Grandma Chamberlin'S Boston Brown Bread
Grandma Chamberlin's Boston Brown Bread offers a moist, dense texture with rich dates and nuts, perfect for a comforting breakfast or dessert for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups of water; pour over dates.
- Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and eggs.
- Add the cooled date mixture, chopped pecans, vanilla, flour, and baking soda.
- Mix well until combined.
- Pour the batter into 5 well-greased 16-ounce cans, filling each half full.
- Bake at 300°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Remove from cans while still warm.
- Cool completely before slicing.
- Slice thin and spread with butter or cream cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred. Ensure the dates are pitted for a smoother texture. If the batter seems too thick, a splash of milk can help achieve the desired consistency. This recipe is a delightful addition to your collection of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Boston Brown Bread with butter or cream cheese for a delicious treat. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of Best Hot Chocolate, making it perfect for chilly evenings. You can also enjoy it as a side with soups or stews, adding a comforting touch to your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Chamberlin'S Boston Brown Bread contains roughly 1073 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg per serving (31% 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 a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may alter the texture slightly. For gluten-free options, consider a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
How can I make this bread vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil. Adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
What can I do if my bread is too dry?
If your bread turns out dry, try adding a bit of milk or yogurt to the batter next time for moisture. You can also brush the baked bread with melted butter while still warm to help retain moisture and add flavor.
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).