Handwritten recipe for Brown Bread from Ruth Clark
by: salvagedrecipes

Brown Bread from Ruth Clark

Brown Bread from Ruth Clark
This vintage Brown Bread recipe from Ruth Clark combines the deep, rich flavors of molasses with hearty graham flour to create a dense yet tender loaf. Sweetened with brown sugar and enriched by buttermilk, the bread offers a warm, nostalgic flavor profile perfect for breakfast or as a snack with butter or jam. Popular in traditional American kitchens, this recipe produces a rustic, old-fashioned bread that's versatile, comforting, and ideal for family gatherings or holiday spreads.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 205 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup Molasses (enough to fill the measuring cup after brown sugar)
  • 2 cups sour milk (or buttermilk)
  • 1¾ cups graham flour
  • 1¾ cups white flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp soda (rounded tsp )
  • ¾ tsp salt

Optional:

  • ½ cup raisins

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) for slow baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together the white flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
  • Combine with the graham flour in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

  • In another bowl, combine brown sugar, molasses, and buttermilk (or sour milk). Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
  • Stir until fully combined.
  • Fold in raisins if using.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

  • Grease a loaf pan and pour in the batter.
  • Bake slowly for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

  • Remove the loaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Spread butter over the top of the loaf while still warm.
  • Wrap in wax paper while hot for a soft, tender crust.

Tips

  • Raisin Variation: Add golden raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness.
  • Molasses Swap: Use dark corn syrup or honey if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Buttermilk Substitute: Combine regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice per cup.
  • Texture Boost: Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 2.5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 3gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 20IUCalcium: 65mgIron: 1.8mg
Keyword brwon bread, comfort food, graham flour, homemade bread, molasses bread, rustic loaf, vintage recipe
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