Description
Moist, warmly spiced, and full of classic fall flavor, this Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is a comforting homemade favorite. With pumpkin puree, cozy spices, and a tender crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting during the holiday season.
Ingredients
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
2 1/2 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
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch loaf pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, and sugar until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cover the loaves loosely with foil during the last 15–20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Cool in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips, pecans, or walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
Replace half the oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Substitute whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Top with cream cheese glaze or coarse sugar for a bakery-style finish.
Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
