Molasses Bread
A hearty molasses bread with rich, sweet flavors and a moist crumb, perfect for cozy mornings or teatime treats, appealing to bread lovers and those who enjoy warm, spiced baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the self-rising flour and salt together; set aside.
- Cream the margarine and sugar until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Stir in the molasses.
- Combine the baking soda and buttermilk, then add to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into an 8 x 8-inch greased pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Remember to sift your flour thoroughly for a lighter texture, and avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover self-rising flour from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the molasses bread warm or at room temperature with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful breakfast, slice it and top with your favorite jam. This bread can also complement savory dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal, just like the Green Corn Bread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the molasses bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in a sealed bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in a toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molasses Bread contains roughly 327 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 903mg per serving (39% 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 regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour, but you will need to add baking powder and salt to mimic self-rising flour. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour along with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 0.5 teaspoons of salt for each cup of self-rising flour required in the recipe.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your molasses bread comes out too dense, it might be due to overmixing or too much flour. Ensure you measure flour correctly and mix until just combined. You can also try adding an extra egg or a small amount of baking powder to lighten the texture in future batches.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make the molasses bread dairy-free, simply replace the buttermilk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Use a dairy-free margarine or oil in place of margarine to keep the recipe completely dairy-free.
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).