Boston Baked Bread
A hearty, wholesome bread with rich molasses and nutty walnuts, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to those who enjoy flavorful, nutritious baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, soda, salt, and sugar.
- Add the whole wheat flour and mix well.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Combine the beaten egg, buttermilk, and molasses separately.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix only until the flour is dampened.
- Turn the batter into two greased loaf pans or round tins.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar slightly or add a handful of chopped dried fruits. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even texture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
This Boston Baked Bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter or drizzled with honey. It pairs beautifully with a light salad dressed with Light Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Dressing for a balanced meal. Consider enjoying it alongside a hearty soup or as part of a brunch spread that includes fruit and yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice the desired amount and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Boston Baked Bread contains roughly 836 calories, with 15g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 998mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, but be sure to check for xanthan gum in the blend or add it separately to maintain the bread's texture. Keep in mind that gluten-free bread may require slight adjustments in baking time.
How can I make this bread more nutritious?
To increase the nutritional value, consider adding seeds like flaxseed or chia seeds to the batter. You can also replace some of the sugar with mashed bananas or applesauce for natural sweetness and added moisture. This will enhance the flavor while making it healthier.
What can I do if my bread doesn't rise properly?
If your bread doesn't rise, it may be due to expired baking soda or a cold kitchen environment. Always check the freshness of your baking soda before starting. Additionally, ensure the ingredients are mixed just until combined; overmixing can lead to denser bread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).