part of the molasses with maple syrup for a lighter flavor.
- Slice and toast the bread; serve with butter or cream cheese.
- For extra moisture, replace some water with buttermilk.
- Mix in a handful of chopped nuts for texture.
- Bake in a loaf pan if cans are unavailable (adjust time as needed).
- Serve warm with baked beans for a classic New England pairing.
- Wrap leftovers in foil to retain moisture, improves flavor overnight.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.7gSodium: 530mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 5gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 15IUCalcium: 120mgIron: 2.4mg
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