I’ll admit it—I can easily pass on a pumpkin spice latte. But pumpkin bread? That’s my true autumn weakness. Soft, moist, and gently spiced, it’s the kind of treat I could eat every morning without ever tiring of it. Spread on a little butter or cream cheese, and suddenly you’ve got the taste of fall in every bite.
While bakeries churn out plenty of pumpkin bread this time of year, nothing compares to a fresh homemade loaf. And this Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is hands-down the best version out there. Simple, comforting, and perfectly spiced—it’s fall baking at its finest.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ⅔ cup water
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
How to Make Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread
- Preheat the Oven
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch loaf pans.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, and sugar.
- Whisk until everything is smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom.
- Combine
- Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
- Mix just until no streaks of flour remain (avoid overmixing).
- Bake
- Divide batter evenly between the two loaf pans.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Pro tip: Cover the loaves with foil for the last 15–20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Cool & Serve
- Let loaves rest in the pans for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Storage: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil; stays moist for up to 4 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.
- Freezer-Friendly: Slice and wrap individually for grab-and-go portions; freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Toast a slice and spread with cream cheese, apple butter, or a drizzle of honey.
Final Thoughts
This Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is the definition of cozy baking—moist, flavorful, and loaded with warm spices. It’s simple enough for everyday snacking yet special enough to bring to a fall gathering. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again all season long. 🍞✨
