This traditional Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is everything a classic quick bread should be—moist, warmly spiced, and deeply flavorful. With its tender crumb and comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, it’s perfect for fall mornings, afternoon tea, or a cozy snack by the fire. This beloved New England recipe yields two generous loaves, ideal for sharing or freezing for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly moist texture: Thanks to pumpkin puree, oil, and water.
- Warm fall spices: A balanced mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Great for gifting or freezing: Makes two loaves and keeps beautifully.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Enjoy it plain or add your favorite mix-ins.
- Better with time: The flavor deepens after a day or two, making it ideal for make-ahead baking.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- pumpkin puree
- large eggs
- vegetable oil
- water
- granulated sugar
- all-purpose flour
- baking soda
- salt
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
- ground cloves
- ground ginger
directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Combine & Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until blended. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Slice and enjoy once cooled—or wait until the next day for even better flavor.
Servings and timing
Servings: 20 slices (2 loaves)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 60–70 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Add-ins: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans for added texture and richness.
- Mini loaves or muffins: Divide into mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Adjust baking time accordingly (about 25–30 minutes for muffins).
- Reduced sugar version: Use 2 to 2½ cups sugar for a less sweet loaf.
- Glazed topping: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for a dessert-like finish.
storage/reheating
Storage: Wrap cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Serve slices at room temperature or lightly toasted with butter.
Freezing: Wrap loaves (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter before serving.
FAQs
What makes Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread different?
This version is known for its extra-moist texture, bold spice blend, and long-lasting freshness. It’s a classic regional favorite often shared during autumn in New England.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes. Just ensure the fresh pumpkin puree is well-drained and smooth. Use the same amount (15 oz or about 1¾ cups).
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I use applesauce instead of oil?
You can substitute up to half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. The bread will be slightly less rich but still moist.
How do I know when it’s done?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Why is my bread sinking in the middle?
Overmixing or underbaking can cause this. Be sure to measure accurately and avoid opening the oven door too early.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, simply halve all ingredients and bake one loaf instead of two.
Is this bread suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely. It’s not overly sweet and pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a smear of butter in the morning.
Can I use brown sugar?
Yes, you can replace half of the granulated sugar with light brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No. This recipe comes together easily with a whisk and two bowls—no electric mixer needed.
Conclusion
Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is a timeless quick bread that brings the essence of fall into every bite. Easy to make, wonderfully spiced, and incredibly moist, it’s a recipe that belongs in every baker’s repertoire. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee, as an afternoon treat, or gifted to friends and family, this pumpkin bread is guaranteed to be a seasonal favorite.
PrintDowneast Maine Pumpkin Bread
Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is a moist, richly spiced quick bread that captures the essence of autumn. With warm spices and a tender crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or holiday gifting—and it tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves (16 slices total) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ⅔ cup water
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve, or wrap and store for even better flavor the next day.
Notes
- Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap once cooled—flavor deepens after 24 hours.
- Add-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or walnuts make great variations.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
- Delicious toasted with butter or cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg