INTRODUCTION
Grandmothers Brown Bread is warm, simple, and full of home flavor. This loaf uses whole wheat and a touch of molasses for a deep, sweet taste. It comes out with a soft crumb and a nice crust. This recipe is easy to follow and fits well into a healthy plan when made with small changes. If you want a sweet breakfast treat, this bread is a great base.
For a change, you can serve it with a spread or keep it plain. If you like other old-fashioned sweets, try the rich twist of brown butter eggnog cinnamon rolls for a holiday table or special brunch.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Grandmothers Brown Bread because it is a simple classic you can make any time. It is a lighter option compared to heavy cakes. The use of whole wheat gives extra fiber, which helps you feel full longer. This bread is great for meal prep — bake once and use slices for several days.
The recipe is easy and forgiving, so even new bakers do well. You can make a healthy version by cutting sugar or using a sugar substitute. It also makes a good choice for weight loss plans if you control portion size and balance your toppings. The loaf can be turned into a high protein meal by adding protein-rich toppings or trying a protein-boost variation.
HOW TO MAKE Grandmothers Brown Bread
Follow simple steps to bake this classic loaf. The method keeps the crumb soft and the top golden. Use the measured ingredients and do not overmix. The bread bakes in one pan and is ready for quick breakfasts or snacks.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 1 loaf pan (9×5 inch works well)
- Mixing bowls (one large)
- Whisk and spoon (or spatula)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Non-stick spray or butter and flour for pan
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup milk (minus 1 Tbsp – (replace that Tbsp with the lemon juice))
- 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup AP flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg, room temp
- 1/3 cup dark molasses
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Place the Tbsp of lemon juice in the bottom of a cup measure, then fill the rest of the cup with milk for a total of 1 cup. Set aside for a few minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, AP flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
- Add the milk mixture, sugar, egg and molasses and whisk together by hand until just combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased and floured loaf pan, (or just use the non-stick spray that has the flour in it already), and bake immediately at 350 for 50-60 mins. (It is done when toothpick comes out clean from center.)
- Let it sit in the pan on a cooling rack for 15 minutes then remove the bread from the pan and let cool directly the remaining time on a cooling rack.
HOW TO SERVE Grandmothers Brown Bread
Serve slices warm or at room temperature. For a healthy version, spread a thin layer of nut butter for protein and healthy fats. Top with low-sugar fruit jam or sliced banana for fiber and natural sweetness. For a light breakfast, enjoy one or two small slices with a cup of tea or coffee.
Portion control tip: keep slices to 1/2 to 3/4 inch for a serving size that fits meal plans or weight loss goals. Pair a slice with a cup of low-fat yogurt or an egg for a balanced, high protein meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Grandmothers Brown Bread
Store the bread at room temperature wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer keep, slice the loaf and freeze slices in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Pull out slices as needed and toast or warm in the oven.
To freeze: wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place slices in a freezer bag. Label with the date. Thaw at room temperature or toast straight from the freezer.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- For a balanced snack, serve one slice with cottage cheese and fresh fruit. This adds protein and keeps the snack low calorie.
- Make a hearty sandwich by adding lean turkey, spinach, and mustard. This keeps the meal balanced and higher in protein.
- For a sweet treat, spread a thin layer of butter and cinnamon sugar, or serve with plain Greek yogurt and honey for a lighter option.
- Add a side salad or a bowl of vegetable soup to make a full, heart healthy meal.
You can also pair this bread with playful snacks on party days. For a fun combo, try a themed side like cheesy Halloween breadstick bones when you want a crowd-pleasing spread.
VARIATIONS
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Healthier version: Reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup, or replace white sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol that measures cup for cup. Use canola or olive oil spray for the pan. You can also swap half the molasses for unsweetened applesauce to lower added sugar and calories. This is a lighter option that still has good taste and fiber from whole wheat.
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High-protein or low-carb version: Replace 1/2 cup of the whole wheat flour with a protein powder suited for baking (whey or plant-based) and add 2 tablespoons of almond flour. You may need a little extra liquid. Another low-carb route is using finely ground almond flour and a small amount of oat fiber, but note the texture will change. These changes make a higher protein meal or a lower carb slice for those watching carbs or aiming for a high protein meal.
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Air fryer or oven-baked version: The original bakes in the oven at 350° F for 50–60 minutes. For an air fryer, use a small loaf pan that fits your air fryer basket. Preheat the air fryer to 325° F and bake 30–40 minutes, checking for doneness. The air fryer gives a slightly crisper crust and shorter cook time. Oven baking is the classic method and gives the best even crumb.
For a small celebration, consider a simple pound cake on another day — a classic like the classic old-fashioned lemon pound cake is a perfect follow-up treat when you want a richer dessert.
FAQs
Q: Is this bread healthy?
A: Yes, the basic loaf can be healthy. It uses whole wheat for fiber and a modest amount of sugar. Make a healthier version by cutting sugar or swapping in applesauce and serving smaller portions.
Q: Can I make this diabetic-friendly?
A: You can make it more diabetic-friendly by using a sugar substitute or reducing the sugar and molasses. Use smaller portions and pair slices with protein like Greek yogurt or nut butter to slow blood sugar spikes. Always check with a doctor if you need strict carb control.
Q: How long will the bread last in the fridge?
A: You do not need to refrigerate the bread. At room temp in an airtight container it keeps 2–3 days. If your home is warm or humid, refrigerate for up to 5 days, though the texture may dry a bit.
Q: Can I freeze slices for meal prep?
A: Yes. This bread is great for meal prep. Freeze slices in bags and toast or warm from frozen. It keeps up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q: Is this bread high in protein?
A: The basic recipe is moderate in protein due to the egg and whole wheat. To make a high protein meal, add protein toppings or try the high-protein variation with protein powder or almond flour.
Q: Can I use all whole wheat flour?
A: You can, but the loaf may be denser. Keeping half AP flour helps a lighter crumb. If you use all whole wheat, add a bit more liquid and do not overmix.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Grandmothers Brown Bread
- Bake the loaf the night before for quick breakfasts. Slice and store in a sealed container or bag. This makes mornings faster and supports meal prep.
- Freeze individual slices so you can grab one for a quick toast. This is great for meal prep and helps with portion control when you follow a weight loss plan.
- For busy weeks, make two loaves at once. Keep one in the freezer as a ready option for snacks or a quick breakfast.
- If you use a high-protein variation, label the loaf so you know which is which when you reach for a slice. High-protein slices thaw the same as the regular ones.
Grandmothers Brown Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- In a measuring cup, place the Tbsp of lemon juice, then fill with milk to total 1 cup. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, AP flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk mixture, sugar, egg, and molasses to dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined.
- Grease and flour a loaf pan or use non-stick spray.
- Pour mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake at 350° F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread sit in the pan on a cooling rack for 15 minutes.
- Remove the bread from the pan and cool completely on a cooling rack.