Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is a timeless New England favorite — soft, moist, warmly spiced, and gently sweet. While pumpkin spice lattes may come and go, a perfect loaf of pumpkin bread never goes out of style. This version is simple, dependable, and delivers bakery-quality results every time.

This bread is rich without being heavy, sweet without being overpowering, and infused with classic fall spices that make every slice comforting and cozy. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this loaf brings autumn to your kitchen year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread

• Extra moist thanks to pumpkin puree and oil
• Perfectly balanced blend of warm spices
• No mixer required — simple bowl-and-spoon recipe
• Makes two loaves, perfect for sharing or freezing
• Stays tender for days

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom

How to Make Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch loaf pans and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sugar until smooth and fully blended.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom.

Step 4: Combine

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the two loaf pans. Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15–20 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool

Let the loaves cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Spread with butter, honey butter, or cream cheese
• Serve warm with coffee or chai tea
• Toast slices lightly for a crispy edge
• Top with whipped maple cream or cinnamon sugar

Storage & Freezing

Room Temperature: Store wrapped tightly for up to 4 days.

Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week.

Freezer: Wrap slices or whole loaves tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Do not overmix to avoid dense bread.
• Let the bread cool fully before slicing for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is everything a fall loaf should be — soft, fragrant, comforting, and perfectly spiced. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition, passed down and baked again and again each season.

Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this loaf delivers cozy, classic flavor in every slice.