Easy Brown Bread Recipes: Simple, Two-Loaf, and Steamed (4 Variations)
This page collects four old-fashioned brown bread recipes—three baked and one steamed—built around molasses, graham flour, and simple pantry ingredients.
Use the jump links to choose the style you want: a buttermilk loaf, two-pan variations with add-ins, a quick mix-and-bake option, or a classic steamed version.
Recipes on this page
Use the links below to jump directly to each brown bread recipe.
Simple Brown Bread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 4 tablespoons shortening
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup white flour
- 2 cups graham flour
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Optional: raisins or nuts
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Instructions
- Grease and flour loaf pans generously.
- Cream sugar and shortening; add molasses and eggs.
- Combine dry ingredients. Add to creamed mixture alternating with buttermilk; beat 2 minutes.
- Pour into prepared pans. Bake 45–55 minutes. Optional: add raisins or nuts.
- Total cook time: 45–55 minutes
- Equipment: loaf pans
- Yield: 8–10 servings
Brown Bread - 1
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham flour
- 1 cup white flour
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon soda
- 1 teaspoon salt (scant)
- 1 cup sour milk
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3/4 cup nut meats, dates, or raisins
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Add molasses, sour milk, sweet milk, melted butter, and nut meats/dates/raisins. Stir just enough to mix well.
- Bake in 2 regular bread pans about 45 minutes, or until bread comes away from the edge of the pan.
- Total cook time: about 45 minutes
- Equipment: 2 bread pans
- Yield: about 8–10 servings
Brown Bread - 2 (Quick Mix-and-Bake)
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups white flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons soda
- 2 cups sour milk
- Optional: raisins
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend or mix. Optional: add raisins.
- Bake about 45 minutes in 2 bread pans.
- Total cook time: about 45 minutes
- Equipment: 2 bread pans
- Yield: about 8–10 servings
Steamed Brown Bread
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups sweet milk
- About 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups graham flour
- 1 1/2 cups wheat flour
- Scant tablespoon soda
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Put into a greased steamer mold or large double boiler.
- Steam until done, about 1 hour.
- Total cook time: about 1 hour
- Equipment: steamer or greased large double boiler
- Yield: about 8–10 servings
Brown Bread FAQ
What is graham flour and can I substitute it?
Graham flour is a coarse whole wheat flour. You can substitute regular whole wheat flour, though the texture will be slightly different.
Can I add raisins or nuts to these recipes?
Yes—most of these recipes already suggest adding raisins, dates, or nuts. Fold them in at the end for extra flavor and texture.
How do I steam brown bread without a steamer?
Use a large pot with a tight-fitting lid and a rack or crumpled foil at the bottom. Place the batter in a greased can or mold, cover tightly with foil, and steam gently for about 1 hour.
How should I store brown bread?
Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.