Imagine your kitchen filled with the inviting aroma of sweet and spicy pumpkin – that’s the magic of this Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread. This beloved quick bread recipe is a staple in many homes, cherished for its simplicity and incredibly delicious results. It yields two generous loaves, perfect for enjoying one now and sharing the other with loved ones, or perhaps saving it in the freezer for a cozy moment later.

You might wonder what sets Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread apart from other pumpkin bread recipes. Primarily, it’s the heritage of the original recipe, embodying the comforting, rustic baking traditions of the Downeast Maine region. While its name hints at a specific origin, this particular recipe delivers an experience universally loved: a delightful treat that’s remarkably easy to prepare. Each slice of this pumpkin bread is tender, perfectly sweet, and incredibly moist, bursting with a rich pumpkin flavor beautifully enhanced by a chorus of warm, earthy spices.

The Secret to Unbeatable Moisture: Applesauce!

One key element that truly differentiates this recipe from many other pumpkin bread variations is its clever use of both vegetable oil and applesauce. This isn’t just a random addition; the applesauce plays a crucial dual role. By incorporating applesauce, we achieve an exceptional level of moisture in the bread while simultaneously reducing the amount of sugar and oil needed in the recipe. It adds natural sweetness and keeps the bread wonderfully tender without making it dense.

The Applesauce Advantage: Moisture & Reduced Sugar

Many traditional pumpkin bread recipes rely heavily on oil or butter for moisture and a lot of sugar for sweetness. This Downeast Maine version ingeniously swaps a portion of that out for applesauce. Applesauce is a fantastic natural humectant, meaning it helps to retain moisture, resulting in a bread that stays fresh and soft for longer. Furthermore, its inherent sweetness allows us to cut back on added sugars, making this a slightly lighter option without compromising on flavor or texture. You absolutely won’t taste the apple in the finished product; the pumpkin and spices remain the stars of the show, delivering a pure, unadulterated pumpkin bread experience.

Applesauce Tip for Bakers

For added convenience when baking with applesauce, consider purchasing the single-serve cups. Most standard single-serve applesauce cups contain exactly ½ cup, which is the perfect amount for this recipe. This means you can simply open a cup and add it directly to your batter without needing to measure, streamlining your baking process!

When selecting your applesauce, you have options! Regular applesauce, unsweetened applesauce, or even cinnamon-spiced applesauce will all integrate beautifully into this pumpkin bread. Feel free to choose whichever best suits your taste preferences or what you happen to have on hand. The subtle variations will only add to the character of your homemade treat.

Essential Ingredients for Your Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable quick bread. You’ll likely find most of these pantry staples already in your kitchen, making this recipe incredibly convenient to whip up anytime a craving strikes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree (ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
• 4 large eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Applesauce (regular, unsweetened, or cinnamon-flavored)
• Vanilla extract
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Ground ginger

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Perfect Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

Baking this pumpkin bread is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for two perfect loaves every time:

1. Prepare Your Pans: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, generously grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful loaves release easily. A baking spray with flour, like Baker’s Joy, can make this task even simpler and more effective.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and smooth. This creates the moist, flavorful base for your bread.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Use a fork or a small whisk to gently stir these dry ingredients together. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor throughout the bread.

4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir gently, just until everything is combined and there are no streaks of dry flour remaining. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough, dry bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

5. Fill Pans and Bake: Divide the prepared batter evenly between the two greased and floured loaf pans.

Baker’s Tip: For a smoother loaf and to help remove any trapped air bubbles, gently tap the filled pans on your counter a few times before placing them in the oven.

6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for 60-65 minutes. The bread is done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out your bread.

7. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in their pans for 5-10 minutes. This allows the bread to set before you attempt to remove it. After this initial cooling, carefully invert the loaves onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too early can cause the bread to crumble, so patience is key for the perfect slice!

Baking Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: As mentioned, overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough bread. Stir just until combined.
• Check Your Spices: Ensure your ground spices are fresh. Old spices lose their potency and won’t give your pumpkin bread that vibrant, warm flavor it deserves.
• Room Temperature Eggs: While not strictly necessary for this quick bread, room temperature eggs can emulsify more effectively with the other wet ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter.
• Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling: Always double-check your can to ensure you are using 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar that will alter the recipe.

Freezing & Storage Instructions

This Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread freezes beautifully, making it an ideal recipe for meal prepping or having a delicious treat on standby. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without a loss in quality or flavor.

• To Freeze: Once your pumpkin bread loaves have cooled completely to room temperature (this is critical to prevent ice crystals), wrap each loaf tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil or freezer paper. Label with the date.
• To Thaw: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bread, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw gradually overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours, though refrigeration is best for maintaining moisture.
• Storage: Store any uneaten portions of thawed bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

This moist and flavorful Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Plain: Simply sliced and enjoyed as is, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea.
• With Butter: A smear of softened butter enhances its rich taste.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For an extra decadent treat, whip up a simple cream cheese frosting and spread it generously over cooled slices.
• Toasted: Lightly toast a slice and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Holiday Brunch: It makes a fantastic addition to any fall-themed brunch spread or holiday breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have homemade pumpkin puree, you can certainly use it. Just ensure it’s thick and has had excess moisture drained, as fresh puree can sometimes be more watery than canned, which might affect the bread’s texture. Measure out 15 ounces (about 1 ¾ cups) for this recipe.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bread?

Yes, you can! Chopped pecans or walnuts are classic additions that pair wonderfully with pumpkin and spices. Chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) also make a delightful complement. Add about 1 cup of your chosen mix-ins to the dry ingredients before combining them with the wet ingredients to ensure even distribution.

What kind of applesauce is best for this recipe?

Any variety of plain applesauce will work well. Unsweetened applesauce will result in a slightly less sweet bread, while sweetened or cinnamon applesauce will add a touch more flavor depth. Since the recipe already uses a good amount of sugar, unsweetened applesauce is a great choice if you prefer a less sweet profile, without affecting the moisture content.

Why did my pumpkin bread turn out dry?

The most common reasons for dry quick bread are overmixing the batter or overbaking. Overmixing develops the gluten, making the bread tough, while overbaking dries out the moisture. Ensure you only stir until just combined and remove the loaves from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Why This Recipe Will Become Your Fall Favorite

This Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread recipe is more than just a seasonal treat; it’s a testament to simple, wholesome baking that delivers extraordinary results. Its tender crumb, perfect balance of sweet and spice, and remarkable moisture (thanks to that secret applesauce ingredient!) make it irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy afternoon snack, or to share the joy of homemade goodness, this recipe promises to be a reliable and cherished addition to your fall baking repertoire. It’s the kind of comforting food that brings warmth and happiness with every single bite.

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread is tender, sweet and moist with a lovely pumpkin flavor highlighted by warm earthy spices.

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour 5 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes

Yields:
2 loaves

Author:
Amy D

Ingredients

• 1, 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9×5 inch loaf pans thoroughly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and sugar. Mix until well blended.
4. In a separate bowl, add the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Give it a light stir with a fork.
5. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the pumpkin mixture. Stir just until it is all combined and well blended. Do not overmix!
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Gently tap the pans on the counter to release any air bubbles.
7. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Freezing instructions:

This pumpkin bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze your pumpkin bread, allow the loaves to cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap them well in aluminum foil or freezer wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy your bread, place it in the fridge and allow it to thaw gradually overnight before serving.

Recommended Products

Mega Cooling Rack

Mason Cash Red Mixing Bowl

Nordic Ware Nonstick Loaf Pan

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