There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin bread baking in the oven, especially when it’s spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a touch of cardamom. This classic Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and perfect for chilly mornings, cozy afternoons, or as a sweet gift during the holiday season. With its rich pumpkin flavor and perfectly balanced spices, it’s a timeless treat that brings warmth to any kitchen.
Ingredients
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
4 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 ground cardamom
How to Make Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch loaf pans and set them aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
Sift Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed and prevents clumps.
Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Fill Loaf Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake
Place the pans in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaves comes out clean. To avoid over-browning, loosely cover the loaves with aluminum foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking.
Cool in Pans
Remove the pans from the oven and allow the loaves to cool for about 15 minutes.
Cool on Rack
Carefully remove the loaves from the pans and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before slicing to allow the bread to set properly.
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but you can take it up a notch by spreading slices with cream cheese, honey butter, or even a drizzle of maple glaze. It pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of warm apple cider. For gifting, wrap cooled loaves in parchment paper and tie with a rustic ribbon for a homemade touch.
Storage
Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully—wrap slices individually or freeze whole loaves for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is more than just a fall favorite—it’s a year-round comfort food. The combination of moist pumpkin and fragrant spices makes it irresistible, while the recipe’s simplicity ensures anyone can make it successfully. Whether you bake it for breakfast, dessert, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this pumpkin bread will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.