DOWNEAST MAINE PUMPKIN BREAD

Introduction

As the leaves begin to turn golden and the crisp autumn air fills the atmosphere, one of the simplest and most satisfying ways to celebrate the season is by baking a loaf of Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread.

This quick bread is the epitome of fall comfort food—rich in flavor, aromatic spices, and the warm, cozy essence of pumpkin. Unlike the trendy pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin bread doesn’t just evoke the essence of autumn, it brings its flavors straight into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

The Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread recipe is a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, creating a soft, moist loaf that is ideal for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert.

While it’s easy to find pre-made pumpkin bread at many bakeries during the fall, there’s something incredibly rewarding about baking your own loaf from scratch. The smell of this bread baking in the oven is enough to make anyone’s day feel a little brighter.

This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable—whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, sharing it with friends, or keeping it all to yourself, Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is sure to be a hit.

Let’s dive into what makes this pumpkin bread so special.

Ingredients

To make Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread, you will need the following ingredients. It’s a straightforward list that calls for pantry staples and canned pumpkin puree.

1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree – This is the star ingredient that gives the bread its moistness and vibrant color.

Ensure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sweeteners.

4 large eggs – Eggs provide structure and moisture to the bread, giving it that perfect soft texture.

1 cup vegetable oil – Oil helps keep the bread moist for days. You can substitute with other oils like canola oil, but vegetable oil is often the go-to.

2/3 cup water – Helps balance out the thickness of the pumpkin and flour mixture, making the batter easier to work with.

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar – This amount of sugar ensures the bread is perfectly sweet without being overly so.

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – All-purpose flour gives the bread its structure, holding everything together in that perfect loaf.

2 teaspoons baking soda – This is the leavening agent that helps the bread rise as it bakes.

1 1/2 teaspoons salt – Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Cinnamon is a quintessential spice in pumpkin bread, offering a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy kick.

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Nutmeg adds another layer of warmth and depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – Cloves contribute a rich, almost smoky undertone to the bread.

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger – A touch of ginger adds a zesty note that brightens up the heavier spices.

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom – Cardamom is optional, but it brings a slightly citrusy, floral note that adds complexity and warmth to the bread.

Instructions

Making Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is simple, with a minimal amount of prep required. Follow these easy steps to bake your own loaf.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch loaf pans, or you can use parchment paper to line them. This ensures that the bread comes out smoothly after baking.

Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the can of pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and granulated sugar.

Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend everything together until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom.

Sifting helps prevent clumps of dry ingredients and ensures an even distribution of spices throughout the batter.

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine.

Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a denser loaf. Stir until the flour is just incorporated and no dry spots remain.

Fill the loaf pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two greased loaf pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops and ensure an even distribution.

Bake: Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs.

Depending on your oven, the baking time might vary, so keep an eye on it. For the last 15-20 minutes of baking, you may want to cover the loaves loosely with foil to prevent the tops from over-browning.

Cool the bread: Let the bread cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Allow the loaves to cool completely before slicing to ensure the texture is perfect.

Tips

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spices and high-quality ingredients will make all the difference in flavor.

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in dense, heavy bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet ingredients.

Add-ins: If you like, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even raisins, to the batter for some added texture and flavor.

Check doneness: Because ovens vary, always test with a toothpick to make sure the bread is fully cooked. The bread should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch.

Storage: To keep the bread moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

Storage

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread can be stored in a variety of ways to keep it fresh. Here’s how to preserve it:

Room temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, simply wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Refrigeration: If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing: For long-term storage, you can freeze the bread. Slice it before freezing to make individual servings easy to grab. Wrap each slice or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or microwave it for 20-30 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

While Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is delicious on its own, here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

With butter: Spread a generous amount of butter on a warm slice of bread. The butter melts into the soft crumb, making each bite heavenly.

With cream cheese: For a slightly tangy twist, serve the bread with a dollop of cream cheese. You could also add a bit of honey or cinnamon to the cream cheese for extra sweetness.

As a dessert: Serve a slice of pumpkin bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a simple yet indulgent dessert.

Pair with coffee or tea: Enjoy the bread with your favorite hot beverage. Pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, chai, or a spiced latte (if you’re in the mood for one!).

Make a sandwich: Try using the pumpkin bread to make a sandwich by layering it with turkey or ham for an unexpected twist on a savory-sweet combination.

Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is a delicious and easy recipe to usher in the fall season. The combination of spices, pumpkin, and moisture will make it an instant favorite, one that will likely become a tradition year after year.