Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread — The Coziest Fall Baking Recipe

Forget pumpkin spice lattes — the real autumn magic is found in a warm slice of homemade pumpkin bread. This Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is everything you want in a fall treat: soft, moist, and filled with layers of warming spices. A smear of butter or cream cheese takes it to another level of comfort. While bakeries may offer pumpkin loaves, nothing compares to baking your own. This recipe is simple, unfussy, and yields two perfect loaves of deeply flavorful pumpkin bread that fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Why This Pumpkin Bread Recipe Stands Out

What makes this recipe special is its balance. The texture is incredibly moist without being dense, and the spice blend creates depth without overpowering the pumpkin. Unlike overly sweet versions, this loaf has a subtle sweetness that lets the natural pumpkin flavor shine. It’s also versatile: serve it as breakfast, snack, or dessert. Bake a batch for the holidays, gift a loaf to neighbors, or keep both loaves for yourself — it’s that good.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters in creating the perfect Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread:

1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree — The star of the loaf, providing moisture, natural sweetness, and that classic pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
4 eggs — Act as binders, giving the bread structure and a tender crumb.
1 cup vegetable oil — Keeps the bread incredibly moist and soft. Oil, unlike butter, ensures a tender texture even after a few days.
2/3 cup water — Lightens the batter, helping achieve a soft, airy crumb.
2 ½ cups granulated sugar — Sweetens the loaf and enhances caramelization for golden edges.
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour — The foundation of the loaf, giving structure and body.
2 teaspoons baking soda — Provides lift, ensuring the loaves rise properly and have a light texture.
1 ½ teaspoons salt — Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors of the spices.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon — A classic fall spice that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg — Adds warmth and a slightly nutty, sweet flavor.
½ teaspoon ground cloves — Provides a bold, aromatic note that deepens the spice profile.
¼ teaspoon ground ginger — Offers a subtle kick of spice that brightens the loaf.
¼ teaspoon cardamom — A unique addition that gives floral, citrusy undertones and elevates the flavor complexity.

Tip: Freshly ground spices deliver the best flavor, but pre-ground works perfectly for convenience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick spray, or line with parchment paper for easy release.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water, and sugar until smooth and fully incorporated.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. Sifting ensures even spice distribution and prevents clumps.
Combine: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Divide batter: Pour half the batter into each prepared loaf pan. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake: Place pans in the oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loaves loosely with foil during the last 15–20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Cool: Allow loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree guarantees a moist texture that lasts for days. The water lightens the batter, preventing heaviness, while the balance of spices creates complexity without overpowering the loaf. Baking at 350°F ensures even cooking while allowing the spices to bloom fully. Covering with foil at the end keeps the crust soft while avoiding burnt tops.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread

Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to avoid a dense loaf.
Check doneness early: Start testing at 50 minutes — every oven varies.
Use fresh spices: Spices lose potency over time. Fresh spices make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Double the batch: This recipe already makes two loaves, but it freezes beautifully. Bake once, enjoy twice.
Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries for texture and variety.
Storage: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep loaves moist for up to 4 days at room temperature. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin bread is incredibly versatile. Try these serving ideas:

Simple & classic: Enjoy warm slices with butter or cream cheese.
Breakfast plate: Pair with scrambled eggs and coffee for a cozy fall breakfast.
Sweet treat: Top slices with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Dessert twist: Serve slightly warmed with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.
Holiday gifting: Wrap in parchment and twine for a thoughtful homemade present.