Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup water
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, water, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each loaf comes out clean.
3. Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Notes

• Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of the bread.
• Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in a denser loaf.
• Cooling: Letting the bread cool completely before slicing will help it maintain its shape and improve the texture.