Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than the warm aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen.
This Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is moist, tender, and beautifully spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom.
It’s a perfect recipe for holiday mornings, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Plus, it makes two loaves, so you can enjoy one now and freeze the other for later!

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 1/2 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
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

How to Make Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

1. Preheat: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch loaf pans.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, oil, water, and sugar until smooth.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and cardamom.
4. Combine: Slowly stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Bake: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil during the last 15–20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
6. Cool: Let loaves cool in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips

• Make ahead: This bread tastes even better the next day as the spices develop.
• Freezer-friendly: Wrap cooled loaves in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• Optional add-ins: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice of pumpkin bread warm with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey.
It also pairs beautifully with coffee, hot cocoa, or a spiced chai latte for the ultimate fall treat.