A cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of warm spices and the comforting scent of freshly baked goodies. I’m thrilled to share with you a delightful journey into the heart of Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread. This isn’t just any pumpkin bread, it’s a symphony of flavors, a dance of textures, and a celebration of autumn in every slice.
Recipe Ingredients
- 3 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, the foundation of our pumpkin symphony.
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda, the silent force that gives our bread its perfect rise.
- 1and 1/2 teaspoons of salt, the balancer that enhances every flavor note.
- A teaspoon of cinnamon, infusing warmth reminiscent of cozy evenings by the fireplace.
- An equal measure of nutmeg, the spice that adds a touch of nostalgia.
- 1/2 teaspoon of cloves, a hint of sophistication in our humble loaf.
- A dash (or should I say pinch?) of ground ginger, bringing a subtle zing to the party.
- 1 can (15 ounces) of pure pumpkin puree – not the pie filling kind, we’re after that unadulterated pumpkin magic.
- 4 large eggs, patiently waiting at room temperature to bind our creation together.
- 1 cup of vegetable oil, the secret to a moist and luscious bread.
- 2/3 cup of water, the liquid harmony that ties everything together.
- Lastly, 3 cups of granulated sugar, the sweet symphony orchestrating this delightful pumpkin ballet.
How to Make This Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread
1. The Flour Symphony
- Begin our pumpkin adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pans, ensuring that our masterpiece doesn’t stick.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Whisk them together, letting the dry ingredients mingle and create the foundation for our pumpkin canvas.
2. Spice Elegance
- Add the aromatic touch to our creation with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of cloves, and a gracious dash (or pinch) of ground ginger. Let the spices pirouette together in the bowl, creating a fragrant ballet that will infuse our bread with warmth and depth.
3. Pumpkin Poetry
- In a separate bowl, blend the star of our show – 15 ounces of pure pumpkin puree. To this orange delight, add 4 large eggs, whisking them into a harmonious union. Pour in 1 cup of vegetable oil, bringing richness to our composition. Finally, add 2/3 cup of water, and with each ingredient, feel the anticipation building.
4. Sweet Symphony
Gradually introduce 3 cups of granulated sugar to the pumpkin medley. Stir until the sugar becomes one with the pumpkin, creating a sweet symphony that will play in every bite.
5. The Grand Merge
Gently fold the flour mixture into the pumpkin blend, allowing a magical fusion to take place. Be patient, and witness the birth of a batter that speaks of autumn’s embrace.
6. The Oven Waltz
Pour this amalgamation into your prepared loaf pans, spreading the love evenly. Let it dance in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. The Cooling Coda
As the pumpkin bread waltzes out of the oven, let it cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Instructions
- Now that our Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread has gracefully emerged from the oven, it’s time to present it to your eager audience. Slice the bread into generous portions, revealing the tender crumb and enticing aroma within. For an extra touch of indulgence, a slather of cream cheese or a dollop of whipped butter on each slice can elevate this experience to sheer delight.
- Pair it with a steaming cup of chai, a mug of hot cocoa, or even a spiced pumpkin latte for the ultimate autumnal symphony. Whether served as a cozy breakfast treat or a sweet ending to a meal, this pumpkin bread is sure to be the star of any gathering.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Storage
Store your Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to deepen and mature over the first day, so the patience you exercise will be rewarded with an even more delicious experience.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this pumpkin delight! Once cooled completely, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without compromising its texture or flavor.
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FAQs
You can swap vegetable oil for an equal amount of applesauce or melted butter to add a different flavor dimension while keeping the texture moist and delightful.
If using fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s cooked and well-drained before mashing. The earthy freshness of homemade puree can add a unique touch to your pumpkin bread.
Feel free to adjust the sugar quantity according to your taste preferences. You can experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a healthier twist.
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, with perhaps a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The top should be golden brown, and the aroma will fill your kitchen.
Stir in a cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Pecans, walnuts, or even dark chocolate chunks complement the pumpkin beautifully.
Adjust the baking time to around 20-25 minutes for standard-sized muffins or 15-18 minutes for mini muffins. Keep an eye on them, and when a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready to delight.
Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ⅔ cup water
- 3 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease your loaf pans. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. This forms the canvas upon which our pumpkin masterpiece will unfold.
- Inject character into our creation with a teaspoon of cinnamon, a teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of cloves, and a subtle touch of ground ginger. Let these spices engage in a flavorful dance, setting the stage for the grand pumpkin entrance.
- In a separate bowl, blend 15 ounces of pure pumpkin puree with 4 large eggs, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 2/3 cup of water. This forms the heart and soul of our recipe, a harmonious symphony of pumpkin, eggs, and moisture.
- Gradually introduce 3 cups of granulated sugar to the pumpkin ensemble. Stir until the sugar weaves its sweet melody through the mixture, creating a luscious composition.
- Bring the dry and wet ingredients together in a blissful union. Gently fold the flour mixture into the pumpkin blend, letting anticipation build as the batter takes shape.
- Pour this amalgamation into your prepared loaf pans, ensuring an even spread. Let it pirouette in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick emerges clean, signaling the completion of a baking ballet.
- As the pumpkin bread waltzes out of the oven, let it cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack, where it will complete its cooling crescendo.
