Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is a comforting and flavorful bread that brings all the best autumn flavors together. This classic quick bread is full of warm spices, tender texture, and rich pumpkin flavor—perfect for cool mornings or an afternoon treat with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or the next day, this bread will fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma that embodies fall.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
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 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, water, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each loaf comes out clean.
- Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Notes
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of the bread.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in a denser loaf.
- Cooling: Letting the bread cool completely before slicing will help it maintain its shape and improve the texture.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
- Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet twist.
Walnut Pumpkin Bread
- Stir in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and texture.
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread
- Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the cooled bread by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes! You can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just make sure it is well-cooked, drained, and pureed until smooth. Fresh pumpkin tends to have more moisture, so you may need to reduce the amount of water slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Bread?
Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container before freezing.
Can I Make Muffins Instead of Loaves?
Absolutely! This recipe makes great muffins. Simply divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is a warm, comforting treat that captures the essence of fall with every bite. With its rich pumpkin flavor and a perfect blend of spices, this bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you add chocolate chips, nuts, or enjoy it plain, this pumpkin bread is a wonderful way to bring a little bit of New England’s charm to your kitchen.
Happy baking, and enjoy every spiced, tender slice of this classic Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread!
