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–+ servings
Boston Brown Bread
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Steaming Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Course Baked Goods
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 310 kcal

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
Keyword comfort food, heirloom, holiday, new england, steamed bread, traditional, vintage recipe
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