Mahone Bay Steamed Brown Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Cuisine: Canadian

Steamed brown bread from Mahone Bay offers rich flavors of molasses and raisins, with wholesome grains, perfect for hearty breakfasts or teatime treats, enjoyed by all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 1/2 cups sour milk
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons melted shortening
  • 1 cup seedless raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Add the sour milk, molasses, melted shortening, and raisins (if using).
  3. Pour the batter into greased molds, filling them two-thirds full.
  4. Steam the molds for 3 hours until the bread is cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider replacing half of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour. If you don't have sour milk, you can create a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. For a twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. This bread pairs well with butter or cream cheese for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty brown bread warm with butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast or snack. It also complements savory dishes like soups and stews, or can be enjoyed alongside Whipped Carrots And Potatoes for a comforting meal. Consider slicing it for sandwiches filled with cheese or deli meats.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover steamed brown bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it gently in a toaster or microwave, adding a pat of butter for extra flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mahone Bay Steamed Brown Bread contains roughly 801 calories, with 4g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (41% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

801 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 30.6g 39% DV
Carbs 137.2g 50% DV
Fiber 5.7g 20% DV
Sugar 106.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 1927.5mg 41% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 23.2mg 26% DV
Calcium 238.7mg 18% DV
Iron 6.2mg 34% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 regular milk instead of sour milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk, letting it sit for a few minutes to curdle. This will mimic the acidity of sour milk and help achieve the desired texture in your bread.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking soda is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still yield a delicious result.

How do I know when the bread is fully cooked?

The bread is fully cooked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, continue steaming for an additional 15-20 minutes and check again. Proper steaming ensures a moist and flavorful 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).

Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →