Description
Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is a timeless fall favorite that brings warmth, comfort, and rich seasonal flavors to your kitchen. Moist, tender, and perfectly spiced, this loaf combines pumpkin purée with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or topped with cream cheese, every slice feels like autumn wrapped in a bite.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for:
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Pumpkin lovers who want a classic, bakery-style loaf at home.
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Families looking for a cozy breakfast, snack, or dessert that keeps well for days.
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Home bakers who want a reliable, fuss-free recipe with simple ingredients.
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Holiday hosts who need a crowd-pleasing treat for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or seasonal gatherings.
Why It’s Great
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Moist & Flavorful: The pumpkin purée keeps the bread tender, while spices add depth.
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Easy to Make: Just mix, pour, and bake — no complicated steps.
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Two Loaves in One Batch: Perfect for sharing, gifting, or freezing for later.
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Versatile: Delicious plain, toasted, or dressed up with spreads and toppings.
Ingredients
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1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée
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4 eggs
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1 cup vegetable oil
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⅔ cup water
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2 ½ cups granulated sugar
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3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking soda
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1 ½ teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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½ teaspoon ground cloves
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¼ teaspoon ground ginger
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¼ teaspoon cardamom
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch loaf pans.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, water, and sugar until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover with foil during the last 15 minutes if the tops brown too quickly.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let loaves cool in pans for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing for best texture.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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2 loaf pans (9-inch)
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Mixing bowls (large and medium)
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Whisk or electric mixer
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Sifter or fine mesh strainer
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Spatula
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Cooling rack
Storage
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Room Temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil; keeps up to 4 days.
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
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Freezer-Friendly: Wrap loaves (or slices) in plastic and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Just roast, mash, and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth. Use the same amount as canned.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Reduce sugar by ½ cup for a less sweet loaf without compromising texture.
Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Yes, bake in lined muffin tins for about 20–25 minutes instead of using loaf pans.
What toppings go well with pumpkin bread?
Cream cheese, maple butter, or a drizzle of glaze make it extra special.
Conclusion
Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is everything you want in a fall dessert — moist, aromatic, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor. Whether you bake it for a family breakfast, seasonal gathering, or just to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe is a keeper. Double the batch, share with friends, and fill your home with the cozy aroma of autumn.
