downeast maine pumpkin bread recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best downeast maine pumpkin bread recipe

I’ve been making Downeast Maine pumpkin bread for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress. The first time I made it, I was hooked – the combination of spices, the sweetness of the pumpkin, and the texture of the bread all came together in a way that just worked.

My kids love it when I make it for breakfast, and my husband requests it whenever he wants something special. What I love about this recipe is that it’s not too sweet, not too spicy – just perfect for a fall morning or a family gathering.

It’s also a great way to use up excess pumpkin puree, which is always a bonus in our household. The key to making this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to let the bread rise properly.

Don’t be tempted to rush it – the end result is well worth the extra effort. My family loves this bread so much that we often make it for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

And because it freezes beautifully, we can enjoy it all year round. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we love it as toast with butter or cream cheese, as a snack on its own, or even as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

4.5 from 1362 votes

A moist and flavorful pumpkin bread with warm spices, reminiscent of the Downeast Maine region. Perfect for fall and winter holidays with a rich, dense texture and a sweet, spiced flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time60 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time75 mins
Servings: 10Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 300 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
4Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
6The mixture should be thick and slightly glossy.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
8Do not overmix.
9Fold in the chopped walnuts.
10The batter will be thick and may be slightly lumpy.
11Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
12The batter should fill the pan about 3/4 full.
13Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes.
14The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
15Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
16Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
17The bread should be firm to the touch and have a slight crunch on the outside.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Loaf pan
Oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 300 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 270mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 25g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, try substituting the vegetable oil with melted butter. You can also add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra texture and sweetness.

This Downeast Maine pumpkin bread recipe has become a staple in our household over the years – we love making it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it with different spices or add-ins to suit your taste preferences.

Because it freezes beautifully, we can enjoy this delicious bread all year round. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion treat or just want something delicious and comforting for everyday eating, this Downeast Maine pumpkin bread recipe delivers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

Q: What type of flour should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use either all-purpose flour or bread flour – both will give you a delicious result. Just be sure to use high-quality flour that’s fresh and has no additives.

Q: Can I substitute other types of sugar for the brown sugar?

A: Yes, you can use other types of sugar like muscovado or turbinado in place of brown sugar. Just keep in mind that they may have slightly different flavor profiles.

Q: How do I ensure my pumpkin bread is evenly spiced?

A: To ensure your pumpkin bread is evenly spiced, make sure to mix all your dry ingredients together before adding them to your wet ingredients. This will help distribute the spices evenly throughout the dough.

Q: Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely add nuts or seeds to this recipe if you like. Walnuts or pecans work particularly well with the warm spices in this bread.

Q: How long does this bread stay fresh?

A: Pumpkin bread typically stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container.

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