When the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, few things feel more comforting than the smell of warm spices drifting from the oven. Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is a recipe that captures that cozy autumn spirit perfectly. Famous for its moist crumb, deep pumpkin flavor, and irresistible aroma, this classic loaf is more than just a seasonal treat — it’s a taste of New England tradition.
Unlike some pumpkin breads that lean too sweet or too dense, Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread strikes a beautiful balance. With a spiced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, every bite feels like fall wrapped in a slice of cake-like bread.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread
- Perfectly Spiced: A warm, fragrant spice blend that complements pumpkin beautifully.
- Moist and Tender: Stays soft for days, making it perfect for snacking or gifting.
- Simple to Make: No fancy equipment — just mix, pour, and bake.
- Freezer-Friendly: Bake extra loaves to enjoy all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup water
- 3 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
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, and sugar until smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
4. Bring It All Together
- Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Ideas
- Enjoy a warm slice with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
- Toast leftovers lightly and drizzle with honey for a cozy breakfast.
- Serve with a hot mug of apple cider or chai tea for the ultimate autumn pairing.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the bread tender.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or walnuts for variety.
- Make Ahead: This bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Final Thoughts
Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is more than just a recipe — it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day. With its rich pumpkin base and aromatic spice blend, it brings the flavors of autumn straight to your kitchen. Bake a loaf (or two), and you’ll see why this New England classic has become a favorite across the country.