Imagine a warm, dense bread with a rich history that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and transports you to the heart of New England tradition. This Crockpot Boston Brown Bread is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that combines rustic whole wheat, sweet molasses, and the convenience of modern slow cooking. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this foolproof recipe will have you creating a classic American bread that's both nostalgic and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your crockpot by lightly greasing a
- 5-quart pudding mold or a clean, empty coffee can that fits inside your slow cooker.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, molasses, and baking soda. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a consistent batter forms. If using raisins, fold them gently into the batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pudding mold or coffee can, filling it about 2/3 full to allow room for rising.
- Cover the top of the mold tightly with aluminum foil, creating a secure seal to prevent moisture from entering.
- Place the covered mold into the crockpot. Pour hot water around the mold, reaching about halfway up its sides.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on high setting for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
- After 4 hours, carefully remove the mold from the crockpot using tongs. Let it cool for 10 minutes before removing the bread.
- Gently turn out the bread onto a cooling rack. Slice and serve warm with butter or cream cheese.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients, especially your baking soda and buttermilk, to ensure maximum rise and flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter - stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.
- If you don't have a pudding mold, a clean coffee can works perfectly - just ensure it fits comfortably in your crockpot.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Raisins are optional but highly recommended for traditional texture and sweetness.
- Ensure the foil cover is tight to prevent water from seeping into the bread during cooking.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to help it maintain its structure.
- Serve warm with a generous spread of butter or cream cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
