Boston Brown Bread

By Patlynn

Traditionally steamed, this updated take on brown bread has a crisp baked crust. Whole-wheat flour and cornmeal add heartiness while molasses and raisins contribute sweet depth.

Ingredients

• Makes 2 8 1/2 in loaves
• 1 1/2 cups (7 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (8 ounces) raisins
• 1 cup (5 1/2 ounces) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (5 ounces) cornmeal
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preparation

Step 1

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 8 1/2 by 4 1/2-inch loaf pans. Whisk all-purpose flour, raisins, whole-wheat flour, cornmeal, baking soda, and salt together in bowl. Whisk buttermilk, molasses, oil, and egg together in another bowl. Whisk buttermilk mixture into flour mixture until combined.
2. Scrape equal amounts of batter into prepared pans and bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out with few crumbs attached, 40 to 45 minutes, rotating pans halfway through baking. Cool bread in pans on wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pans and cool for at least 30 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature. (Bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.)