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downeast maine pumpkin bread

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread – Moist, Spiced, and Wonderfully Cozy

Nothing says fall quite like the comforting aroma of Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread baking in the oven. This classic New England recipe is perfectly moist, warmly spiced, and just sweet enough to enjoy for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat. It’s a taste of autumn in every bite — simple, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves
Course: Bread, Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American, New England
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Two 9x5-inch loaf pans
  • Mixing bowls:
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9x5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and well blended.
Combine Dry Ingredients
  1. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Combine & Mix
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until blended. Don’t overmix — a few small lumps are okay.
Bake
  1. Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve
  1. Let loaves cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice when cooled and enjoy with butter or cream cheese.

Notes

Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze whole loaves or slices for up to 3 months.
Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for extra texture.
Moisture tip: Don’t overbake — the bread stays wonderfully soft when slightly underbaked in the center.