If you’re looking for a cozy dish that captures the essence of the season, the Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful bake beautifully balances the natural sweetness of butternut squash and apples with warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla, creating a comforting harmony of flavors that feel like a warm hug on a crisp fall day. It’s the perfect side or even a light dessert that brings a burst of color and rich texture to your table, making every bite a celebration of autumn’s bounty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tender squash to the sweet and tart apples, every component works together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- 1 1/2 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups): The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture once baked.
- 2 gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Adds a crisp, fruity contrast that brightens the dish beautifully.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon: Warms and spices the dish with classic autumnal flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile with aromatic depth.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey: Sweetens naturally and caramelizes slightly during baking for extra richness.
- 2 tbsp butter, cut in pieces: Adds a luscious richness and helps everything meld together.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor.
- 1/8 tsp black pepper: Introduces a subtle hint of spice that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/4 cup golden raisins: Sprinkled on top for bursts of chewy sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds inviting crunch and nutty depth.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Provides tart, tangy bites that brighten each mouthful.
How to Make Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature allows the squash and apples to soften gently, melding the flavors without drying out the dish.
Step 2: Combine the Squash Mixture
In a large bowl, toss together the cubed butternut squash, diced gala apples, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, brown sugar (or honey), butter pieces, salt, and black pepper. Mixing them well ensures each bite carries a harmonious blend of spices and sweetness.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish and spread the squash and apple mixture evenly inside. This will help the sugars caramelize on the surface during baking, creating a slightly golden edge that adds a lovely texture contrast.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the golden raisins, chopped pecans or walnuts, and dried cranberries over the top. These toppings not only introduce great flavor contrasts but also make the dish visually appealing with their varied colors and textures.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender
Bake the dish for 45 to 50 minutes. You want the squash to be tender and the topping to turn a warm, inviting golden. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will absolutely get you excited to dig in.
Step 6: Let It Cool Slightly
Once out of the oven, let the bake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the flavors settle and makes the dish easier to portion and enjoy.
How to Serve Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh sage leaves or a light dusting of powdered cinnamon on top just before serving to enhance the dish’s autumnal vibe and add a fresh, herbal note.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with roasted poultry, savory pork dishes, or even a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. Its sweet and spiced profile provides a great balance to savory and hearty mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bake in individual ramekins for a charming, rustic presentation or layer it with dollops of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for a luscious twist. You can even spoon it over oatmeal or yogurt bowls for a seasonal breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dish holds up beautifully and actually develops deeper flavor after a day or two.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bake later on, it freezes well. Place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or warm gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. To preserve the texture, cover loosely with foil when reheating in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While gala apples work well for their sweetness and texture, honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples also make excellent substitutes that bring subtle flavor variations.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and opt for maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I add other spices?
Definitely! Nutmeg, ground ginger, or allspice are all wonderful additions that complement the cinnamon and enhance the autumnal flavor profile.
What if I don’t have nuts or dried fruits on hand?
You can skip the toppings or substitute with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or fresh berries for extra texture and flavor.
How do I know when the squash is done baking?
Test tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the squash cubes. They should be soft and easily pierced without crumbling apart.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your table. It’s easy to make, full of vibrant flavors and textures, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving a wholesome dish that embraces the season, this recipe is bound to become one of your autumn favorites—give it a try and enjoy a taste of fall like never before!
Print
Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a warm, comforting dish perfect for fall. It combines tender butternut squash, sweet gala apples, aromatic cinnamon, and rich brown sugar, topped with golden raisins, crunchy nuts, and dried cranberries for a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Baked to golden perfection, this recipe serves as a cozy side dish or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Squash Mixture:
- 1 1/2 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
- 2 gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 2 tbsp butter, cut in pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
To Add Later:
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the squash mixture evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and cubed butternut squash, diced gala apples, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, brown sugar or honey, butter pieces, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the spices and sweeteners are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Pour and spread the squash and apple mixture evenly into the dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the golden raisins, chopped pecans or walnuts, and dried cranberries evenly over the top of the squash mixture.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The squash should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the topping should be nicely golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and make it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute honey for brown sugar for a natural sweetener alternative.
- Use either pecans or walnuts according to your preference or availability.
- This dish can be served warm as a side or dessert.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
